The Ghana Guardian News

Indigestion

Body Map for

Summary

Nearly everyone has had indigestion at one time. It's a feeling of discomfort or a burning feeling in your upper abdomen. You may have heartburn or belch and feel bloated. You may also feel nauseated, or even throw up.

You might get indigestion from eating too much or too fast, eating high-fat foods, or eating when you're stressed. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using some medicines, being tired, and having ongoing stress can also cause indigestion or make it worse. Sometimes the cause is a problem with the digestive tract, like an ulcer or GERD.

Avoiding foods and situations that seem to cause it may help. Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious problem, see your health care provider if it lasts for more than two weeks or if you have severe pain or other symptoms. Your health care provider may use x-rays, lab tests, and an upper endoscopy to diagnose the cause. You may need medicines to treat the symptoms.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Start Here

  • Dyspepsia (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
  • Indigestion From the National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Treatments and Therapies

  • Chamomile From the National Institutes of Health (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)
  • Peppermint Oil From the National Institutes of Health (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)
  • Sage From the National Institutes of Health (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)

Related Issues

Specifics

Clinical Trials

Reference Desk

Children

Teenagers

Patient Handouts