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Digestion Problems (Indigestion, Bloating & Gas)

Indigestion, bloating, gas and nausea are common and usually not serious — but vomiting blood, black stools, trouble swallowing or weight loss needs a doctor, and chest pain could be your heart.

Call 911 right away if you have:

See a doctor right away if indigestion comes with (NIDDK):

  • Black, tarlike stools — or red or maroon blood mixed with your stool (NIDDK).
  • Severe and constant belly pain — or sudden, sharp pain that doesn’t go away, feeling dizzy or fainting, or a rapid pulse, which can mean an ulcer is bleeding or has made a hole in the stomach (NIDDK).
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
  • Frequent vomiting. MedlinePlus also says to get care if you have been vomiting for more than 24 hours, can’t keep fluids down for 12 hours or more, or have vomited 3 or more times in a day (MedlinePlus).
  • Weight loss without trying or loss of appetite.
  • Yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice) (MedlinePlus).
  • Long-lasting bloating or swelling in your belly.

Age 60 or older with indigestion? U.S. and Canadian gastroenterology guidelines suggest that people 60 and over who have indigestion be checked with an upper endoscopy to rule out a more serious cause (ACG and CAG guideline, 2017). You should also see a doctor if your indigestion doesn’t get better (NIDDK).

What is indigestion?

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia or upset stomach, is a group of digestive symptoms that occur together — most often pain, burning or discomfort in the upper belly; feeling full too soon during a meal or uncomfortably full after a small one; and bloating, nausea or belching. It can come and go, or be chronic, happening regularly for weeks or months, and it isn’t always related to eating (NIDDK). Indigestion is not a disease, but it can be a sign of one (NIDDK). It is different from heartburn, though the two can happen together (NIDDK); see our Acid Reflux guide. MBHA’s guides on Heartburn, Stomach and Gallbladder problems are being written.

How common is it?

Indigestion affects up to 20% of people in the United States each year. Among people who see a doctor about it, about 7 in 10 are diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (NIDDK). You are more likely to have indigestion if you are female, feel stressed, smoke, have certain health problems, or take certain medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In most cases indigestion doesn’t lead to other health problems, but it can affect your quality of life (NIDDK).

Functional dyspepsia: when no cause is found

Most often, doctors can’t find a disease that explains chronic indigestion. This is called functional dyspepsia (NIDDK) — a “disorder of gut-brain interaction,” related to how the brain and gut work together. It isn’t a disease but a group of symptoms that occur together. Research suggests that certain foods and drinks, a stomach that doesn’t relax and expand well with food, an oversensitive upper small intestine, anxiety and depression, and genes may all play a part (NIDDK).

Other causes of indigestion include peptic ulcers, H. pylori and other infections, and medicines such as some antibiotics, NSAIDs, iron supplements, osteoporosis medicines, corticosteroids, and GLP-1 medicines used for diabetes or weight loss (NIDDK). Gallstones, gastritis and an inflamed pancreas can also cause it (MedlinePlus). Don’t stop a prescribed medicine on your own — ask your doctor whether a change is possible (NIDDK).

H. pylori and stomach ulcers

A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Researchers estimate about 1% to 6% of people in the United States have one. The two most common causes are infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and taking NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen; older age, a past ulcer and smoking also raise the risk (NIDDK). Ulcers can cause upper belly pain, early fullness, nausea, bloating and belching — but many people have no symptoms until a complication such as bleeding occurs (NIDDK).

About 30 to 40% of people in the United States get an H. pylori infection, most often as children, and it usually causes no symptoms. It is the main cause of peptic ulcers and can also cause gastritis and stomach cancer (MedlinePlus).

NSAIDs and your stomach: NSAIDs relieve pain but make the stomach lining more prone to damage and ulcers. The risk is higher if you take them for a long time, take high doses or more than one NSAID, take them with certain other medicines, or also have H. pylori (NIDDK). If you need to take them regularly, ask your doctor how to lower the risk (NIDDK).

