Indigestion: Symptoms, Causes, and the Lifestyle Changes That Actually Help
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Indigestion, also called upset stomach or dyspepsia, is discomfort or pain in the belly. Symptoms such as early fullness, upper abdominal burning, bloating, burping, or nausea may happen once in a while or often, and most cases have no clear underlying cause. They usually improve with diet and lifestyle changes, mental health support, and medicines [1].
Quick Answer: What is indigestion?
Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, is discomfort or pain in the belly with early fullness, upper abdominal burning, bloating, nausea and burping. It often has no clear cause and is treated with diet and lifestyle changes, therapy and medicines. See a doctor if symptoms last more than two weeks, and get emergency care for chest pain or shortness of breath. [1] [2]
What the research says
Acid-reducing medicines gave a small benefit for functional indigestion. A Cochrane review of 25 randomized trials (8,453 people) found proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) worked better than placebo for overall symptoms of functional dyspepsia (risk ratio for persistent symptoms 0.88, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.94; about 11 people treated for one extra person to benefit; moderate-quality evidence). Low-dose and standard-dose PPIs had similar efficacy, PPIs may have little or no effect compared with H2-receptor blockers (low-quality evidence), and the authors describe the effect as small and the drugs as well tolerated (Pinto-Sanchez et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017 [3]).
Functional indigestion affects roughly 8% of adults worldwide. A meta-analysis of 44 population-based studies (256,915 adults from 40 countries) estimated the global prevalence of functional dyspepsia at 8.4% (95% CI 7.4% to 9.5%). It was higher in women than in men (9.0% vs 7.0%) and fell from 12.4% in 1990 to 2002 to 7.3% in 2013 to 2020 (Lee et al., Scientific Reports, 2024 [4]).
A peppermint and caraway oil preparation eased symptoms in one trial. In a 4-week double-blind trial of 114 outpatients with chronic or recurrent functional dyspepsia, the combination (Menthacarin) beat placebo for pain and discomfort (pain scores improved by 7.6 vs 3.4 points, and discomfort scores by 3.6 vs 1.3). It was a single, fairly small trial that included authors from the product's manufacturer, so check with your healthcare professional before taking any supplement (Rich et al., Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 2017 [5]).
What Is Indigestion?
Indigestion is discomfort or pain in the belly. Symptoms may include a burning pain, feeling full while eating, or feeling full long after eating, and they may happen once in a while or often. Indigestion is also called upset stomach or dyspepsia [1].
Indigestion may be caused by a digestive system condition, but often there is no clear underlying cause. That matters because it shapes how doctors investigate and treat it. Frequent or long-lasting indigestion can usually be treated with changes in diet and lifestyle, mental health therapy, and medicines [1].
Symptoms: What Indigestion Feels Like
Symptoms of indigestion may include [1]:
Early fullness during a meal: not being able to finish a typical meal.
Uncomfortable fullness: fullness that lasts longer than it should after a meal.
Upper abdominal pain: mild to severe pain in the area between the bottom of your breastbone and your belly button.
Burning sensation: burning in the upper abdomen.
Bloating: a feeling of swelling or tightness in the upper abdomen.
Nausea or vomiting: feeling the need to vomit, or vomiting.
Burping: burping or burping up food.
Sometimes people with indigestion also have heartburn, which is a pain or burning feeling in the center of your chest during or after eating. The pain or burning may radiate into your neck or back [1].
When to See a Doctor
Mild indigestion usually is nothing to worry about. Talk with your healthcare professional if symptoms of indigestion last more than two weeks [1].
Get care as soon as possible if you have indigestion along with any of these [1]:
Severe or constant belly pain.
Unintended weight loss or loss of appetite.
Repeated vomiting or vomiting with blood.
Black, tarry stools.
Trouble swallowing.
Fatigue or weakness.
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Get emergency care if you have indigestion-like symptoms that may be symptoms of a heart attack [1]:
Shortness of breath, sweating, or chest pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm.
Chest pain when you're active or stressed.
What Causes Indigestion?
Indigestion usually has no clear underlying medical condition as a cause. Long-lasting or frequent indigestion with no clear underlying medical cause is called functional indigestion. Many factors may contribute to or worsen it [1]:
Overeating or eating too quickly.
Fatty, greasy, or spicy foods.
Caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages.
Acidic foods, such as tomatoes and oranges.
Anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Smoking.
Certain antibiotics and pain relievers.
H. pylori bacteria can cause ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, and H. pylori may contribute to indigestion even if it hasn't caused an ulcer [1].
