Indigestion: Fast Relief, Causes, and What to Do Next
Stomach upset can ruin your day. Indigestion (dyspepsia) feels like burning, fullness, bloating, or pain in the upper belly. It often comes after eating and can last minutes to hours. Here’s what usually causes it and what you can do right away.
Common causes you can check
Think about what you ate and how you ate it. Big, greasy meals, spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, and fizzy drinks often trigger symptoms. Eating too fast or lying down right after a meal makes things worse. Smoking and stress also raise the chance of indigestion. Certain drugs — NSAIDs like ibuprofen, some antibiotics, and some blood pressure meds — can irritate the stomach.
Some medical causes need attention: acid reflux (GERD), peptic ulcers, gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, and infections like H. pylori. Functional dyspepsia is another common diagnosis when tests are normal but symptoms persist.
Quick at-home fixes
Short-term relief is possible with simple steps. Sip water and sit upright. Try chewing slowly, taking smaller bites, and avoiding heavy meals for a few hours. Over-the-counter antacids (calcium carbonate like Tums) neutralize acid fast. H2 blockers (famotidine) reduce acid for several hours; proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole) work longer but aren’t for immediate relief.
Warm ginger tea or peppermint can calm the stomach for some people. If bloating is the main issue, avoid beans, onions, and some dairy for a bit — low-FODMAP foods help many with gas and meteorism. If you smoke, cut back; nicotine relaxes the valve between your stomach and esophagus and makes reflux worse.
Simple habit changes prevent repeat episodes: eat smaller meals, wait 2–3 hours before lying down, raise the head of your bed a few inches, and avoid tight clothing around your waist. Manage stress with short walks, breathing exercises, or gentle stretching after meals.
If you take regular meds that bother your stomach, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about alternatives or timing adjustments.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if symptoms are severe, last more than two weeks, or come with worrying signs: unexplained weight loss, vomiting, blood in stool or vomit, difficulty swallowing, or severe pain. Your doctor may test for H. pylori, check for ulcers, or order imaging if gallbladder or pancreas problems are suspected. Long-term reflux often needs prescription treatment and follow-up.
Most indigestion clears with lifestyle fixes and short-term meds. But persistent or severe symptoms should be checked — better safe than sorry. If you’re unsure about a medicine or a symptom, ask a healthcare pro before trying something new.
