Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

Indigestion is a general term that describes a group of gastrointestinal symptoms that occur together, including pain, a burning feeling, or discomfort in your upper abdomen; feeling full too soon while eating; and feeling uncomfortably full after eating.

Indigestion has many symptoms. You may have more than one symptom at the same time. Sometimes you may also have heartburn, which is a separate condition. Lifestyle, medicines, health problems, and digestive tract diseases can cause indigestion.

Your doctor diagnoses indigestion based on your medical history, a physical exam, upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, and other tests. These other tests include imaging tests, H. pylori testing, blood tests, stool tests, and urea breath tests.

Treatment for indigestion depends on the cause and may include medicines, changes in what you eat and drink, and psychological therapies. In addition to changing what you eat and drink, you can help prevent indigestion by making certain lifestyle changes.

You can help prevent indigestion by changing your diet. You may need to avoid certain foods and drinks that may cause indigestion, such as alcoholic drinks; carbonated drinks; coffee; foods that contain a lot of acid; and spicy, fatty, or greasy foods.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.