Underlying Causes by Age Group
Several conditions can cause indigestion, and the underlying causes vary among age groups [1]:
Children: H. pylori infection, other infections of the digestive system, conditions affecting how much food the stomach can hold or how it empties, and stress.
Young adults: H. pylori infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is when stomach acid regularly flows back up into the esophagus, diet, and stress.
Adults ages 40 to 60: H. pylori infection, ulcers of the stomach or small intestine, GERD, and pain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Adults over 60: ulcers of the stomach or small intestine, GERD, stomach cancer, and pain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
Risk Factors
Several factors can make symptoms more likely, even though they don't always cause indigestion [1]:
Eating too fast, overeating, or eating spicy, fatty, acidic, or greasy foods.
Too many alcoholic, caffeinated, or carbonated drinks.
Depression, anxiety, or trauma.
Smoking or using other tobacco products.
Pregnancy-related hormones and pressure on the digestive system during pregnancy.
Carrying extra weight, particularly around the belly.
Complications
Indigestion doesn't usually have serious complications, but it can affect your quality of life. You may eat less, and you might miss work or school because of your symptoms [1].
Diagnosis: How Doctors Figure It Out
To diagnose indigestion, your healthcare professional asks about your symptoms, recent meals, eating habits, medical history, life stresses, and exposure to anyone who's ill. You also have a thorough medical exam, which includes tapping or pressing on your abdomen and listening to it with a stethoscope. Your healthcare professional may be able to diagnose functional indigestion from your symptoms, medical history, and exam alone [2].
H. pylori Test
Your healthcare professional may order a test for H. pylori bacteria, using a tissue sample from the stomach, a breath test, or a stool sample [2].
Other Tests
Other tests may be needed if your healthcare professional is concerned about particular symptoms or exam findings, or if the first line of treatment doesn't help [2]:
Blood tests: lab tests of blood samples may find signs of other conditions that can cause symptoms of indigestion.
Endoscopy: a tube with a camera passes down the throat and into the digestive system to show diseased or damaged tissue, and tools used during the test can remove a tiny tissue sample for lab testing. It's mainly used for adults age 50 and older who have new symptoms of indigestion.
Imaging tests: these can show diseased tissues, blockages in the digestive system, or other irregular findings.
Treatment: What Helps Indigestion
A variety of treatments may improve symptoms of indigestion [2].
Diet and Medicine Changes
Changes to your diet and possible changes in medicines are the first steps to lessen symptoms. These include [2]:
Avoiding fatty, acidic, or spicy foods.
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
Avoiding pain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Asking your healthcare professional whether any prescription medicines may be contributing to your indigestion, and whether there are alternatives.
Reviewing your use of dietary supplements or herbal remedies with your healthcare professional.
Medicines for the Digestive System
Your healthcare professional may prescribe medicines or recommend medicines you can buy without a prescription. These may include [2]:
Antibiotics: if you test positive for H. pylori bacteria, treatment with antibiotics and acid-reduction medicines may lessen symptoms.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): these reduce the production of acid in the stomach and come in prescription and over-the-counter doses. Over-the-counter PPIs include lansoprazole (Prevacid 24 HR), omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), and esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR).
H-2-receptor blockers: these also reduce acid production and come in prescription and nonprescription doses. Nonprescription options include cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and nizatidine (Axid AR).
Prokinetics: these prescription medicines help the stomach empty faster and tighten the valve between the stomach and esophagus.
Mental Healthcare
Talk therapy with a psychotherapist can help you manage depression, anxiety, and related factors that may be contributing to indigestion. Prescription medicines may also help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety [2].
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Lifestyle changes that can be part of your routine may help lessen symptoms or prevent them from coming back [2]:
Avoid fatty, acidic, or spicy foods, and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
Eat five or six small meals a day instead of three large meals.
Avoid pain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Stop smoking if you smoke.
Avoid stressors when possible.
Practice meditation or other mindfulness exercises to help manage stress.
Alternative and Complementary Options
Alternative and complementary treatments that may improve symptoms of indigestion include [2]:
Peppermint oil, or a combination of peppermint and caraway oils.
A Japanese herbal formula called rikkunshito.
Acupuncture.
Yoga and mindfulness practices.
Check with your healthcare professional before you take any supplements. They can help make sure the dose is safe for you and that the supplement won't react with other medicines you take [2].
Preparing for Your Appointment
You're likely to start by seeing your primary healthcare professional, who may refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases [2]. To get ready:
Be aware of any restrictions before your appointment, such as not eating solid food.
