How does indigestion feel like

Sometimes when you have indigestion, you may also have heartburn. However, heartburn and indigestion are two separate conditions.

If you have indigestion and any of the following symptoms, you may have a more serious condition and should see a doctor right away:. Health problems and digestive tract diseases and conditions can cause indigestion, including. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Digestive system Open pop-up dialog box Close. Digestive system The major organs in your digestive system are the liver, stomach, gallbladder, colon and small intestine. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Feldman M, et al. Elsevier; Accessed April 21, Goldman L, et al. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, esophageal chest pain, and heartburn.

In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Indigestion dyspepsia. Accessed April 20, Merck Manual Professional Version. Wilkinson JM, et al.

This condition also may cause heartburn. Irritable bowel syndrome: This disorder affects your intestines. Symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Infection: A bacterial infection from Helicobacter pylori H. Gastroparesis : This condition affects digestion. If muscles in your GI tract stop working, your body slows down or stops the movement of food.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, and acid reflux. Ulcer: This is a sore on the lining of your stomach peptic ulcer , small intestine, or esophagus. Gastritis: This is inflammation of your stomach lining.

Stomach cancer: This is a rare condition, but indigestion can be one of its signs. How is indigestion diagnosed? Can indigestion be prevented or avoided? Indigestion treatment Your treatment will depend on what is causing your indigestion. Antacids two brand names: Tums and Alka-Seltzer work against the acid in your system. Proton pump inhibitors omeprazole one brand name: Prilosec and lansoprazole one brand name: Prevacid help block the site of acid production in your stomach.

Histamine blockers one brand name: Pepcid help reduce pain and symptoms, but should not be used long-term. Living with indigestion Most people who have indigestion lead a normal life. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away: You recently lost weight without trying. You have trouble swallowing. You have severe vomiting. You have black, tarry bowel movements. What are some foods I should avoid to help with my indigestion? How much time do I need to leave been my final meal of the day and bedtime?

Does sleeping on an elevated pillow help indigestion? What medicines will help my indigestion? Do they have side effects? Are there any medicines I should avoid that may make my indigestion worse? What should I do when nothing seems to help my indigestion?

Last Updated: July 1, This article was contributed by: familydoctor. Related Articles. Visit our interactive symptom checker Visit our interactive symptom checker Get Started. Close Modal Close Modal.