Dealing with Indigestion

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is one of the most common digestive complaints seen by both family physicians and specialists. While it is often harmless, indigestion can sometimes signal an underlying medical condition — ranging from mild and functional to more serious disorders. Understanding its causes and knowing how to manage symptoms can help you take the right steps toward relief.

What does indigestion mean and what does it feel like?

Digestion begins in the stomach, where food is broken down through rhythmic contractions of the stomach wall and mixed with gastric juices. The partially digested food then moves into the small intestine for further digestion. Typically, about half of a solid meal leaves the stomach within two hours.

When stomach emptying is delayed, food and air can remain in the stomach for longer than normal. This causes the stomach wall to stretch, leading to symptoms commonly described as indigestion — such as bloating, fullness, discomfort, or upper abdominal pain.

What triggers indigestion?

Indigestion is often triggered by everyday dietary and lifestyle habits, including:

• Eating overly large meals
• Consuming foods that slow stomach emptying, such as oily or fried foods
• Drinking caffeine-rich beverages or alcohol

These factors can delay digestion and increase stomach distension, leading to discomfort and bloating.

Which medical conditions cause indigestion?

In some cases, indigestion may be linked to underlying medical conditions. One common cause is functional dyspepsia, where symptoms occur despite no identifiable structural abnormality. This condition is often associated with stress, anxiety, diabetes, or the use of certain medications.

Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, is another possible cause. It may result from excess stomach acid — often linked to irregular meals, a fast-paced lifestyle, or stress — or from infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

More serious conditions, such as gastric cancer, can occasionally demonstrate similar symptoms, which is why persistent or unusual symptoms should not be ignored.

When should I seek medical attention?

You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the following warning signs:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the back
• Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing
• Symptoms that persist for more than two weeks
• Recurring symptoms in individuals aged 40 and above

These may indicate an underlying condition that requires further investigation.

Simple measures and remedies to combat indigestion

If none of the above warning signs are present, mild indigestion can often be managed with simple remedies. These include over-the-counter medications such as antacids, which neutralise stomach acid and help relieve bloating. Your doctor may also prescribe acid-suppressing medications like H2 blockers (e.g. famotidine) or proton pump inhibitors, which reduce acid production and allow the stomach lining to heal.

Lifestyle changes also play an important role. Helpful measures include:

• Eating regular meals and avoiding large portions
• Reducing intake of oily, fried, or spicy foods
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption

Some people find relief from bloating with ginger tea or peppermint tea. However, peppermint should be avoided if indigestion is accompanied by acid reflux, as it may worsen reflux symptoms.

Don’t ignore persistent symptoms

Indigestion is a common and often harmless symptom that many people experience from time to time. Occasional episodes usually respond well to simple remedies and lifestyle adjustments. However, persistent or recurring symptoms — especially in individuals over 40 — should always be evaluated by a specialist, as they may point to a more serious underlying condition.