RESEARCH STARTER

Indigestion

Indigestion is a general term that encompasses a variety of uncomfortable sensations experienced in the abdomen, such as burning, fullness, bloating, and gnawing. While common causes include acid reflux and ulcers, other factors may contribute to these feelings, such as lactose intolerance, which occurs when the body struggles to digest dairy, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), characterized by alternating diarrhea and constipation. Rarer conditions, like diffuse esophageal spasm and gallbladder inflammation, can also present similar discomfort. Given the broad range of potential causes, it is essential to differentiate indigestion from other medical issues, including cardiac pain and psychological factors.

Treatment usually begins with lifestyle adjustments, like identifying and avoiding trigger foods (notably dairy and wheat) and adopting habits such as eating slowly or having smaller, more frequent meals. Over-the-counter remedies may offer relief for some, while persistent symptoms or additional concerning signs—such as difficulty swallowing or weight loss—necessitate further medical evaluation through tests like blood work or an endoscopy. Overall, understanding the underlying causes of indigestion is crucial for effective management and ensuring any serious health conditions are addressed.

Full Article

  • ALSO KNOWN AS: Functional dyspepsia
  • ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Gastrointestinal system

DEFINITION: Discomfort in the abdomen following meals.

Causes and Symptoms

Indigestion is a nonspecific term used to describe a variety of sensations. Burning, fullness, gaseousness, feeling the need to vomit, burping, and a gnawing sensation in the abdomen are all symptoms that patients may describe as indigestion. While some people who complain of indigestion have acid reflux disease (also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; GERD) or ulcers, these are by no means the only causes. Fullness or bloating following the ingestion of milk, cheese, or other dairy products may be symptoms of lactose intolerance. This is one of the few cases of indigestion that is truly a problem in the digestive process, namely in the breakdown of milk sugars. Abdominal discomfort associated with alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation may signal irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). More rare causes of similar discomfort include diffuse esophageal spasm, in which the food pipe contracts abnormally, and inflammation in the gallbladder. Caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, acidic foods, a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, and some antibiotics or pain relievers may also trigger indigestion.

Since the term “indigestion” is so vague, care must be taken to distinguish it from cardiac pain (angina). Psychiatric causes of abdominal pain must also be considered, especially when other etiologies have been ruled out.

Treatment and Therapy

Since the causes of indigestion are so varied, it is useful to arrive at a more precise diagnosis before offering treatment. Prior to embarking on a lengthy workup, however, some simple measures should be attempted. If symptoms resolve entirely with these measures, no further investigation or treatment is usually required. Any particular foods that appear to worsen symptoms should be eliminated from the diet. This is especially true for dairy products and wheat, which are offensive factors in lactose intolerance and celiac sprue (celiac disease), respectively. Patients should also try avoiding spicy foods for a period of time. Eating slowly and having frequent small meals are good habits for people with indigestion. Some people find relief with over-the-counter remedies such as magnesium or bismuth mixtures; proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor blockers are also available over the counter or by prescription. Histamine blockers can also be tried, especially if acid reflux is suspected. Antibiotics may treat indigestion and related symptoms if the patient tests positive for H. pylori bacteria. Prokinetics, which help the stomach empty quickly, may also be prescribed.

If symptoms persist or are accompanied by trouble swallowing, vomiting, weight loss, or a change in bowel movements, then a more thorough investigation is needed. This is often done through blood tests, X-rays, or endoscopy. Indigestion could be a sign of autoimmune disorders, and it can be a preliminary sign of serious illnesses such as cancer.


Bibliography

Baker, Joseph R., et al. "An Update on Dyspepsia." Primary Care Reports, vol. 19, no. 3, 2013, pp. 29–43.

Beers, Mark H., et al., editors. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 18th ed., Merck Research Laboratories, 2006.

“Indigestion (Dyspepsia) .” Cleveland Clinic, 19 Dec. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/7316-indigestion-dyspepsia. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025.

"Indigestion." Mayo Clinic, 3 July 2025, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/symptoms-causes/syc-20352211. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025.

Longo, Dan, et al. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 22nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 2022.

O'Shea, Leigh. "Diagnosing Indigestion." Practice Nurse, vol. 40, no. 10, 2012, pp. 17–25.

