A common term (known medically as dyspepsia) covering a variety of symptoms brought on by eating, including heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, and flatulence. Discomfort in the upper abdomen is often caused by eating too much, too quickly, or by eating very rich, spicy, or fatty foods. Persistent or recurrent indigestion may be due to a peptic ulcer, gallstones, oesophagitis, or, rarely, stomach cancer. Antacid drugs help relieve symptoms, but they can mask an underlying cause that needs medical attention. They should not be taken for longer than 2 weeks without medical advice.
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