In most cases, indigestion (dyspepsia) is mild and only occurs occasionally. However, severe indigestion can cause complications, some of which are outlined below.
Oesophageal stricture
Indigestion is often caused by acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid leaks back up into your oesophagus (gullet) and irritates its lining (mucosa). If this irritation builds up over time, it can cause your oesophagus to become scarred. The scarring can eventually lead to your oesophagus becoming narrow and constricted (known as oesophageal stricture).
If you have oesophageal stricture, you may have symptoms such as:
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- food that becomes lodged in your throat
- chest pain
Oesophageal stricture is often treated using surgery to widen your oesophagus.
Pyloric stenosis
Like oesophageal stricture, pyloric stenosis is caused by long-term irritation of the lining of your digestive system from stomach acid.
Pyloric stenosis occurs when the passage between your stomach and your small intestine (known as the pylorus) becomes scarred and narrowed. This causes vomiting and prevents any food you eat from being properly digested.
In most cases, pyloric stenosis is treated using surgery to return the pylorus to its proper width.
Peritonitis
Chronic (long-term) indigestion can break down and infect the lining of your intestinal tract (peritoneum). This is known as peritonitis.
Peritonitis usually occurs if there is a tear or other damage to your peritoneum, which can be caused by repeated exposure to stomach acid.
Peritonitis can be treated using:
- surgery to repair the damage to your peritoneum
- medication to clear the infection
See the Health A-Z topic about Peritonitis for more information about this condition.
