Indigestion is an umbrella term that covers several different condition and ailments. It is possible that indigestion can be a sign of an underlying problem such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is a serious condition that causes the contents of the stomach to leak back into the esophagus. Both GERD and indigestion cause the same symptoms such as heartburn and bloating. Functional dyspepsia is another cause of indigestion type symptoms. It is marked by an upset stomach and pain in the upper belly. 

The most common cause of indigestion can be traced to the food that is consumed. Spicy foods and too much alcohol are the most common triggers for the condition. Most indigestion cases occur after a rich meal or after eating too much and too fast. Lactose intolerance has also been shown to cause the condition. During a bout of indigestion it is common to have acid reflux and one usually feels overly full with extreme bloating.

Treatment of indigestion usually comes from over-the-counter medication or tablets that contain magnesium and calcium. Anti inflammatory drugs can also be prescribed to treat severe indigestion and acid reflux. For severe cases a proton pump inhibitor can be used which will reduce the acid production in the stomach which often times will relieve symptoms. 

Common medications for indigestion include:

Omeprazole

Omeprazole is often prescribed to treat GERD and allows the esophagus to heal between bouts of indigestion. It is a proton pump inhibitor and is used to treat frequent heartburn.

Metoclopramide

This medication is also used to treat GERD, indigestion, and acid reflux. It speeds up the healing of the esophagus which can be damaged through prolonged and frequent bouts of indigestion. 

Ranitidine

Commonly used to treat patients with cancers, ranitidine has also been shown to be effective to treat indigestion. It reduces the amount of acid produced.

Belching can also relieve the pressure caused by indigestion and is by far the most common treatment method.
If your indigestion is too severe you should seek medical advice. Doctors can perform an upper endoscopy to determine the cause of the discomfort. By using the endoscope doctors will be able to assess the situation and determine the cause of the indigestion to make an accurate diagnosis. Often times this is a good way to see if the condition is caused not by the food you eat but by an abnormality in the pancreatic bile ducts or other areas of the body.

The bottom line is that indigestion is a very uncomfortable condition that is common in many people across the world. The most common causes of the condition can be traced to the food we eat. Rich and fatty food along with carbonated beverages and wine all increase the possibility of indigestion. If you suffer from bloating, burning and discomfort in the chest that occur after eating you are more than likely suffering from indigestion.