Treatment

Lifestyle changes may help ease indigestion. Your doctor may recommend:

• Avoiding foods that trigger indigestion
• Eating five or six small meals a day instead of three large meals
• Reducing or eliminating the use of alcohol and caffeine
• Avoiding certain pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)
• Finding alternatives for medications that trigger indigestion
• Controlling stress and anxiety

If your indigestion persists, medications may help. Over-the-counter antacids are generally the first choice. Other options include:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which can reduce stomach acid. PPIs may be recommended particularly if you experience heartburn along with indigestion.
• H-2-receptor blockers, which can also reduce stomach acid.
• Prokinetics, which may be helpful if your stomach empties slowly.
• Antibiotics, which can help if H. pylori bacteria are causing your indigestion.
• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, which may ease the discomfort from indigestion by decreasing your sensation of pain.