Bloating and gas

Having some gas is normal, and research suggests 16% to 31% of people experience bloating, a feeling of swelling or fullness in the belly (NIDDK). Gas comes from swallowed air — gum, fizzy drinks, eating too fast, smoking — and from gut bacteria breaking down carbohydrates that weren’t fully digested. Functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose or fructose intolerance, celiac disease and constipation can all add to it (NIDDK); see our Bowel Problems and Celiac Disease guides. Talk with a doctor if gas bothers you, changes suddenly, or comes with belly pain, constipation, diarrhea or weight loss (NIDDK).

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance means digestive symptoms — such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea and belly pain — after milk or milk products, because the small intestine can’t break down all the lactose (milk sugar) (NIDDK, NIDDK). About 36% of people in the United States have lactose malabsorption, though not all of them get symptoms. It is more common among African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans and Hispanics/Latinos (NIDDK). It is different from a milk allergy, which is an immune reaction (NIDDK). Damage to the small intestine from conditions such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease can also cause it, and it may improve once the cause is treated (NIDDK).

Nausea

Nausea — feeling sick to your stomach — can come from stomach infections, food poisoning, reflux, ulcers, migraines, motion sickness, pregnancy, slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis) and medicines, including GLP-1 medicines for diabetes or weight loss and cancer treatment (MedlinePlus). It can also be an early sign of something more serious, such as appendicitis, a blocked bowel or an ulcer (MedlinePlus). MedlinePlus suggests drinking small amounts of clear liquids often (MedlinePlus). For travel-related nausea, see our Air Sickness guide.

Seeing your provider

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, past H. pylori infections, mental health, medicines (especially NSAIDs) and family history, and examine your belly. Tests may include an H. pylori breath, stool or blood test, an upper GI endoscopy (a flexible tube with a camera, often with small tissue samples) for people with warning signs, and sometimes imaging; if no cause is found, your doctor may diagnose functional dyspepsia (NIDDK, NIDDK). A hydrogen breath test can check for lactose intolerance (NIDDK).

Side by side

Six approaches compared

For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.

ApproachWhat it involves Estimated costWhat to expect
Conventional medicine (AMA) Find and treat the cause: test-and-treat for H. pylori, change NSAIDs or other medicines, acid reducers (antacids, H2 blockers, PPIs), then tricyclic antidepressants or prokinetics for functional dyspepsia. Lactase products and simethicone for gas; endoscopy for warning signs or age 60+. Upper endoscopy without insurance: about $950–$4,500 depending on where and what’s included. Tests and medicines: cost estimate being researched. Most ulcers heal with medicine and treating the cause, and H. pylori treatment has a good chance of clearing the infection. Functional dyspepsia care is step by step; it can take a few tries to find what helps.
Chiropractic Being researched — coming soon.
Acupuncture Needle acupuncture for functional dyspepsia, usually as a short course of sessions; P6 (inner wrist) acupressure or acupuncture for nausea. About $125–$230 for a first private visit and $95–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90. Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain. One good-sized trial found more people improved than with sham acupuncture, with benefits lasting 12 weeks. P6 evidence is mainly for nausea after surgery.
Herbal medicine Peppermint and caraway oil combinations, STW 5 (Iberogast) and artichoke leaf for functional dyspepsia; ginger for some kinds of nausea; probiotics (mixed evidence). Cost estimate being researched. Peppermint–caraway has the strongest evidence (moderate certainty). STW 5 evidence is less certain and rare liver injury has been reported. Ask before combining with medicines.
Massage therapy Relaxation massage for stress. Abdominal massage has been studied mainly for constipation, not indigestion. About $50–$90 for 45–60 minutes at clinics, gyms and spas. We found no good evidence that massage treats indigestion, bloating or nausea. Severe belly pain needs medical care, not massage.
MBHA Wellness Coach Smaller meals eaten slowly, a food and symptom diary, less alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks and fatty food, not lying down after meals, quitting smoking, stress care, gentle activity and avoiding unneeded NSAIDs. Cost estimate being researched. Habit changes help many people find and ease their triggers. They support — not replace — a check-up, especially with warning signs.

