From the Research
Dyspeps (dyspe) is a chronic or recurrent pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen, which can be classified as functional (without identifiable cause) or organic (resulting from conditions like peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, or gastroesophageal reflux) 1.
Definition and Classification
Dyspeps (dyspe) is a common digestive condition that affects approximately 20% of the global population, often described as indigestion, with symptoms including early satiety, postprandial fullness, bloating, nausea, and burning sensations. The condition can be classified into two main categories: functional (without identifiable cause) and organic (resulting from conditions like peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, or gastroesophageal reflux).
Key Features
Key features of dyspeps (dyspe) include:
- Chronic or recurrent pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen
- Symptoms such as early satiety, postprandial fullness, bloating, nausea, and burning sensations
- Classification into functional (without identifiable cause) or organic (resulting from conditions like peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, or gastroesophageal reflux)
Management
The initial management of dyspeps (dyspe) typically involves lifestyle modifications and medication management, with first-line treatments including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole 20mg daily or pantoprazole 40mg daily for 4-8 weeks, H2 receptor antagonists such as ranitidine 150mg twice daily, or prokinetic agents like domperidone 10mg three times daily before meals 1, 2. If symptoms persist, testing for Helicobacter pylori is recommended, and if positive, triple therapy (PPI plus two antibiotics such as amoxicillin 1g twice daily and clarithromycin 500mg twice daily for 14 days) should be initiated. For functional dyspeps (dyspe), low-dose tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline 10-25mg at bedtime may help.
Recent Developments
Recent studies have also explored non-pharmacological approaches in the management of functional dyspeps (dyspe), including reassurance, lifestyle modification, psychotherapy, dietary interventions, medical food, acupuncture, and electrical stimulation and modulation 3. However, more well-conducted, methodologically rigorous, and large-scaled clinical trials are required to confirm the clinical effectiveness of these non-pharmacological approaches.