Write down your symptoms, including when they started and how they've changed or worsened.
Make a list of all your medicines, vitamins, and supplements, with the doses and reasons for taking each one.
Write down your key medical information, including other diagnosed conditions.
Note any recent changes or stressors in your life, and a detailed description of your typical daily diet.
Write down questions to ask.
Questions worth asking include: Do you think my condition is temporary or chronic? What kinds of tests do I need? What treatments can help? Are there any dietary restrictions I should follow? Could any of my medicines be causing my symptoms?
Bottom Line
Indigestion is common, usually mild, and very often has no serious underlying cause, especially in the functional form where no condition is found. For most people it responds to simple, sustainable changes: eating more slowly, choosing smaller meals, cutting back on trigger foods and drinks, managing stress, and quitting smoking.
But persistence deserves attention. Symptoms that last more than two weeks, or any red-flag sign such as unintended weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools, are your signal to see a doctor promptly. And never dismiss indigestion that arrives with chest pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm, because that is a medical emergency, not a meal gone wrong.
Your next step: if your symptoms have lasted more than two weeks, make an appointment with your healthcare professional. For more clear, trustworthy explainers like this one, browse our Diseases & Conditions library.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is indigestion?
Indigestion (upset stomach, dyspepsia) is discomfort or pain in the belly. Symptoms include burning pain, feeling full while eating, or feeling full long after eating, and may happen occasionally or often.
What is functional indigestion?
Functional indigestion is long-lasting or frequent indigestion with no clear underlying medical cause. Indigestion usually has no clear underlying condition.
What are the symptoms of indigestion?
Early fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after eating, upper abdominal pain or burning, bloating, nausea or vomiting, and burping. Some people also have heartburn.
What causes indigestion?
Often there's no clear cause. Contributors include overeating, fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, anxiety or depression, smoking, and certain antibiotics and pain relievers. H. pylori may also contribute.
Is indigestion a sign of a heart attack?
Indigestion can be. Get emergency care if indigestion-like symptoms come with shortness of breath, sweating, or chest pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm, or chest pain when you're active or stressed.
When should I see a doctor for indigestion?
If symptoms last more than two weeks. Get care sooner for severe or constant belly pain, unintended weight loss, vomiting blood, black tarry stools, trouble swallowing, or jaundice.
How is indigestion diagnosed?
Through your symptoms, history, and a physical exam. You may also have an H. pylori test, blood tests, endoscopy (mainly for adults 50 and older with new symptoms), or imaging tests.
What medicines treat indigestion?
Antibiotics for H. pylori, PPIs such as omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), H-2-receptor blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid AC), and prescription prokinetics. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
What lifestyle changes help indigestion?
Eat five or six small meals instead of three large ones, avoid trigger foods and drinks, exercise regularly, keep a healthy weight, stop smoking, avoid stressors, and practice mindfulness.
Is indigestion the same as heartburn?
No. Indigestion is discomfort or fullness in the upper belly, while heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone from stomach acid. Some people have both at the same time.
Related Reading
Functional Dyspepsia: Why You Feel Full and Upset Stomach Pain Even When Tests Come Back Normal explains long-lasting indigestion that has no clear underlying cause.
Acid Reflux & GERD: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment covers acid reflux, a common cause of burning upper belly pain.
Peptic Ulcer Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment explains stomach ulcers, their warning signs and how they heal.
H. pylori Infection: The Stomach Germ Half the World Carries, Its Warning Signs, and How Antibiotics Clear It explains the stomach infection linked to indigestion and how it is cured.
References
Mayo Clinic Staff. Indigestion: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. July 3, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/symptoms-causes/syc-20352211
Mayo Clinic Staff. Indigestion: Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. July 3, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352215
Pinto-Sanchez MI, Yuan Y, Hassan A, et al. Proton pump inhibitors for functional dyspepsia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;11(11):CD011194. PMID 29161458. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011194.pub3
Lee K, Kwon CI, Yeniova AÖ, et al. Global prevalence of functional dyspepsia according to Rome criteria, 1990-2020: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports. 2024;14(1):4172. PMID 38378941. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-54716-3
Rich G, Shah A, Koloski N, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effects of Menthacarin, a proprietary peppermint- and caraway-oil-preparation, on symptoms and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2017;29(11):e13132. PMID 28695660. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.13132
Medical disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The clinical information in this guide reflects source material last reviewed in July 2025.
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