Approach 1 of 6

Conventional medicine (AMA)

How doctors treat indigestion depends on the cause. They may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medicines, changes to what you eat and drink, or mental health therapies (NIDDK). We name medicines by type only and don’t list doses — follow the label or your prescriber.

1. A step-by-step plan

The joint American College of Gastroenterology and Canadian Association of Gastroenterology guideline suggests (ACG and CAG guideline, 2017):

  • Age 60 or older: an upper endoscopy to rule out a more serious cause. People at higher risk of stomach cancer — such as those with a family history, or who grew up in a country where stomach cancer is common — may be offered one younger.
  • Under 60: a non-invasive test for H. pylori, and treatment if it is positive. Warning signs don’t automatically mean endoscopy at this age; doctors decide case by case.
  • If there’s no H. pylori, or symptoms continue: a trial of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). If that doesn’t work, a tricyclic antidepressant or a prokinetic (a medicine that helps the stomach empty) can be tried.

2. Acid-reducing medicines

  • Antacids may relieve indigestion (MedlinePlus).
  • H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) lower the amount of acid the stomach makes. You can buy them without a prescription, but if indigestion doesn’t get better, see your doctor. Doctors may prescribe a PPI longer-term for functional dyspepsia (NIDDK). Side effects of PPIs are uncommon but can include headache, diarrhea and upset stomach, and they may raise the chance of C. diff infection; talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits (NIDDK).

3. Treating H. pylori and ulcers

  • Test and treat: H. pylori is treated with a combination of medicines — most often two or more antibiotics plus a PPI, sometimes with bismuth subsalicylate. Take every dose exactly as prescribed: stopping early can let bacteria survive and become resistant (NIDDK).
  • The 2024 ACG guideline prefers bismuth quadruple therapy as the first treatment when it isn’t known which antibiotics the bacteria resist, and says salvage regimens with clarithromycin or levofloxacin should be used only when testing shows the bacteria are susceptible (ACG H. pylori guideline, 2024).
  • Check it worked: your provider may retest you at least 4 weeks after you finish the antibiotics; if the infection is still there, a different combination is used (NIDDK). MedlinePlus notes there is a good chance the infection will be cured if you take the medicines and follow your provider’s advice, which makes another ulcer much less likely (MedlinePlus).
  • NSAID ulcers: your doctor may suggest stopping the NSAID, a different or lower-dose one, or a different pain medicine — or adding a PPI if you need to keep taking it. Taking medicines and treating the cause heals most ulcers (NIDDK).

4. Functional dyspepsia: when acid medicine isn’t enough

5. Gas, bloating and lactose

  • Simethicone is used for gas symptoms such as uncomfortable or painful pressure, fullness and bloating; taken as directed it usually has no side effects (MedlinePlus).
  • Lactase products — tablets taken before milk products or drops added to milk — can help some people with lactose intolerance. Check with your doctor first; some people, such as young children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may not be able to use them (NIDDK).
  • Prescription medicines may treat causes such as irritable bowel syndrome or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (NIDDK).

What it costs

  • Upper endoscopy (EGD) without insurance: prepaid prices of about $990–$4,483, a typical hospital cash price of about $1,367 for an EGD with biopsy, and flat-rate packages of about $950–$2,600 that include the doctor, facility, anesthesia and pathology. Hospital cash prices may leave out anesthesia and pathology, which can be billed separately — ask for an all-in quote (The Pricer, 2026).
  • With Medicare: at an ambulatory surgery center you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible (The Pricer, 2026).
  • H. pylori breath, stool or blood tests, and over-the-counter and prescription medicines: cost estimate being researched.

Find a medical doctor in our directory

Approach 3 of 6

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been studied mainly for functional dyspepsia, and acupressure at a wrist point for nausea. It is best used alongside medical care, after a doctor has ruled out other causes — especially if you have any warning sign above.

