INDIGESTION
Student Information Sheet

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen or chest, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, and sometimes vomiting.  It may have many causes.  For some, the cause is reflux of stomach acids or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).  For others, the problem may be related to excessive squeezing action of the stomach.  For most, the cause is lifestyle related. 

Your provider will review your symptoms and make recommendations. Medication may be prescribed.  If your symptoms do not improve, diagnostic tests may be performed such as X-rays of your stomach, or endoscopy, where a gastroenterologist uses an instrument to look at the inside of the stomach.

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS:

• Stop Smoking
• Reduce or Stop Alcohol Use
• Avoid dietary irritants such as fat, chocolate, caffeine and spearmint
• Lose weight, if obese
• Avoid lying down after meals
• Avoid late night meals
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes
• Avoid exercising with a full stomach; exercise before a meal or at least one hour afterward
• Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen or naprosyn.

Contact Health Services if any of the following occur:

• Persistent vomiting, weight loss or persistent loss of appetite
• Black, tarry stools or blood in vomit
• Severe abdominal pain
• Indigestion accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck or arm
• Peristent or recurrent indigestion

SCHS: CJA 10/02

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Smith College Health Services // Northampton, Massachusetts 01063 // (413) 585-2800