Indigestion

Most people suffer a bout of indigestion at some point in their lives.1 Usually, it’s not a sign of anything serious.1 Although the pain can strike out of the blue, it usually happens a short time after eating.1

Causes & Symptoms

Indigestion is completely normal, and most people will experience indigestion symptoms in some form during their life.1 In fact, right now, up to 40% of people are experiencing indigestion.1

Most people have their own typical indigestion symptoms.1 For some, these can be quite mild, while others might have more severe symptoms.1 You might only suffer indigestion every now again, or it may be a more regular occurrence, but the good news is that there are lots of things you can do to help.

The symptoms of indigestion include:2

  • Pain or discomfort in your chest or stomach – although this is usually after eating or drinking, there can sometimes be a gap before you start feeling symptoms
  • Feeling uncomfortably full
  • Belching, burping or even regurgitating food into your mouth
  • Bloating
  • Feeling sick or vomiting

You should contact your doctor if you get indigestion regularly and you are aged 55 years or over, have lost weight without trying, have increasing trouble swallowing, persistent vomiting, can feel a lump in your stomach, have blood in your vomit or stools or think you might be anaemic (you feel tired, breathless and your heart beat is irregular).2

Why indigestion happens

Indigestion is often caused by excess acid coming into contact with the sensitive, protective lining of the stomach or foodpipe (oesophagus).2 These acids are needed to break down and digest foods in your stomach, but too much means they then irritate the lining, causing inflammation.2 The end result? Those familiar indigestion symptoms.

When the acid travels up from your stomach into your foodpipe, it’s better known as heartburn.2 This causes a burning pain in the area behind your breastbone.2 You can find out more on our heartburn page.

There are many things that can cause indigestion, such as being overweight, eating too much/rushing your meals or taking certain medicines.1  You might also find that you have specific triggers that cause your indigestion, which can be unique to you. Taking the time to figure out what your triggers are can make a real difference in helping you get your indigestion under control.

Common indigestion triggers include:1,2

  • Eating rich, fatty or spicy foods
  • Eating chocolate
  • Drinking fruit juice
  • Drinking caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee or cokes
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Feeling stressed

The good news is that Gaviscon is here to help.

FAQs

Indigestion can strike at any time and can be caused by a change in diet, excessive stress or other triggers, such as starting a new medicine.1 Don’t worry though –  for most people, indigestion is nothing to be unduly concerned about.1  However, if you get indigestion regularly and you are aged 55 years or over, have lost weight without trying, have increasing trouble swallowing, persistent vomiting, can feel a lump in your stomach, have blood in your vomit or stools or think you might be anaemic (you feel tired, breathless and your heart beat is irregular), you should see your doctor to get checked out.2

The feeling of indigestion can range from discomfort and abdominal pain and feeling uncomfortably full, through to heartburn (where you have a burning pain rising up into your foodpipe), bloating, belching or feeling nauseous or vomiting.2

Although diet can play a part in triggering indigestion, it’s also important to think about how you eat. Was it a large meal? Did you eat it too fast? These are known to cause indigestion.1 Fatty, greasy or spicy foods can also be culprits; caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or fruit juices are known triggers.2

Treatment

In addition to identifying and avoiding your indigestion triggers,1 there are medicines you can buy over-the-counter, such as Gaviscon, that can help ease your symptoms. The most common contain alginates and antacids and for most people can be all they need to get their life back from indigestion.1, 2

Gaviscon products work in two ways: they contain antacids which turn excess stomach acid into water, neutralising their ability to irritate the stomach’s protective lining; plus an alginate that forms a foam barrier that sits on top of the stomach to stop stomach acids flowing back up into your foodpipe.2,3

By combining the two, in Gaviscon Extra, you can enjoy the relief you need from indigestion. And the great news is that Gaviscon Extra starts acting instantly and lasts for up to 4 hours.3,4

How much Gaviscon Extra you should take depends on your age and the formulation you prefer:3,5,6

  • Gaviscon Extra Liquid: Adults and children 12 years and over: take 10-20ml after meals and at bedtime, up to four times a day. Gaviscon Extra should not be taken by children under 12 years of age without medical advice
  • Gaviscon Extra Tablets: Adults and children 12 years and over: take two to four tablets after meals and at bedtime, up to four times a day. Gaviscon Extra should not be taken by children under 12 years of age without medical advice
  • Gaviscon Extra Sachets: Adults and children 12 years and over: take one to two 10 ml sachets after meals and at bedtime, up to four times a day. Gaviscon Extra should not be taken by children under 12 years of age without medical advice.

All information presented is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnant? Look no further than Gaviscon Advance.

Date of preparation: June 2021. RB-M-43763

Recommended Product

    References

    1. Guts UK. Indigestion. Accessed November 2020. https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/symptoms/indigestion/.
    2. Health Service Executive. Dyspepsia. Accessed November 2020. https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/d/dyspepsia/.
    3. Gaviscon Extra Oral Suspension Summary of Product Characteristics. Accessed June 2021 https://www.medicines.ie/medicines/gaviscon-extra-oral-suspension-32242/patient-info
    4. Strugala V, et al. Int J Med Res, 2010;38:449-457.
    5. Gaviscon Extra Chewable Tablets. Summary of Product Characteristics. Accessed June 2021 https://www.medicines.ie/medicines/gaviscon-extra-chewable-tablets-32239/patient-info
    6. Gaviscon Extra Liquid Sachets Peppermint Summary of Product Characteristics. Accessed June 2021 https://www.medicines.ie/medicines/gaviscon-extra-liquid-sachets-peppermint-flavour-34892/patient-info

    Frequent Sufferers

    Repeatedly suffering from indigestion? Don’t let it put your life on pause.

    FAQs

    Indigestion can range from a burning pain behind the breastbone to discomfort in your upper abdomen.1 You might feel bloated or excessively full or nauseous for short periods of time, usually after eating.1 It is very rare that indigestion is a sign of a more serious illness.2 However, if your indigestion bothers you regularly, speak to your doctor as there are medicines that can help. If you are aged 55 years or over, have lost weight without trying, have increasing trouble swallowing, persistent vomiting, can feel a lump in your stomach, have blood in your vomit or stools or think you might be anaemic (you feel tired, breathless and your heartbeat is irregular), you should see your doctor to get checked out.1

    References

    1. Health Service Executive. Dyspepsia. Accessed November 2020. https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/d/dyspepsia/.
    2. Guts UK. Indigestion. Accessed November 2020. https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/symptoms/indigestion/.