Functional dyspepsia

  • The key trial: a 2020 study at 5 hospitals in China randomly assigned 278 adults with postprandial distress syndrome — the most common type of functional dyspepsia, with fullness after meals, upper belly bloating and feeling full early — to 12 sessions of real or sham acupuncture over 4 weeks. After treatment, 83% of the acupuncture group responded, compared with about 52% of the sham group, and about 28% versus 17% had all three main symptoms go away. The benefit lasted through 12 weeks of follow-up, and there were no serious side effects (Yang et al., Annals of Internal Medicine, 2020).
  • Limits: results were based on what patients reported, many people dropped out, the acupuncturists couldn’t be blinded, and all participants were in China (Yang et al., 2020).

Nausea: the P6 wrist point

  • A 2015 Cochrane review (59 trials, 7,667 people) found that stimulating the P6 point on the inner wrist reduced nausea and vomiting after surgery compared with sham, though the evidence was rated low quality (Cochrane review, 2015). A 2025 update (77 trials) found both needle and no-needle methods, such as acupressure wristbands, may reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery, with low confidence in most findings (Cochrane review, 2025).
  • Experts generally agree acupuncture helps nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment, though it’s uncertain whether it adds to today’s standard anti-nausea medicines (NCCIH).
  • This research is about surgery and cancer care. We found no good studies of P6 for everyday indigestion-related nausea, and frequent or persistent vomiting needs a doctor.

Safety

Relatively few complications have been reported, but nonsterile needles and improper treatment can cause serious harm such as infections. The FDA requires needles to be sterile and single-use, and most states license acupuncturists (NCCIH).

What it costs

Clinics charge about $125–$230 for a first private visit and $95–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90 a visit (The Pricer). Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain, so it won’t pay for digestive treatment (Medicare.gov).

Find an acupuncturist in our directory

Approach 4 of 6

Herbal medicine

Your doctor may suggest certain supplements, such as peppermint oil or caraway oil, for indigestion — but talk with your doctor before using any supplement (NIDDK). We don’t list doses or brands; follow the label or your provider’s advice.

Peppermint and caraway oil together

  • A 2023 Cochrane review of herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia (41 trials, 4,477 people) found that peppermint and caraway oil combined probably improve overall indigestion symptoms a lot compared with placebo at four weeks, and probably improve quality of life (moderate-certainty evidence), with possibly little or no difference in side effects (low-certainty evidence). Compared with other treatments, it may give little or no extra benefit (Cochrane review, 2023).
  • A 2019 review of 5 trials (578 people) reached a similar conclusion for short-term use, but noted that the trials were small and the evidence low quality (Li et al., 2019).
  • Peppermint oil on its own is different: NCCIH says there is no evidence it helps indigestion and it may make indigestion worse for some people. Side effects can include heartburn, nausea, belly pain and dry mouth (NCCIH) — worth knowing if you also have acid reflux.

STW 5 (Iberogast)

Artichoke leaf

In a six-week trial of 244 people with functional dyspepsia, artichoke leaf extract improved symptoms and quality of life more than placebo (Holtmann et al., 2003). The Cochrane review rated this evidence low certainty, based on that single study (Cochrane review, 2023).

Ginger for nausea

Research shows ginger may help nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, but most studies of ginger for motion sickness haven’t shown a benefit, and it’s uncertain whether it helps nausea after surgery or with chemotherapy. Ginger can itself cause belly discomfort, heartburn and diarrhea. If you are pregnant, ask your provider first (NCCIH).

Probiotics

The evidence is mixed. NCCIH notes probiotics may help overall irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and belly pain, but in most cases we still don’t know which probiotics help and which don’t. The risk of harm is greater in people with severe illness or a weakened immune system (NCCIH). We found no strong evidence for probiotics in indigestion itself.

Safety with any herbal product

Supplements can interact with medicines or pose risks with some health problems, and “natural” does not always mean safe (NCCIH). If you take any medicine, talk with your provider before using an herbal product (NCCIH), and don’t use herbs to treat warning signs such as bleeding, weight loss or trouble swallowing.

