As many as one in four people with dyspepsia have an ulcer, an open sore on the lining of the stomach or the small intestine. Acid reflux disease is the next most common cause of dyspepsia. In this condition, stomach acid splashes into the esophagus. People with acid reflux disease generally suffer heartburn. On occasion, they may experience stomach pain as well.
Many people blame their upset stomachs on stress.
But while stress can undoubtedly make your symptoms worse, it's not likely to be the sole cause of indigestion. In the worst-case scenario, dyspepsia may be a sign of stomach cancer. This condition is extremely rare, and in the United States it's almost unheard of in people under 50. Doctors can take several different approaches to treating dyspepsia. Each has pros and cons, and no one strategy is right for everyone.