How to Treat or Cure Indigestion

Most indigestion improves with the right habits and, when needed, medicines. Treatment depends on the cause.

Step 1: lifestyle and diet

• Smaller, slower meals and no late dinners
• Avoid personal triggers such as spicy food, alcohol, smoking and fizzy drinks
• Manage stress and sleep
• Stop or change medicines that irritate the stomach, with your doctor's advice

Step 2: simple medicines

Antacids or alginates for occasional symptoms. If symptoms continue for more than a couple of weeks, see a doctor.

Step 3: test and treat

• Test for H. pylori, and treat it if found
• A short course of a PPI or H2 blocker
• Further tests such as endoscopy, especially with alarm signs or age over 55

Step 4: treat the cause

Ulcers, reflux disease, gallstones and other conditions are treated specifically.

Functional dyspepsia

It is a long-term condition that can be controlled but may recur. Treatment focuses on trigger control, stress, acid reduction and, sometimes, medicines that act on gut nerves.

Complementary care

Ayurveda, yoga and relaxation may support comfort. They are adjuncts and do not replace a medical check for persistent symptoms.

Seek urgent care for

Black stools, vomiting blood, severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain with sweating or breathlessness. Call 112 or 102.

Key point

Find and treat the cause, and use medicines for the shortest time that works.

Before your appointment

Note when symptoms started, how they relate to meals, and what makes them better or worse. List all medicines, especially painkillers, and any herbal products. Mention weight loss, vomiting, black stools, trouble swallowing, family history of stomach problems, smoking and alcohol. Ask about tests such as an H. pylori test or endoscopy, and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.