This produces a burning sensation beneath the breastbone that is sometimes accompanied by a bitter taste of fluid rising up into the mouth. Smoking aggravates the condition. A person who has irregular meals, drinks too much strong coffee, and is anxious or depressed often develops mild gastritis. The bloated feeling may encourage aerophagia, the habit of swallowing air, which increases the indigestion symptoms. Obesity also aggravates the condition.
Chronic indigestion can also be a warning sign of cancer.
If the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with normal life or to disturb sleep, a physician should be consulted as soon as possible. Treatment depends on the cause of the indigestion. Many patients find that the symptoms improve after a light, easily digestible meal or a glass of milk. Others find that an antacid medicine brings relief, particularly from heartburn. In cases of excessive acid production, the physician may prescribe a histamine blocking agent that prevents acid from being produced.