Indigestion—also called dyspepsia—is a word that describes a group of gastrointestinal symptoms. These may include pain in the upper abdomen, a burning sensation, or feeling uncomfortably full. Indigestion can happen after you overeat or eat too quickly. Occasional indigestion is common and not serious, but if you have indigestion often, there might be more going on. MediFind shares five common causes of indigestion below. It is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis, and MediFind can help. Learn more about how MediFind works here. You can also enter your symptoms into MediFind’s Symptom Checker to receive customized results.   

Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine. The most common causes of these ulcers are from an infection in the stomach with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, as well as long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. Symptoms include pain in the upper mid-abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or having trouble drinking as much fluid as usual. Small ulcers may heal on their own, but some ulcers can cause serious bleeding. Your healthcare provider may prescribe treatments, including ones to reduce acid levels in the stomach or kill the H. pylori bacteria. In severe cases, an endoscopic procedure may be needed to stop the bleeding. A gastroenterologist can help. Find one nearby here.

Helicobacter Pylori Gastritis

A Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection happens when Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria infect your stomach. It is very common and affects about two-thirds of the world’s population. H. pylori bacteria are most likely passed directly from person to person. This tends to happen during childhood. The infection does not cause symptoms for most people. If you develop signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer, your provider may test you for H. pylori infection. Treatments for H. pylori infection include antibiotics. A gastroenterologist can help. Find one nearby here.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

Frequent or constant acid reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This can cause irritation and symptoms like heartburn and nausea. Lifestyle changes, weight management, and avoiding certain drugs can help ease symptoms. Over-the-counter antacids offer short-term relief. Prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) help longer term by reducing stomach acid. Anti-reflux surgery or endoscopic therapies are possible in persistent cases. Gastroenterologists can treat GERD. Find one nearby here.

Bile Duct Obstruction 

Biliary pain—or biliary colic—is a dull pain in the middle- to upper-right area of the stomach. It happens when a gallstone blocks the bile duct. This is called a The bile duct is a tube that normally drains bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine. The pain goes away if the stone passes into the small intestine and unblocks the duct. The goal of treatment is to relieve the blockage. In some cases, surgery may be required. The usual treatment for chronic gallstones with pain is removal of the gallbladder because the organ is not essential to digestive health. Gastroenterologists and general surgeons treat bile duct obstructions. Find one nearby here.

Esophageal Cancer 

Esophageal cancer begins in the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Symptoms include regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, vomiting blood, and weight loss.   Doctors use an endoscopic procedure called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to get a tissue sample for diagnosis. Treatment options vary based on the cancer stage. Surgery may be done if the cancer has not spread outside the esophagus. Advanced stages of cancer may involve radiation or chemotherapy. Interventions like esophageal dilation, stent placement, feeding tubes, and photodynamic therapy can help with swallowing. Oncologists treat esophageal cancer. Find one nearby here. 

Other possible causes of indigestion include:   

• Gastroparesis 
• Pancreatitis 
• Crohn’s disease 
• Achalasia 

Use our Symptom Checker to add your information and get your custom results.

Indigestion can affect individuals of all age groups. Dietary choices can contribute to its symptoms at any age. 

Indigestion can impact both genders. 

MediFind provides content for informational purposes only. MediFind does not provide medical advice. This content should not replace a health care professional’s medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contact a licensed health care provider with any questions about your own health. Contact 911 in the event of a medical emergency.