What is Dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia is a recurrent or persistent pain or discomfort that is primarily located in the upper abdomen.
What are the symptoms of Dyspepsia?
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- An early sense of fullness with food
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
What could contribute to my symptoms?
- Increased sensitivity of the stomach
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Stress and anxiety
- Food intolerances
What tests do I need to undergo?
- People who are older than 40 or with serious symptoms, such as repeated vomiting, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or a low blood count, should have an upper endoscopy procedure.
SPECIAL TIPS
- Helicobacter Pylori and NSAIDs cause over 90% of peptic ulcers
- All people >40 years with dyspepsia should be investigated endoscopically to rule out gastric malignancy
- People who are younger than 40 and who do not have serious symptoms are generally offered non-invasive testing to detect infection with H. pylori (e.g. stool or breath testing).
- Food allergy and food intolerances ma be tested depending on the predominant symptom that you may have.
What are my treatment options?
- Better understanding of the condition and its underlying cause may help focus on the appropriate therapy.
- Lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods which trigger the symptoms.
- Other medications to reduce stomach acid production may be beneficial.
What triggers dyspepsia?
Greasy, spicy and processed foods can potentially trigger dyspepsia.
What is the prognosis for my condition?
- Dyspepsia is typically a chronic disease which is relapsing condition, however most cases can be treated successfully with the mentioned treatment options.
- Mainstay of treatment is lifestyle modifications.
