Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, typically feels like discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, the area between the bottom of the breastbone and the bellybutton. Common sensations include:
- A mild to severe pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen.
- A feeling of fullness or heaviness soon after starting to eat, sometimes so early that you cannot finish your meal.
- Uncomfortable fullness that lasts longer than usual after eating.
- Bloating or a tight, uncomfortable sensation in the upper abdomen.
- Nausea or feeling sick.
- Burping, belching, or passing gas.
- Sometimes a burning feeling that radiates into the chest, known as heartburn, which can accompany indigestion but is a distinct symptom
People describe indigestion differently; some feel a burning sensation, others a heaviness or fullness, and some experience bloating and discomfort as if food lingers in the stomach for hours. Stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms due to the gut-brain axis affecting digestive function
. If indigestion is accompanied by severe pain, difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools, or chest pain radiating to the jaw or arm, it is important to seek medical attention promptly, as these may indicate more serious conditions
. In summary, indigestion feels like upper abdominal discomfort, burning, fullness, bloating, and nausea, often occurring after eating and varying in intensity and exact sensation from person to person
