15 FAQs of Dyspepsia
- What is dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, refers to symptoms that arise from the upper digestive tract, such as the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. Symptoms can include upper abdominal pain, bloating, belching, nausea, and heartburn (source: CMDT 2022).
- What causes dyspepsia?
The exact cause of functional dyspepsia is not established, but it may be related to post-infectious states, certain foods, or Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Other contributing factors include anxiety, depression, and stress (source: CMDT 2022).
- What are the symptoms of dyspepsia?
Symptoms include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, belching, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness early in a meal. Symptoms may be meal-related or occur independently of food ingestion (source: CMDT 2022).
- How is dyspepsia diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and a physical examination. Tests such as blood tests, upper endoscopy, or breath tests for H. pylori may be performed to rule out other conditions (source: CMDT 2022).
- Is dyspepsia the same as heartburn?
No. While heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breastbone, dyspepsia can include a broader range of symptoms, such as upper abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea (source: CMDT 2022).
- What is the treatment for dyspepsia?
Treatment may include lifestyle changes (e.g., dietary modifications), medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or antibiotics if H. pylori is present. For functional dyspepsia, PPIs may be tried if symptoms persist after H. pylori eradication (source: CMDT 2022).
- How common is dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia is quite common, affecting up to 30% of the U.S. population. However, up to 80% of patients seeking medical care for dyspepsia have a negative diagnostic evaluation (source: CMDT 2022).
- Can stress or anxiety cause dyspepsia?
Yes. Stress, anxiety, depression, and fear of serious disease can contribute to the development and reporting of dyspepsia symptoms (source: CMDT 2022).
- What is functional dyspepsia?
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a group of disorders characterized by persistent upper abdominal pain or discomfort without evidence of structural disease (source: CMDT 2022).
- What is the role of H. pylori in dyspepsia?
H. pylori infection may contribute to the development of dyspepsia. Treatment with antibiotics can eradicate H. pylori and may improve symptoms in a small subset (less than 10%) of infected patients with functional dyspepsia (source: CMDT 2022).
- Can food choices affect dyspepsia?
Yes. Certain foods, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, may trigger or worsen dyspepsia symptoms. Keeping a food diary and avoiding triggers can help manage symptoms (source: CMDT 2022).
- How can lifestyle changes help with dyspepsia?
Lifestyle changes include eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods, not lying down immediately after eating, managing stress, and quitting smoking (source: CMDT 2022).
- When should I see a doctor for dyspepsia?
See a doctor if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, if you have unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or if symptoms worsen. Also, seek medical attention if you have signs of bleeding (e.g., black stools, vomiting blood) (source: CMDT 2022).
- Can dyspepsia be a sign of a serious condition?
In most cases, dyspepsia is not serious. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of conditions like peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or even cancer. Always consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis (source: CMDT 2022).
- Is dyspepsia a lifelong condition?
Dyspepsia can be chronic, but symptoms can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, medications, and addressing underlying conditions like H. pylori (source: CMDT 2022).