Peikin, Steven R. Gastrointestinal Health. Rev. ed., Quill, 2001.

Toews, Victoria Dolby. User’s Guide to Healthy Digestion: Learn How You Can Put an End to Heartburn, Indigestion, Constipation, and Other Digestive Problems. Basic Health, 2003.

Voiosu, Theodor Alexandru, et al. "Functional Dyspepsia Today." Maedica, vol. 8, 2013, pp. 68–74.

Wang, Timothy C., et al. Yamada’s Atlas of Gastroenterology. 6th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, John Wiley & Sons, 2022.

Full Article

  • ALSO KNOWN AS: Functional dyspepsia
  • ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Gastrointestinal system

DEFINITION: Discomfort in the abdomen following meals.

Causes and Symptoms

Indigestion is a nonspecific term used to describe a variety of sensations. Burning, fullness, gaseousness, feeling the need to vomit, burping, and a gnawing sensation in the abdomen are all symptoms that patients may describe as indigestion. While some people who complain of indigestion have acid reflux disease (also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; GERD) or ulcers, these are by no means the only causes. Fullness or bloating following the ingestion of milk, cheese, or other dairy products may be symptoms of lactose intolerance. This is one of the few cases of indigestion that is truly a problem in the digestive process, namely in the breakdown of milk sugars. Abdominal discomfort associated with alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation may signal irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). More rare causes of similar discomfort include diffuse esophageal spasm, in which the food pipe contracts abnormally, and inflammation in the gallbladder. Caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, acidic foods, a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, and some antibiotics or pain relievers may also trigger indigestion.

Since the term “indigestion” is so vague, care must be taken to distinguish it from cardiac pain (angina). Psychiatric causes of abdominal pain must also be considered, especially when other etiologies have been ruled out.

Treatment and Therapy

Since the causes of indigestion are so varied, it is useful to arrive at a more precise diagnosis before offering treatment. Prior to embarking on a lengthy workup, however, some simple measures should be attempted. If symptoms resolve entirely with these measures, no further investigation or treatment is usually required. Any particular foods that appear to worsen symptoms should be eliminated from the diet. This is especially true for dairy products and wheat, which are offensive factors in lactose intolerance and celiac sprue (celiac disease), respectively. Patients should also try avoiding spicy foods for a period of time. Eating slowly and having frequent small meals are good habits for people with indigestion. Some people find relief with over-the-counter remedies such as magnesium or bismuth mixtures; proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor blockers are also available over the counter or by prescription. Histamine blockers can also be tried, especially if acid reflux is suspected. Antibiotics may treat indigestion and related symptoms if the patient tests positive for H. pylori bacteria. Prokinetics, which help the stomach empty quickly, may also be prescribed.

If symptoms persist or are accompanied by trouble swallowing, vomiting, weight loss, or a change in bowel movements, then a more thorough investigation is needed. This is often done through blood tests, X-rays, or endoscopy. Indigestion could be a sign of autoimmune disorders, and it can be a preliminary sign of serious illnesses such as cancer.


Bibliography

Baker, Joseph R., et al. "An Update on Dyspepsia." Primary Care Reports, vol. 19, no. 3, 2013, pp. 29–43.

Beers, Mark H., et al., editors. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 18th ed., Merck Research Laboratories, 2006.

“Indigestion (Dyspepsia) .” Cleveland Clinic, 19 Dec. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/7316-indigestion-dyspepsia. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025.

"Indigestion." Mayo Clinic, 3 July 2025, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/symptoms-causes/syc-20352211. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025.

Longo, Dan, et al. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 22nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 2022.

O'Shea, Leigh. "Diagnosing Indigestion." Practice Nurse, vol. 40, no. 10, 2012, pp. 17–25.

Peikin, Steven R. Gastrointestinal Health. Rev. ed., Quill, 2001.

Toews, Victoria Dolby. User’s Guide to Healthy Digestion: Learn How You Can Put an End to Heartburn, Indigestion, Constipation, and Other Digestive Problems. Basic Health, 2003.

Voiosu, Theodor Alexandru, et al. "Functional Dyspepsia Today." Maedica, vol. 8, 2013, pp. 68–74.

Wang, Timothy C., et al. Yamada’s Atlas of Gastroenterology. 6th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, John Wiley & Sons, 2022.

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