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Definition
Dyspepsia is the term used to describe discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest that is often associated with nausea, belching, or bloating.
Locations of Dyspepsia Symptoms
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Causes
The exact cause of dyspepsia is not known. Most commonly, however, the condition is attributed to a number of unhealthy lifestyle factors that can result in poor digestion most commonly affecting the esophagus and stomach.
Risk Factors
The following lifestyle factors increase your chances of experiencing dyspepsia:
- Overeating
- Eating too quickly or at irregular intervals
- Eating greasy, high-fat, or spicy foods
- Drinking caffeine, alcohol, or soda pop in excess
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- Smoking
- Psychological stress
If the discomfort persists despite addressing these factors, your doctor may order tests to determine if the symptoms are related to a more serious condition, such as gastritis or a peptic ulcer . In many cases, your doctor may recommend treating your symptoms with medications first and following up with tests if this proves ineffective.
Symptoms
Dyspepsia is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including:
Pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chestNauseaAbdominal bloatingBelching or regurgitation Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Dyspepsia is diagnosed primarily on the basis of typical symptoms, as listed above. However, in the event that you experience persistent or worsening discomfort or develop more worrisome symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, or unexpected weight lossyour doctor may order one or more of the following tests to investigate your symptoms further: Laboratory blood work A barium x-ray , which involves drinking a chalking solution to highlight the upper digestive tract An ultrasound , which involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to view and examine the organs of the abdominal cavity An endoscopy, which involves the insertion of a long, thin tube affixed with a light and camera down the throat to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestineA gastric emptying study, which involves the ingestion of food containing a small amount of radioactive material to help determine the rate at which the stomach empties of food TreatmentYour doctor will suggest a treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms. Treatment options may include the following:
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes Your doctor may advise you to: Reduce your intake of fatty and spicy foodsReduce your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and/or sodapopStop smokingAvoid nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugsFind ways to manage your stress, if this appears related to your symptoms Medications Medications may include: Antacids such as over-the-counter Rolaids, Maalox, or Mylanta to help neutralize stomach acidAcid suppression agents such as Zantac, Pepcid, or PrilosecProkinetic agents to help the stomach empty its contents more quicklyAntidepressantslow dose tricyclic antidepressants (eg desipramine, nortriptyline etc.) or SSRIs (eg Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro etc.) are used to treat the pain associated with dyspepsia. Antibiotics, if your tests confirmed the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection in your stomach, however this treatment appears to benefit only a minority of patients. Prevention To prevent dyspepsia: Avoid overeatingEat slowly and regularlyAvoid greasy, high-fat foodsLimit spicy foodsDont smokeDrink coffee, alcohol, and soda pop in moderationMaintain a healthy weightExercise regularlyPractice relaxation techniques if under considerable stress RESOURCES:
The American College of Gastroenterologyhttp://www.acg.gi.org American Gastroenterological Associationhttp://www.gastro.org University of Pennsylvania Health System--Digestive and Liver Centerhttp://www.pennhealth.com/gi/health_info/index.html CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Health Guidehttp://www.bchealthguide.org The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG)http://www.cag-acg.org References: Functional dyspepsia. University of North Carolina School of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.med.unc.edu/wrkunits/2depts/medicine/fgidc/collateral/functional_dyspepsia_06132005.pdf#search=%22dyspepsia%22 . Functional dyspepsia (non-ulcer dyspepsia). The Merck Manual website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section3/chapter21/21c.jsp . Karamanolis, G, Caenepeel, P, Arts, J, Tack, J. Association of the predominant symptom with clinical characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms in functional dyspepsia. Gastroenterology . 2006; 130:296 Mertz, H, Fullerton, S, Naliboff, B, Mayer, EA. Symptoms and visceral perception in severe functional organic dyspepsia. Gut. 1998; 42:814.
Non-ulcer stomach pain. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stomach-pain/DS00524 . Tack, J, Talley, NJ, Camilleri, M ,et al. Functional gastroduodenal disorders. Gastroenterology . 2006; 130:'466 Last reviewed February 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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