Approved factsheet on indigestion @ 17 April 2001 with Dr. Butt comments

Many of us are familiar with that feeling of bloating, discomfort or even pain after we've overdone it with food or drink. This is generally known as indigestion.

There are different names for indigestion and different symptoms that come under the umbrella that we call indigestion. Indigestion (or dyspepsia) is any symptom or collection of symptoms caused by disruption of the body's digestive system. Almost everyone will experience the symptoms of indigestion at some time or another. Some people will suffer symptoms every day and others only occasionally.

Heartburn, acid reflux, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are all names for types of indigestion. There is a large range of over-the-counter medicines available from the local pharmacy which are designed to effectively relieve the symptoms of indigestion.

GORD & Heartburn
When we eat, our stomachs produce acid to help digest the food. This acid is very strong, similar in strength to the acid found in a car battery. The lining of the stomach is specially designed to be able to cope with this acid, but when the acid leaks out into the oesophagus (the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach), it can cause a burning sensation as it attacks its delicate lining.

• Antacids - quickly neutralise excess acid produced in the stomach
• Alginates - form a 'raft' on top of the contents of the stomach to stop acid rising into the oesophagus
• H2 Antagonists or acid-reducers - stop the stomach from producing too much acid

Trapped wind
Sometimes, tiny bubbles of air may collect in the stomach. This may be air that has been swallowed, particularly if food has been gulped down, or air formed by the normal action of the stomach. The body can normally release air bubbles, but small ones sometimes get trapped and cause discomfort, bloating, and a 'gassy' feeling.

• Antiflatulents - release trapped wind in the stomach by breaking up small air bubbles into larger ones which your body can get rid of more easily

Fullness or heaviness
The normal actions of the stomach slow down, causing food to stay in the stomach for longer than normal. This can cause feelings of heaviness, fullness and bloating.

• Motility restorer - helps restore the stomach's natural movement, allowing food to pass normally out of the stomach and into the intestine

In addition to taking a medicine, there are various lifestyle changes that people can make:

• Avoid spicy, fatty and/or large meals, especially just before bedtime
• Try to cut down on tea, coffee & fizzy drinks
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol
• Stop smoking
• Try eating in a calm, unhurried environment allowing time to enjoy meals
• If indigestion happens at night, using an extra pillow, or putting a couple of books under the legs at the head of the bed can help (it's harder for the acid to flow uphill!)