Indigestion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Indigestion?
A primary care doctor can often evaluate indigestion. A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats stomach and gut problems, sees people whose symptoms last or are serious. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is indigestion?
Indigestion is also called dyspepsia or upset stomach. It is a mild discomfort in the upper belly that often occurs during or right after eating. Indigestion is not a disease. However, it may be a sign of certain digestive tract diseases or conditions.
Indigestion is common, affecting up to 20% of people in the United States each year. It may happen from time to time, or it may be chronic. Indigestion is not the same as heartburn.
Symptoms
When you have indigestion, you may have one or more of these symptoms:
- Pain, a burning feeling, or discomfort in your upper abdomen, which is the upper belly.
- Feeling full too soon while eating a meal.
- Feeling uncomfortably full after a small amount of food.
- Bloating, nausea, or belching.
Bloating and nausea are less common symptoms. Sometimes you may also have heartburn, but heartburn and indigestion are two separate conditions.
Causes and who gets it
Most chronic indigestion is called functional dyspepsia. This is a disorder of how the gut and brain interact.
Indigestion may be triggered by:
- Drinking too many caffeinated beverages.
- Drinking too much alcohol.
- Eating spicy, fatty, or greasy foods.
Other causes of indigestion are:
- Gastritis, which is when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen.
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers.
Some medicines may cause indigestion. Examples are NSAIDs and iron supplements. You are more likely to have indigestion if you are female, feel stressed, or smoke.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor may use your symptoms, a medical and family history, a physical exam, and tests to find the cause. Your doctor may diagnose functional dyspepsia if you have had symptoms at least once a week in the last 3 months, and your symptoms first started at least 6 months ago. Your doctor may also diagnose it if you have had symptoms for a shorter length of time.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests.
- An upper endoscopy, which uses a flexible tube with a camera.
- An ultrasound test of the abdomen.
A doctor may use an upper GI endoscopy to look for gastritis, peptic ulcer, or stomach cancer.
Treatment
How doctors treat indigestion depends on the cause. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medicines, changing what you eat and drink, or mental health therapies.
Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend or prescribe:
- Medicines to treat an H. pylori infection.
- Medicines that lower the amount of acid your stomach makes, such as PPIs or H2 blockers.
- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines, which may ease the pain.
Antacids may relieve indigestion. If a medicine is causing your indigestion, your doctor may recommend changes to the medicines you take.
When to see a doctor
See your health care provider if indigestion lasts for more than two weeks. Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort that lasts two minutes or more. Do the same for jaw pain, back pain, heavy sweating, or a feeling of impending doom. Do the same for trouble breathing, sudden severe belly pain, or vomiting blood. Blood in your stool, which may look black, also needs emergency care.
See a doctor right away if indigestion comes with any of these signs:
- Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing.
- Frequent vomiting.
- Long-lasting bloating or swelling in your abdomen.
- Weight loss without trying, or loss of appetite.
- Yellowing of your eyes or skin.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can ask about your symptoms, examine you, and order tests to look for the cause. If a medicine is causing your indigestion, your doctor may recommend changes to the medicines you take.
Common questions
Is indigestion the same as heartburn?
No, indigestion is not the same as heartburn. Heartburn and indigestion are two separate conditions, but you can have both at the same time.
Is indigestion serious?
Most of the time, it is not a sign of a serious health problem unless it occurs with other symptoms.
What is functional dyspepsia?
Functional dyspepsia is chronic indigestion without a health problem or digestive tract disease that could explain the symptoms. It is a disorder of gut-brain interaction. That means a problem with how the brain and gut work together.
What can I do at home for indigestion?
At home, changing the way you eat may help your symptoms. Steps include allowing enough time for meals and chewing food carefully and completely. Antacids may relieve indigestion.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Indigestion
- MedlinePlus - Indigestion | Dyspepsia
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Indigestion (Dyspepsia)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
