Can indigestion cause nausea

These physiological events happen in short intervals and do not cause any symptoms. Many people experience occasional episodes of gastroesophageal reflux GER. These can cause a burning sensation, or heartburn , in the middle of the chest that moves up toward the throat. This tends to occur because esophageal tissues are sensitive to stomach acids and can sustain damage.

However, if a person experiences acid reflux more than twice per week, the condition is more likely to be GERD. The symptoms are generally severe and may disrupt daily life or keep a person awake at night.

It is unclear why GERD tends to cause nausea, though it may be related to the way acid reflux happens. Generally, after a person takes in liquids or foods, the lower esophageal sphincter closes to prevent any food particles or stomach acids from flowing back up into the esophagus. When the lower esophageal sphincter does not function properly, however, a person may experience acid reflux.

This can lead to a feeling of nausea. GERD is one of several digestive disorders that may cause nausea. Common disorders include:. Typically, nausea is not the only symptom of chronic digestive disorders.

A person may also experience:. The treatment for digestive disorders will vary depending on the cause. It may involve a combination of medications, dietary or lifestyle changes, and medical procedures. There are several symptoms associated with GERD, but the most common is chronic, severe heartburn. Without treatment, GERD may develop into more serious conditions , including:. Taking PPIs may also increase the risk of developing a serious bacterial intestinal infection called Clostridioides difficile.

Some risk factors for GERD include:. Some lifestyle changes that can help treat GERD include:. Some medications , available both over the counter and with a prescription, may also help a person manage GERD. When working properly, the LES serves as a barrier that prevents digestive acid from the stomach from leaking into the esophagus.

However, if the LES is weakened or malfunctioning, stomach acid can reach the esophagus and cause repeated bouts of heartburn. These damaged cells can transform into esophageal adenocarcinoma, a potentially fatal cancer. If GERD is suspected, your doctor may perform an endoscopy, a procedure in which a lighted scope is inserted into the esophagus, to examine the digestive tract. If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain or bloating in addition to heartburn, you may be suffering from gastritis.

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and may be caused by bacteria, infection, chronic vomiting, or excessive use of alcohol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. An endoscopy will reveal the extent of the damage to your stomach lining. A persistent cough or hiccup may be a sign of a hiatal hernia, a condition in which part of the stomach slips through a hole in the diaphragm.

The diaphragm is the muscle between the chest and the abdomen that plays a crucial role in breathing: when your diaphragm contracts, it inflates your lungs, allowing you to inhale.

It has a small opening through which the esophagus passes. Many of them relate to how acid reflux happens. The LES can weaken for a number of reasons. If you have a weak LES, you may have more problems with reflux if you eat the following foods :.

People who have acid reflux often experience a sour taste in their mouth from stomach acids. The taste, along with the frequent burping and coughing associated with reflux and GERD, can create nausea and even vomiting in some cases. Indigestion , or heartburn, is another symptom of reflux and GERD that can contribute to nausea. Indigestion is the sensation produced by refluxed stomach acid and contents irritating the esophagus.

You can generally treat acid reflux-induced nausea with a combination of lifestyle changes, home remedies, and medication. Here are some steps you can take:. Change your eating patterns. Eat smaller meals and reduce your fat intake to curtail indigestion and keep your LES working as it should. Reflux and nausea can occur when your stomach is too empty, so try to eat smaller and more frequent meals. Stop smoking.

Nicotine products can weaken your LES, increasing your symptoms. Wear loose-fitting clothes. Tight-fitting clothes put additional pressure on your stomach, which can contribute to acid reflux and nausea. Stay upright after eating. Keep stomach acids in your stomach by staying in an upright position for two to three hours after eating. Elevate your head when you sleep. Put 6-inch blocks under the head of your bed to assist gravity in keeping the acid in your stomach.

Chew gum. Chewing gum can reduce your incidence of acid reflux, according to a study published in the Journal of Dental Research. It can also help eliminate the sour taste in your mouth that can cause nausea. Harness the power of ginger.