Indigestion – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Indigestion, sometimes called dyspepsia or upset stomach, is a feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen. It’s not a disease but a set of symptoms, including stomach pain and early fullness after eating.
These symptoms can also be part of other digestive problems. People experience indigestion differently. Some have it once in a while, while others deal with it daily.
Common indigestion symptoms include:
- Stomach pain
- Feeling full soon after starting to eat
- Bloating
- Nausea
Signs and Discomfort
Signs of digestive upset may include feeling full quickly during meals or staying full longer than usual after eating.
You might also feel pain, burning, or bloating between your breastbone and belly button. Some people feel like they need to throw up, and less often, might actually vomit or belch.
Digestive issues can cause heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest that may extend to the neck or back after eating.
When Medical Help Is Needed
Mild stomach discomfort is usually not serious, but consult your doctor if symptoms persist for over two weeks.
Contact your doctor right away if you have:
- Severe pain
- Weight loss you didn’t plan for
- No appetite
- Throwing up repeatedly or vomiting blood
- Black, tar-like bowel movements
- Growing difficulty swallowing
- Feeling tired or weak (possible signs of anemia)
Get emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
- Shortness of breath with sweating
- Chest pain spreading to your jaw, neck, or arm
- Chest pain during activity or stress
These symptoms could signal something more serious than simple digestive issues and require prompt medical attention.
What Causes Indigestion?
Indigestion can stem from many different sources. Many cases link directly to everyday habits and choices.
Common lifestyle causes include:
- Eating too much or too quickly
- Consuming fatty, greasy, or spicy foods
- Drinking too much caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated drinks
- Smoking
- Feeling anxious or stressed
Medications that may trigger indigestion:
- Certain antibiotics
- Pain relievers
- Iron supplements
Functional or nonulcer dyspepsia, which is related to irritable bowel syndrome, frequently causes indigestion symptoms.
Medical conditions that can cause indigestion:
- Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
- Peptic ulcers
- Celiac disease
- Gallstones
- Constipation
- Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)
- Stomach cancer
- Intestinal blockage
- Intestinal ischemia (reduced blood flow)
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
Pregnancy can also cause indigestion in many women.
Complications
While indigestion is not usually dangerous, it can have negative effects on your daily life. Many people find that stomach discomfort makes it hard to enjoy meals. This can lead to eating less than usual.
The symptoms of indigestion may interfere with your regular activities. You might need to miss work or school days when your symptoms are particularly bad. This can affect your productivity and attendance records.
Impact on quality of life:
- Discomfort during and after meals
- Reduced enjoyment of food
- Changes in eating patterns
- Disruption to daily routines
- Mental stress from ongoing symptoms
Some people develop anxiety about eating in public places. They are concerned about experiencing uncomfortable symptoms in the presence of others. This can lead to avoiding social gatherings that involve food.
When indigestion becomes chronic, it may cause people to avoid certain foods they enjoy. This dietary restriction can reduce pleasure and sometimes lead to nutritional gaps if many foods are eliminated.
Sleep disruption is another possible complication. Lying down often makes indigestion symptoms worse, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
If left unaddressed, ongoing indigestion might mask more serious conditions.
