Indigestion (dyspepsia) means discomfort in the upper abdomen, such as pain or burning, feeling full very quickly, or heavy fullness after meals. It is very common. When tests, including a gastroscopy, do not find a cause such as an ulcer, it is called functional dyspepsia. The stomach is not damaged, but it is more sensitive, or it relaxes and empties less smoothly after food.
Symptoms
- Pain or burning in the upper abdomen
- Feeling full after only a small amount of food
- Uncomfortable fullness or bloating after meals
- Nausea or belching
Heartburn rising into the chest is more typical of reflux, and many people have both.
Warning signs that need prompt assessment
- Unintended weight loss, or loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing, or repeated vomiting
- Black stools, vomiting blood, or anaemia
- New symptoms in an older adult, or a family history of stomach cancer
Tests
- A test for H. pylori
- A gastroscopy is often advised in Singapore, because stomach cancer is more common in Asia. It also checks for ulcers and inflammation. See stomach cancer screening.
- Sometimes blood tests or an ultrasound, for example to look for gallstones if there are bouts of severe pain
Treatment
- Treating H. pylori if it is present
- Smaller, more frequent meals, less fatty and rich food, and not eating late at night
- Cutting down alcohol and stopping smoking, and reviewing painkillers
- Acid-reducing medicine, or medicine that helps the stomach empty
- Low-dose medicines that calm the sensitivity of the gut nerves, for symptoms that persist
- Paying attention to stress and sleep, which often affect symptoms. Slow abdominal breathing can help some people.
Functional dyspepsia often comes and goes. The aim of treatment is to make symptoms mild enough not to interfere with daily life.
General information only. Reviewed by Dr Chia Chung King, 2026-11-07. Book a consultation.