One of the most common symptoms presented is abdominal discomfort or pain. A detailed diagnosis including site and severity of pain, history and any other symptoms need to be taken into account.

You should consider whether you have made any recent change in diet, alcohol consumption or smoking habit, as this may be the cause or aggravate the symptoms.
Indigestion produces pain, which is not easy to locate precisely, but is generally located between the navel and the breast-bone. It is rare in children, who will probably have an infection of some sort if they complain of indigestion.

Heartburn is caused when the contents of the stomach, especially acid, is forced back up through the valve at the top of the stomach, causing pain in the gullet.
It is a burning discomfort in the upper part of the stomach and upwards behind the breastbone. Sometimes it can be felt up to the throat, with an acid taste in the mouth. It is mainly brought on by a large meal and worsens when bending or lying down. Heartburn is more common in the overweight and is very common in pregnant women (approx. 50%). The problem is most common in those who are pregnant, overweight or over 55 years of age. Heartburn is not a childhood condition. The pain may be severe and sudden.

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that have many possible causes. While there are treatments to prevent nausea and vomiting, once vomiting has started it is very difficult to stop with Over-the-counter medicines, as they do not spend long enough in the stomach to act.

The very young and elderly easily become dehydrated when vomiting.