Indigestion often goes away within a few hours without treatment. However, it can often be prevented or treated by making the following lifestyle modifications:

• Avoid foods, such as fatty or spicy foods, that trigger bouts of indigestion. Carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol can also cause indigestion.
  
  
• Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Restrict intake of fluids during meals. To avoid swallowing excessive air, do not chew with the mouth open or talk while eating.
  
  
• Exercise regularly. Getting 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day improves digestion. However, exercising immediately after eating is not advised.
  
  
• Limit stress. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and yoga, can help relieve stress.
  
  
• Maintain a healthy body weight. Excess weight can increase pressure on the abdomen and make indigestion worse.

Patients whose indigestion results from the use of certain medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may choose to explore alternate treatment options with their physician. In addition, research shows that taking an acid-reducing drug in combination with such medications may help reduce symptoms of indigestion in some individuals.

Depending on their cause, some cases of indigestion may be treated with medications, including:

• Antacids. Medications that work by neutralizing stomach acid. They are available without a prescription.
  
  
• Acid blockers. Medications that work by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces. They are available without a prescription.
  
  
• Proton pump inhibitors. Medications that reduce the amount of stomach acid by inhibiting its production. They are available with and without a prescription.
  
  
• Prokinetics. Prescription medications that act on the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract to help move food through the digestive system.
  
  

  

• Tegaserod (Zelnorm) was recently removed from the market due to adverse cardiovascular side effects.  However, metoclopropamide may still be used to treat indigestion despite its frequent side effects.
  
  
• Antispasmodics. Medications that work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the intestines. They are available by prescription.
  
  
• Acid suppressors. Medications to help protect the tissues that line the stomach and small intestine. They are available by prescription.
  
  
• Low-dose antidepressants.  In a few cases, tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (another type of antidepressant) are sometimes prescribed in low doses to treat indigestion. They work by inhibiting the activity of neurons that control the intestines.
  
  
• Antibiotics. Indigestion caused by the microorganism Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may be treated with prescription antibiotics.

Researchers are also currently investigating other medications that may help relieve symptoms of indigestion.

Most types of indigestion can be treated at home. However, patients should consult a physician if:

• Symptoms are persistent or severe.
  
  
• Symptoms are accompanied by weight loss, appetite loss or vomiting.
  
  
• Stools are black or bloody.
  
  
• Severe pain is experienced in the upper right abdomen. This may indicate another serious condition, such as gallstones or pancreatitis.
  
  
• Symptoms are accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating or pain in the jaw, neck or arm. These symptoms may indicate a heart attack.
  
  
• Discomfort is experienced that is unrelated to eating.