DYSPEPSIA

Dyspepsia or Indigestion is defined as a pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen, or a burning sensation behind the breastbone (heartburn). Symptoms usually appear soon after eating or drinking, or triggered by other factors such as pregnancy, stress and an underlying gastric disease and often affects many people, though often mild and only occasionally.

The main symptom of indigestion is pain in the upper abdomen or a burning sensation behind the breastbone that may occur or its own or together. These symptoms are usually felt after the ingestion of food and drink. Other symptoms include:

  • feeling uncomfortably full or heavy
  • belching or flatulence
  • bringing food or fluid back up from your stomach (reflux)
  • nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

While often mild, infrequent and may not require professional treatment, in times of severe distress, it is advisable to consult a physician immediately for proper diagnosis. A complete and thorough physical examination will reveal a more precise diagnosis.

Other examinations that may be requested by the physician are the following:

  • Endoscopy
  • Stool exam, with stool antigen test for suspicions of Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection
  • Blood culture, for suspicion of H. pylori infection

 

Treatment

Treatment for indigestion (dyspepsia) will vary, depending on what is causing it and how severe your symptoms are. Essentially, the bulk of treatment relies on diet and lifestyle changes.

Medications that may help in the relief of dyspepsia include:

  • Antacids
  • Alginates
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (ie. Omeprazole)
  • H2-receptor antagonists (ie. Cimetidine)

Adverse effects may include nausea and vomiting, rashes and skin allergies.

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