Indigestion (dyspepsia) and gastritis

Last reviewed: 24 October 2026Urdu summary below

Medically reviewed by Dr Usman Naeem, 24 Oct 2026.

Key points

Functional dyspepsia (no structural cause found) is the commonest type.
H. pylori testing and medicine review are early steps.
Weight loss, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, black stools or anaemia need prompt investigation.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers are a frequent, avoidable cause.

Overview

Dyspepsia is a group of symptoms rather than one disease. After exclusion of ulcers, reflux and other causes, many people are diagnosed with functional dyspepsia, where the stomach is sensitive or empties differently. It can be long-lasting, but it is not dangerous and usually improves with careful management.

Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be caused by H. pylori, anti-inflammatory painkillers, alcohol or autoimmune processes.

Causes and risk factors

H. pylori infection
Anti-inflammatory painkillers (ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin)
Alcohol, smoking, stress and irregular meals
Gallstones, reflux and, uncommonly, stomach or pancreatic disease

Symptoms

Pain or burning in the upper middle abdomen
Feeling full quickly or uncomfortably full after meals
Bloating, nausea, belching

When to seek urgent medical care

Weight loss, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Black stools, vomiting blood or anaemia
First symptoms in older age, or a family history of stomach cancer

In an emergency go to the nearest emergency department or call Rescue 1122.

How it is assessed

Review of symptoms, diet and medicines
A test for H. pylori in many patients
Endoscopy for warning features or when symptoms continue despite treatment

Treatment

General approach

Regular meals and avoiding foods that clearly bring on symptoms
Avoid unnecessary anti-inflammatory painkillers
Treat H. pylori if found; acid-reducing or other symptom-relieving medicines where needed

What you can do

Common questions

Is gastritis the same as an ulcer?

No. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. An ulcer is a deeper break in the lining. Both may be caused by H. pylori or painkillers, and endoscopy can tell them apart.

اردو خلاصہ

بدہضمی میں پیٹ کے اوپری حصے میں درد، جلن، پیٹ بھرا ہوا محسوس ہونا اور متلی ہو سکتی ہے۔ اکثر کوئی خطرناک وجہ نہیں ملتی، مگر ایچ پائلوری، السر، پتے کی پتھری یا درد کی دوائیں وجہ بن سکتی ہیں۔ وزن میں کمی، بار بار قے، نگلنے میں دشواری یا کالا پاخانہ ہو تو جلد ڈاکٹر کو دکھائیں۔

Videos on this topic

Dr Usman Naeem’s own videos (mostly Urdu). They load only when you press play.

English

Is Your Stomach In Danger? 5 Important Questions You Should Ask About Your Stomach Health

Watch on YouTube