ON... Indigestion

What is it?

Indigestion causes discomfort, sometimes even pain, in the upper part of your abdomen.

It nearly always originates in the stomach and is relieved by taking antacids.

Very often it’s triggered by too much rich or fatty food, alcohol and overeating. Coffee and smoking also provoke indigestion.

Look out for these symptoms:

heartburn a painful burning feeling behind your breastbone, often after eating feeling full, bloated and sick belching and wind

“water brash” when the stomach contents regurgitate up into your throat

What causes it?

The acid stomach contents can irritate the stomach lining or your throat when they’re regurgitated, resulting in a burning sensation.

Medicines, smoking, alcohol and a type of bacterial infection called helicobacter pylori can also cause indigestion.

What you can do for yourself:

Stop smoking, it’s the most important action you can take Lose weight Avoid tea, coffee, cola and alcohol, aspirin and NSAIDs which irritate the stomach

Sleep on several pillows to stop stomach acid coming up during your sleep

Don’t eat three to four hours before going to bed and avoid rich, spicy, fatty foods

Antacids from your pharmacist will ease symptoms by neutralising stomach acid. Your doctor can prescribe proton-pump inhibitors to cut down acid production in the stomach.

See your GP if:

You keep getting indigestion, you’re 55 or older, have lost a lot of weight without trying, have difficulty swallowing, feel like you have a lump in your throat, or have blood in your vomit or stools.