What is Indigestion? Causes, Symptoms & Finding Relief

There are several causes of indigestion, many of which are related to lifestyle habits, existing health conditions, and triggers from specific foods, drinks, or medications. Some of the most common causes of indigestion include:

Typically, symptoms of indigestion last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. If discomfort from indigestion persists for more than two weeks, or you feel severe pain, talk to your doctor. Similarly, if you experience other symptoms such as weight loss, repeated vomiting, trouble swallowing, fatigue, shortness of breath, blood in your stool, or chest pain, you should consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Determining how to treat and what to take for indigestion can vary depending on its cause. For occasional indigestion, over-the-counter (OTC) antacid medications like Pepto-Bismol, Tums, and Rolaids, can help relieve symptoms by neutralizing stomach acid. It's a good idea to have these on hand to be ready when indigestion strikes, but avoid using them more than a few times a week.

If you experience frequent or chronic indigestion, or find that antacids do not help, you may need to explore other treatment options. Sometimes, making simple lifestyle changes — such as avoiding triggering foods or finding alternatives to medications — can be helpful. In other cases, antibiotics or prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine (H2) blockers, or prokinetics, may be necessary.

If you’re unsure about the treatment you need, consider talking to your Rexall Pharmacist. They can offer advice and recommendations based on your current health concerns, symptoms, and any medications you are taking.