--- title: "Indigestion: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "Indigestion (dyspepsia) causes upper tummy discomfort or burning after eating — self-care, pharmacy medicines, and warning signs for a GP." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/indigestion/ robots: noindex --- # Indigestion: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z Indigestion (dyspepsia) causes upper tummy discomfort or burning after eating — self-care, pharmacy medicines, and warning signs for a GP. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is indigestion? Indigestion is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper tummy, often after eating. It is very common and usually linked to food, drink or eating habits. Simple changes and pharmacy remedies such as antacids often help, but indigestion that is frequent or persistent should be checked by a GP. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Indigestion, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about indigestion - Indigestion is discomfort in the upper tummy, often after eating. - It is usually linked to food, drink or eating habits. - Antacids and simple changes often ease it. - Frequent or persistent indigestion should be checked by a GP. ## What is indigestion? Indigestion, sometimes called dyspepsia, is a general term for discomfort or pain in the upper part of your tummy. It usually happens after eating or drinking. It is very common and most of the time is nothing serious, although it can be uncomfortable and occasionally a sign of another condition. ## Symptoms Indigestion can cause: - a burning feeling or pain in the upper tummy or chest (heartburn) - feeling full or bloated - feeling sick - bringing up a bitter or sour taste - burping Symptoms are often brought on or made worse by eating. ## What causes it Indigestion is frequently linked to food and lifestyle — large or rich meals, eating quickly, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and stress can all play a part. Some medicines can irritate the stomach, and sometimes indigestion is caused by an underlying problem such as acid reflux, a stomach ulcer or, less often, other conditions. ## Treatment and self-help Many people manage indigestion with simple changes: eat smaller meals, slow down, avoid eating late at night, cut back on alcohol and caffeine, and stop smoking. Losing excess weight can also help. For quick relief, a pharmacist can recommend antacids, which neutralise stomach acid, or other medicines that reduce how much acid the stomach makes. ## When to see a GP See a GP if indigestion keeps coming back, does not improve with pharmacy treatment, or comes with warning signs such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or vomiting. Always treat sudden, severe chest pain as a possible emergency. ## ! When to see a GP about indigestion See a GP if indigestion keeps coming back, lasts a long time, or is not helped by pharmacy remedies, or if you have difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or are being sick. Call **999** if you have chest pain that spreads to your arm, neck or jaw, or chest pain with sweating or breathlessness, as this could be a heart problem rather than indigestion. ## Common questions about indigestion What is the difference between indigestion and heartburn? Indigestion is a general term for discomfort in the upper tummy, often after eating. Heartburn — a burning feeling rising from the chest — is one possible symptom of indigestion, caused by stomach acid travelling upwards. What causes indigestion? Common causes include eating large or fatty meals, eating too quickly, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, stress and certain medicines. Sometimes it is linked to an underlying condition such as acid reflux or a stomach ulcer. How do I get rid of indigestion? Eating smaller meals, avoiding triggers, not lying down soon after eating and reducing alcohol and caffeine can help. A pharmacist can recommend antacids or other medicines for quick relief. When should I worry about indigestion? See a GP if it is frequent, persistent, or comes with difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or vomiting. Sudden chest pain should be treated as a possible emergency. ## Sources - [NHS — Indigestion](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/indigestion/)