Jean Goodwin, age 13, of Shreveport, La., for her question:

WHAT CAUSES INDIGESTION?

Indigestion is a discomfort that may follow eating. It is a symptom and not a disease. It is most commonly caused by eating or drinking too much.

Indigestion can often be felt as a dull or severe pain or else as a feeling of fullness. Sometimes it can be relieved simply by belching or by passing gas.

Sometimes there is a painful burning sensation that rises from the stomach toward the mouth after eating. This is called heartburn. Difficult or impaired digestion is called "dyspepsia."

Indigestion also accompanies peptic ulcer, stomach hernia and liver or gallbladder disease. It may also accompany heart or kidney disease.

Indigestion sometimes can be prevented by avoiding rich, highly seasoned foods.

Persons with persistent or recurrent indigestion should be treated by doctors.