When tests are performed and no cause is found, the term 'non-ulcer dyspepsia' may be used, meaning that no ulcer has been found to account for the symptoms. Because of a component of digestive juice, called pepsin, they are often described as a 'peptic ulcer' . Other recognisable causes of indigestion include disorders of the intestine, gallbladder or pancreas. Sometimes indigestion may be caused by drugs commonly taken for arthritis which can cause irritation of the stomach lining. Although more research is necessary to determine all the risk factors, the following steps should help.
Indigestion is characterised by pain centred in the upper abdomen.
Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, often made worse by bending or lying down. Pain from the heart is also felt in the chest and sometimes in the upper abdomen. There are two kinds of heart pain. Angina should be suspected if the chest pain is brought on by exercise and relieved by rest. The second is the more severe and prolonged pain of a heart attack.