Dyspepsia is not a disease, but rather a name for a combination of symptoms that contribute to a general feeling of pain in the abdomen. The pain is usually felt in the upper middle section of the stomach and may fluctuate, but is present more often than not. Dyspepsia is commonly referred to as indigestion.
Causes
Acid reflux is the most common cause of dyspepsia. Acid reflux is when stomach acid backs up and accumulates in your esophagus, resulting in chest pain. A number of conditions cause acid reflux. These conditions include gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease and cancer. Other causes of dyspepsia include overeating, eating too fast, spicy foods, too much caffeine or alcohol, smoking, nervousness and certain medications.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of dyspepsia is a feeling of pain in the upper middle section of the stomach. The pain usually ranges in severity and is often accompanied by a burning sensation between the bottom of the breastbone and the naval, according to Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms include an uncomfortable fullness after a meal that lasts longer than normal and a premature feeling of fullness. Other less common symptoms include nausea and bloating. Heartburn may also be felt alongside other symptoms of indigestion.
Tests
In order to diagnose dyspepsia, a series of tests will be performed. An X-ray of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine may be taken to view the inside of these structures. Blood, breath and stool tests may be taken to determine whether or not there is a peptic ulcer present that is causing the dyspepsia. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may also be performed to look for abnormalities in the esophagus or stomach. During this procedure, a small tube with a camera is threaded through the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. A stomach biopsy may also be taken during this procedure to test for stomach cancer. Abdominal CT scans and ultrasounds may also be taken in an attempt to diagnose problems in the stomach that may be causing the acid reflux and dyspepsia.
Medical Treatment
There are a variety of medications available for the management of dyspepsia. Medications that can help with dyspepsia include antacids, H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors, which all work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. Prokinetics may also be prescribed for those who have problems with the stomach emptying too slowly. Prokinetics increase the action of the muscles in the stomach and digestive tract to help with digestion.
Lifestyle Changes
Dyspepsia may be prevented by making certain lifestyle changes. Recommended lifestyle modifications include eating small meals slowly throughout the day, avoiding spicy foods, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, quitting smoking, getting adequate sleep and reducing physical and emotional stressors, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Regular exercise and maintenance of a healthy weight may also be beneficial in preventing dyspepsia. Excess weight puts pressure on the stomach, which pushes acid up into the esophagus, according to Mayo Clinic.
