pharmasites logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Indigestion

Most people have indigestion (dyspepsia) at some point. Usually, it's not a sign of anything more serious and you can treat it yourself.

Check if you have indigestion

Indigestion can be felt in different ways.

You can have the following symptoms after eating or drinking:

  • heartburn – a painful burning feeling in the chest, often after eating
  • feeling full and bloated
  • feeling sick
  • burping and farting
  • bringing up food or bitter-tasting fluids into your mouth

When it's not indigestion

Stomach ache or back pain are usually not symptoms of indigestion. If you have those you might be constipated.

How you can treat indigestion yourself

There's usually no need to see a GP about indigestion. There are some things you can do at home.

Do

  • cut down on tea, coffee, cola or alcohol

  • raise your head and shoulders up when in bed – this can stop stomach acid coming up while you sleep

  • lose weight if you're overweight

Don't

  • do not eat 3 to 4 hours before going to bed

  • do not have rich, spicy or fatty foods

  • do not take ibuprofen or aspirin unless it has been prescribed for you (speak to a pharmacist or GP if you take these medicines, as they can make indigestion worse)

  • do not smoke

A pharmacist can help with indigestion

A pharmacist can recommend medicines to ease the burning feeling or pain that can come with indigestion.

Medicines that can help with indigestion include:

Some indigestion medicines are best to take after eating as their effects last longer. Check the information leaflet that comes with the medicines for more information.

Pregnant women: treating indigestion

Pregnant women often get indigestion. It's very common from 27 weeks onwards.

It can be caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against the stomach.

A pharmacist can help with uncomfortable feelings or pain. They can recommend the best medicines to use when you're pregnant.

See a GP if you:

  • keep getting indigestion
  • are in severe pain
  • have lost a lot of weight without meaning to
  • have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • keep being sick
  • 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.

What causes indigestion

Indigestion is often caused by acid from your stomach irritating your stomach lining or throat. This is called acid reflux.

This can be caused or made worse by:

  • certain food and drink – such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods
  • being overweight
  • smoking
  • pregnancy
  • stress and anxiety
  • some medicines, including anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen
  • a hiatus hernia – when part of your stomach moves up into your chest

Indigestion can also be caused by an open sore in your stomach lining (stomach ulcer). Less often, it can be a sign of something more serious such as stomach cancer.

Last Reviewed
13 February 2024
NHS websiteNHS website
Pharmasites footer logo.
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
With over a decade's experience working with UK pharmacies and supplying software that manages over 1,500 UK pharmacy websites, you're in safe hands with Pharmasites. Get in touch today!
Menu
Home
Free Upgrade
Pricing
Referrer Rewards
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Features
Easy Website Updates
Interactive Maps
Book NHS & Private Services
Pharmacy First
eCommerce
Built-in NHS A-Z
NHS App Integration
See more features
Pharmasites
11 Anderson Way, Lea, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 5EF
matt@pharmasites.co.uk
01904 349 316
No store selected for contacts
No contacts at this store
Pharmasites © 2024
Cookies Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions