Indigestion
When to see your GP
Source: NHS
In this topic (7)
There's usually no need to seek medical advice for indigestionas it's often mild and infrequent and specialist treatment isn't required.
However, you should see your GP if you have recurring indigestion and any of the following apply:
- you're 55 years of age or over
- you've lost a lot of weight without meaning to
- you have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- you have persistent vomiting
- you have iron deficiency anaemia
- you have a lump in your stomach
- you have blood in your vomit or blood in your stools
These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious underlying health problem, such as a stomach ulcer or stomach cancer .
Also see your GP if you get indigestion regularly, if it causes you severe pain or discomfort, or if your regular anti-reflux remedies stop working.
Your GP willask you about your symptoms and:
- any other symptoms you have thatmay indicate an underlying health condition
- any medication you're taking as some medications can cause indigestion
- your lifestyle some lifestyle factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol or being overweight, can cause indigestion
Your GP may alsopress gently on different areas of your stomach to see if this is painful and whether any of your internal organs are swollen.
Articles for Indigestion
Complications of indigestion
In some cases, severe indigestion can cause complications. Oesophageal stricture If the lining of the oesophagus is severely irritated over time by acid reflux, the oesophagus may become scarred. T
Further investigations
Depending on your symptoms, your GP may want to investigate further. This is because indigestion can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacte
Introduction
Find out about indigestion, a common problem that causes pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or behind your breastbone (heartburn).
Symptoms of indigestion
As well as heartburn, other common symptoms of indigestion include: feeling uncomfortably full or bloated feeling sick belching or passing wind (flatulence) bringing up food or fluid from your s
Treating indigestion
Treatment for indigestion will vary depending on what's causingit and how severe your symptoms are. Most people are able to manage their indigestion by making simple diet and lifestyle changes, or ta
What causes indigestion?
Indigestion is usually related to eating. When you eat, your stomach produces acid. The acid can sometimes irritate your stomach lining, the top part of the bowel, or the oesophagus. This irritation
When to see your GP
There's usually no need to seek medical advice for indigestionas it's often mild and infrequent and specialist treatment isn't required. However, you should see your GP if you have recurring indigest
