Condition guide
Indigestion
Uncomfortable fullness, bloating, or stomach upset after eating? Find quick relief from indigestion with the right remedies and dietary changes.
Find the right medicineTreatment and relief options
- Antacids for quick symptom relief
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid trigger foods (fatty, spicy, acidic)
- Don't lie down immediately after eating
- Reduce stress and eat slowly
When to get help
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting blood or black material
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent indigestion despite treatment
- Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, or pain spreading to your jaw, arm, neck or back — call Triple Zero (000)
Good to know
Indigestion isn't always about acid
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is discomfort between the upper tummy and lower chest that usually comes on after eating or drinking. Rather than the rising burn of heartburn, it often shows up as feeling full too soon, burping, bloating or nausea. Around 1 in 10 people have it, and for many it keeps coming back. Reflux is only one cause: slow stomach emptying, peptic ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection and some medicines can all be involved. If acid rising into your throat is the main problem, see acid reflux; if it is mostly wind and a swollen tummy, see bloating.
Check your medicines and family history
Aspirin, anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), some antibiotics, and some osteoporosis and heart medicines can cause indigestion, so ask your doctor or pharmacist whether there are other options. Having drinks between meals rather than with them, and not eating for 3 hours before bed, may help. See your doctor if you have unexpected weight loss, blood in your vomit, black or bloody poo or trouble swallowing, or if a close family member has had stomach or bowel cancer.
Heart attack pain can feel like indigestion. If you are not sure which it is, call Triple Zero (000).
Sources: healthdirect — Indigestion
Frequently asked questions
Overeating, fatty foods, stress, or acid reflux. Persistent indigestion may indicate underlying condition.
Related conditions
Best of & comparisons
Advice & guides
Digestive health11 min read
Stomach Pain by Location: Causes, Red Flags & Relief
Not all stomach pain is the same. Learn what your pain location means, which OTC medicines may help relieve symptoms, and the red flags that need urgent care.
Digestive health13 min read
Best Probiotics Australia: What Actually Works (2026 Guide)
Strain-specific evidence reviewed. We compare Inner Health Plus, Life-Space and Ethical Nutrients — and explain what CFU counts and storage to look for.
Digestive health9 min read
Constipation Relief and Laxatives: A Plain-English Guide (Australia)
Constipation relief starts with fibre, fluids and movement, then the right laxative. Compare bulk-forming, osmotic, softener and stimulant types in one table.
Digestive health9 min read
Heartburn & Reflux Relief in Australia: The OTC Ladder Explained
Antacid, H2 blocker or PPI? A plain-English guide to matching the right over-the-counter heartburn relief to your symptoms, with the Australian brands for each.
Digestive health11 min read
IBS Treatment: OTC Options and Management in Australia
IBS is manageable, not one-size-fits-all. See which OTC options suit each subtype, what Buscopan and peppermint oil do, and when to go back to your GP.
Digestive health8 min read
Bloating & Wind Relief: What Works in Australia
Beat bloating and trapped wind with evidence-based OTC options — simethicone, peppermint oil and Buscopan — plus the red flags that mean it's time to see a GP.
Medical disclaimer
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you.