What Is Indigestion?

Indigestion (say: in-dih-jest-shun) is just another name for an upset stomach. (It's also called dyspepsia (say: dis-pep-see-ah.) Indigestion usually happens when people eat too much, too fast, or foods that don't "agree" with them. It's fair to say that big cheesesteak sandwich didn't agree with Brandon!

Brandon had a little heartburn with his indigestion. It doesn't mean there was anything wrong with his heart. Heartburn is a burning feeling that travels from a person's chest up to the neck and throat. It's caused by stomach acid, which isn't a problem unless it gets out of your stomach.

With heartburn, stomach acid splashes up and irritates the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Also called acid indigestion, this usually leaves a sour or bitter taste in the person's mouth.

Indigestion and heartburn are common problems for both kids and grownups. That's why you see all those commercials for heartburn and indigestion medicines on TV! But don't take any medicine for indigestion unless your parents or doctor says it's OK. Most of the ones that are advertised on TV are meant for adults, not kids.

Stress, not enough sleep, smoking, or drinking alcohol also can make indigestion worse.

Digestive problems, such as ulcers, can cause the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn, too. But they're not common in kids.

Indigestion (say: in-dih-jest-shun) is just another name for an upset stomach. (It's also called dyspepsia (say: dis-pep-see-ah.) Indigestion usually happens when people eat too much, too fast, or foods that don't "agree" with them. It's fair to say that big cheesesteak sandwich didn't agree with Brandon!

Brandon had a little heartburn with his indigestion. It doesn't mean there was anything wrong with his heart. Heartburn is a burning feeling that travels from a person's chest up to the neck and throat. It's caused by stomach acid, which isn't a problem unless it gets out of your stomach.

With heartburn, stomach acid splashes up and irritates the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Also called acid indigestion, this usually leaves a sour or bitter taste in the person's mouth.

Indigestion and heartburn are common problems for both kids and grownups. That's why you see all those commercials for heartburn and indigestion medicines on TV! But don't take any medicine for indigestion unless your parents or doctor says it's OK. Most of the ones that are advertised on TV are meant for adults, not kids.

Stress, not enough sleep, smoking, or drinking alcohol also can make indigestion worse.

Digestive problems, such as ulcers, can cause the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn, too. But they're not common in kids.