DYSPEPSIA
15 Jun 2019
ABSTRACT –
Dyspepsia is commonly called as indigestion or an upset stomach generally caused by a bacteria Helicobacter pyroli. There may be recurrent pain in the upper middle part of the abdomen because of stomach ulcer, acid reflux or gallbladder disease.
CAUSES –
- Gulping too quickly without chewing the food properly
- Smoking
- Anxiety
- Spicy or fatty food
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcohol
- Some antibiotics, pain killers, oral contraceptives, thyroid medicines
- Stomach ulcers
- GERD
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Bowel syndrome
- Gastroparesis
- Pregnancy
- Gall stones
- Celiac disease
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
- Bloating in the upper part of the abdomen
- Bleaching or gas formation
- Nausea
- Acidity and burning sensation in the stomach
- Growling stomach
- Black Stools
- Sweating
- Inability to swallow
- Yellow coloring of eyes
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain
DIAGNOSIS –
- Lab test
- Stool Test
- Breath Test
- Endoscopy – A flexible small tube is inserted inside the body to produce images of stomach’s interior part using camera and light.
- Imaging Test
TREATMENT –
- Antacids
- H-2-Receptor Antagonist – Reduces stomach acid levels and lasts longer than the antacids
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Effective in Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Prokinetics – More effective than PPIs but might have some side effects such as tiredness, depression, anxiety
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Psychological therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Biofeedback, Hypnotherapy
RISK FACTORS –
- Emotional Stress
- Certain drugs such as aspirin, pain relievers
- Abnormality in the digestive tract
- Spicy and heavy food
- Hereditary factors
PREVENTION –
- Avoid fatty or spicy food
- Eat food in small portions
- Exercise regularly
- Stress management
- Herbal tea
- Psychological treatment
- Acupuncture
- Quit smoking
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
- Chest pain is the mostly diagnosed condition in dyspepsia.
- Helicobacter pyroli can affect any population of any age.
- The prevalence of Dyspepsia is about 20-30% worldwide.