From the Guidelines
Dyspepsia is a medical term that refers to persistent or recurrent discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often described as indigestion, and typically includes symptoms such as bloating, early satiety, nausea, belching, and a burning or gnawing sensation in the stomach area, as defined by the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of functional dyspepsia 1.
Definition and Symptoms
Dyspepsia can be functional (without an identifiable cause) or organic (resulting from specific conditions like peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or gallbladder disease). The symptoms of dyspepsia arise from problems with the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum, and can be triggered by issues with the two-way communication between the upper gut and the brain, problems with the nerves supplying the stomach and duodenum, or psychological factors such as stress, certain foods, or changes in the micro-organisms living in the upper gut 1.
Diagnosis and Management
When experiencing dyspepsia, lifestyle modifications are often recommended first, including avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and managing stress. If symptoms persist, medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, or prokinetics might be prescribed depending on the suspected cause. A 'test and treat' strategy for H. pylori infection is also recommended, as it can identify most cases of peptic ulcer disease as an underlying cause of dyspepsia, for which eradication therapy is extremely efficacious 1.
Key Points
- Dyspepsia is a common condition that should be evaluated by a healthcare provider if it's severe, persistent, or accompanied by warning signs like weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting.
- Lifestyle modifications and medications can help manage symptoms, and a 'test and treat' strategy for H. pylori infection can identify and treat underlying causes.
- The British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of functional dyspepsia provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management, including recommendations for endoscopy, empirical acid suppression, and symptom-based management 1.
From the Research
Definition of Dyspepsia
- Dyspepsia refers to a group of symptoms that people often describe as bloating, discomfort, or pain in the upper abdomen 2.
- The term dyspepsia is often used to describe a group of symptoms that include bloating, nausea, and upper abdominal discomfort or pain 3.
- Dyspepsia can be caused by a variety of factors, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and irritable bowel syndrome 4.
Symptoms of Dyspepsia
- The symptoms of dyspepsia can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- Bloating and discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Early satiety or feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
- Belching and gas 5
- The symptoms of dyspepsia can be chronic or recurrent, and can interfere with a person's daily life 6.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyspepsia
- Dyspepsia is typically diagnosed based on a person's symptoms and medical history 2.
- Treatment for dyspepsia usually involves lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods, and managing stress 3.
- Medications such as antacids, histamine-2 (H2) blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms [(4,5,6)].