Indigestion and heartburn

Most people have indigestion at some point. It’s not usually a sign of anything more serious and you can treat it yourself.

Symptoms

These are often related to eating and drinking and include;

Pain or discomfort in the upper tummy
Heartburn - a burning feeling in your chest which is caused by stomach acid travelling up towards your throat
Belching and bloating
Feeling sick and bringing up food or bitter tasting fluids

Causes of indigestion and heartburn

There are many common causes of indigestion and heartburn.

People often experience symptoms after a heavy, spicy or fatty meal, sometimes when we have rushed our food but quite often when we have simply had too much to eat or drink.

Sometimes indigestion and heartburn can be associated with another illness or condition. Visit your GP if you are experiencing any of the warning signs listed below.

Lifestyle changes for indigestion and heartburn

There are steps you can take at home to improve symptoms of indigestion:

Cut down on tea, coffee, cola or alcohol
Avoid eating 3 to 4 hours before going to bed
Try propping your head and shoulders up in bed – this can stop stomach acid coming up while you sleep
Lose weight if you're overweight
Avoid having rich, spicy or fatty foods
Do not take ibuprofen or aspirin – this can make indigestion worse
Reduce or stop smoking
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Find ways to relax

Speak to your local pharmacist for help

Your local pharmacist can recommend medicines that will ease the burning feeling or pain and discomfort that can come with indigestion. These medicines make your stomach less acidic. They're called antacids. It's best to take these with food or soon after eating.

See a GP for heartburn if;

Lifestyle changes and pharmacy medicines are not helping

You have heartburn most days for 3 weeks or more

You have other symptoms, like food getting stuck in your throat, frequently being sick or losing weight for no reason keep getting indigestion

For indigestion, if you;

Are in bad pain
Are 55 or older
Have lost a lot of weight without meaning to
Have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Keep vomiting
Have iron deficiency anaemia
Feel like you have a lump in your stomach
Have bloody vomit or poo

These symptoms can be a sign of something more serious.