Disclaimer: This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you are experiencing an emergency, go to your nearest hospital or call 000.
What is it?
Indigestion is a common term for discomfort in the lower chest or upper abdomen, often occurring after meals. Symptoms include heartburn, belching, and bloating.
Indigestion can result from stomach acid refluxing into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn. This happens if the valve at the top of the stomach doesn’t function properly or if there’s excess stomach acid. Conditions like gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involve frequent or severe heartburn. Indigestion can also stem from an irritated or inflamed stomach lining.
Mechanism of Reflux
Food travels down the oesophagus into the stomach through a sphincter. Sometimes, stomach contents push back into the oesophagus, causing reflux or heartburn, felt as a burning sensation behind the breastbone.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms include pain near the breastbone, nausea, and bloating. These can be triggered by spicy, rich, or fatty foods, tight clothing, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, stress, pregnancy, or eating quickly.
Heartburn and Reflux
Heartburn, a symptom of indigestion and GERD, occurs when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling. This can be due to overly relaxed oesophageal muscles. Indigestion can also cause bloating and discomfort after eating, with or without reflux. Symptoms include chest discomfort, a sour taste in the mouth, and pain worsened by lying down or bending over.
Heartburn can be triggered by:
- Large meals
- Physical activity after eating
- Excess coffee or alcohol
- Anxiety
- Advanced pregnancy
Speaking to a doctor to understand these triggers can help manage and prevent indigestion and heartburn.
Healthy stomach vs GERD stomach
How we can help
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Much like a traditional appointment your telehealth doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:
- pre-existing conditions, family history & lifestyle.
- preferred treatments and ability to access them.
- individualised advice to treat your condition.
- referrals or scripts at the discretion of the doctor.
Why choose doctors on demand?
Talk to a doctor about indigestion.
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