Indigestion is an upset stomach that usually happens because a person ate too much or too fast, or ate something that didn't agree with them.
Sometimes heartburn happens along with indigestion. Heartburn is another name for gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This is when stomach acid splashes up from the stomach and into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It usually leaves a sour or bitter taste in the mouth and can cause an uncomfortable feeling in the chest.
Indigestion (pronounced: in-dih-JES-chun) and heartburn happen in people of all ages.
Many things can cause indigestion, also known as dyspepsia (pronounced: dis-PEP-see-ah). Eating too much or too fast are top causes. This common digestive problem also can:
Someone with indigestions can have one or more of these symptoms:
Usually, indigestion only happens once in a while, and goes away quickly. But call the doctor if you get indigestion a lot even when eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
The doctor will do an exam and ask about symptoms. The doctor might order stomach X-rays or other tests to make sure the symptoms aren't from another problem.
Depending on test results and the exam, the doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and finding ways to relax and decrease stress.
They also might recommend:
Talk to the doctor before taking any over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers. If you also have GER, the doctor can recommend medicines to treat it.
Some people can eat anything and never get an upset stomach. Others are more sensitive to certain foods and find that some just don't agree with them. If you find that you have a problem with particular foods, it's best to limit them or skip them.
You might still get indigestion once in a while, even if you follow these tips. But as long as your indigestion doesn't go on for a long time or is not excessively painful, it's probably nothing out of the ordinary. But call the doctor right away if you have indigestion along with:
Reviewed by: J. Fernando del Rosario, MD
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2023
By using this site, you consent to our use of cookies. To learn more, read our privacy policy.