The symptoms of indigestion include:

* Burning in the stomach or upper abdomen
* Abdominal pain
* Bloating (full feeling)
* Belching and gas
* Nausea and vomiting
* Acidic taste
* Growling stomach

These symptoms may increase in times of stress.

People often have heartburn (a burning sensation deep in the chest) along with indigestion. But heartburn itself is a different symptom that may indicate another problem.

What Causes Indigestion?

Indigestion has many causes, including:

Diseases:

* Ulcers
* GERD
* Stomach cancer (rare)
* Gastroparesis (a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly; this often occurs in diabetics)
* Stomach infections
* Irritable bowel syndrome
* Chronic pancreatitis
* Thyroid disease
* Pregnancy

How Is Indigestion Treated?

Because indigestion is a symptom rather than a disease, treatment usually depends upon the underlying condition causing the indigestion.

Often, episodes of indigestion go away within hours without medical attention. However, if your symptoms become worse, you should consult a doctor. Avoiding foods and situations that cause indigestion are the best ways to treat it. Here are some helpful tips to alleviate indigestion:

* Try not to chew with your mouth open, talk while chewing or eat too fast. This causes you to swallow too much air, which can aggravate indigestion.
* Drink fluids after rather than during meals.
* Avoid late-night eating.
* Try to relax after meals.
* Avoid spicy foods.
* Stop smoking.
* Avoid alcoholic beverages.

If indigestion is not relieved after making these changes, your doctor may prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms.
The main symptom of GERD is heartburn. It may feel like a burning, warmth, or pain just behind the breastbone. It is also common to have symptoms at night when you are trying to sleep.

If you have pain behind your breastbone, it is important to make sure it is not caused by a problem with your heart. The burning sensation caused by GERD usually occurs after you eat. Pain from the heart usually feels like pressure, heaviness, weight, tightness, squeezing, discomfort, or a dull ache. It occurs most often after you are active. For mild symptoms of GERD, you can try antacids or over-the-counter medicines. These include H2 blockers (for example, Pepcid) or a proton pump inhibitor (for example, Prilosec OTC). Changing your diet, losing weight, and making other lifestyle changes can also help.

HOWEVER!!!!! if you get pains ANYWHERE ELSE.. .like in your arms.. in your NECK..

This page >> http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/when-call-doctor

tells you when to call the doctor.. if you’re throwing up what looks like coffeegrounds.. and if you are short of breath.. you’ve got pain radiating down your arms.. and up your neck.. see the doc! blood in the fvomit looks like coffeegrounds, not like regular blood unless its’ fresh from your throat.. digested blood looks different (this happened to me once).