Approach 5 of 6

Massage therapy

We found no good studies showing that massage treats indigestion, bloating or nausea. Research on abdominal massage has focused on constipation — see the massage section of our Bowel Problems guide. A relaxing massage may still be a pleasant way to unwind if stress makes your symptoms worse, but it isn’t a treatment for the cause.

Severe or constant belly pain needs a doctor, not massage (NIDDK).

Safety

The risk of harm from massage appears low, but rare serious side effects such as a blood clot, nerve injury or bone fracture have been reported, some involving vigorous techniques or people at higher risk, such as older adults (NCCIH). Tell your therapist about your health conditions.

What it costs

Clinics, gyms and spas charge about $30–$50 for 30–45 minutes and $50–$90 for 45–60 minutes (CostHelper).

Find a massage therapist in our directory

Approach 6 of 6

MBHA Wellness Coach

An MBHA Wellness Coach can help you turn your provider’s advice into steady daily habits and track what helps. These steps support — but don’t replace — a check-up, especially if any warning sign above appears.

How you eat

  • Smaller, slower meals: eat smaller, more frequent meals, eat slowly, and sit down to eat instead of eating on the run (NIDDK).
  • Allow enough time for meals, chew food carefully, avoid arguments at meals, and avoid excitement or exercise right after eating (MedlinePlus).
  • Skip gum, hard candy, fizzy drinks and straws, and avoid talking while eating, to swallow less air (NIDDK).
  • Don’t lie down right after eating if you also have reflux: eating meals at least 3 hours before you lie down or go to bed may help night-time symptoms (NIDDK).

A food and symptom diary

Different people react to different foods. Common triggers for functional dyspepsia include fizzy drinks, grain and wheat products, caffeine, fruits and fruit juices, and fatty or greasy foods (NIDDK). For gas, beans and lentils, broccoli and cauliflower, some fruits, dairy, whole grains and sugar-free sweeteners ending in “-ol” are common culprits (NIDDK). Write down what you eat and drink and when symptoms happen, and share it with your doctor or a registered dietitian (NIDDK).

Alcohol, caffeine and smoking

Stress and the gut-brain connection

Functional dyspepsia is a disorder of how the gut and brain work together, and anxiety and depression may play a role (NIDDK). Doctors may recommend meditation, relaxation exercises or counseling (NIDDK). A coach can help you build a short daily relaxation habit and notice links between stressful days and symptoms.

Gentle activity

A 10- to 15-minute walk after eating may help prevent gas (MedlinePlus).

Be careful with NSAIDs

Avoid aspirin and other NSAIDs when you can; if you must take them, take them on a full stomach (MedlinePlus). If you take NSAIDs regularly, ask your doctor about ways to lower your ulcer risk, such as a different medicine, a shorter course, or testing for H. pylori before long-term use (NIDDK). Don’t stop or change a medicine your doctor prescribed without asking first (NIDDK).

Another approach

Living with lactose intolerance

Most people with lactose intolerance can have some lactose without symptoms, and amounts vary from person to person (NIDDK). You may not need to cut out milk products completely — and avoiding them all can leave you short of calcium and vitamin D (NIDDK).

  • Have small amounts of milk at a time, with meals, and add milk products back a little at a time to see how you feel (NIDDK).
  • Try yogurt and hard cheeses such as cheddar or Swiss, which are lower in lactose, and lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk products, which are just as healthy as regular ones (NIDDK).
  • Get calcium from other foods too: canned salmon or sardines with soft bones, broccoli and leafy greens, oranges, almonds, dried beans, tofu, and calcium-fortified foods (NIDDK).
  • Read labels: milk, lactose, whey, curds, milk by-products, dry milk solids and nonfat dry milk powder all mean lactose. It can hide in baked goods, processed foods and meats, and some medicines (NIDDK).
  • Talk with your doctor or a dietitian before making big changes, so you still get the nutrients you need (NIDDK).

Still being researched: Chiropractic. We add each approach once its costs and results are sourced. Are you a practitioner with experience treating Digestion Problems (Indigestion, Bloating & Gas)? Tell us.

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This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.

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