Indigestion, also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach, is a common condition that can be triggered by a number of factors, including diet, smoking, body weight or stomach-related health conditions, such as ulcers. You may be able to control indigestion side effects through the use of over-the-counter antacids or prescription medications. If you experience indigestion side effects, talk with your doctor to learn how you can better manage this condition.
Upper Abdominal Pain
The most common side effect of indigestion is pain in the upper abdomen, explain doctors at The Mayo Clinic. You may experience a burning sensation that radiates from your stomach up into your chest or throat. Certain patients may become painfully or uncomfortably full after eating a snack or meal, which can persist for several hours after eating.
Nausea or Bloating
You may develop sensations of nausea or bloating, warn health officials at The University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. Severe nausea may cause vomiting. Abdominal bloating may cause your stomach to temporarily distend, which may make your clothing feel uncomfortably tight or restrictive.
Belching or Flatulence
Indigestion may cause excess gas to build up within your stomach, which can lead to side effects of belching or flatulence, report medical professionals at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus. Belching and flatulence allow air that is trapped within the body to escape and may provide some relief from indigestion symptoms in certain patients. The trapped gas that is expelled from the body may emit an unpleasant odor.
Constipation or Diarrhea
You may develop changes in your bowel habits as a side effect of indigestion, report Ohio State Medical Center health professionals. You may experience a frequent urge to have a bowel movement, which yields loose, watery stools, a side effect called diarrhea. Bowel movement difficulties or producing small, hard stools, called constipation, also may occur. Diarrhea and constipation may be uncomfortable and may contribute to sensations of abdominal pain, cramping or bloating in certain patients.
