Dyspepsia is discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest. It is often linked to nausea, belching, or bloating.
The exact cause is not known. Most often the condition is linked to a number of unhealthy lifestyle factors. These factors can result in poor digestion.
The following lifestyle factors increase your chances of experiencing dyspepsia:
Dyspepsia is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Dyspepsia is diagnosed mainly on the symptoms listed above. If the discomfort becomes worse or more worrisome symptoms develop (eg, severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, or unexpected weight loss) your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:
Your doctor will suggest a plan based on the severity of your symptoms. Treatment options may include the following:
Your doctor may advise you to:
Medications may include:
If the discomfort persists, your doctor may order tests to determine if the symptoms are related to a more serious condition, such as:
To prevent dyspepsia:
RESOURCES:
The American College of Gastroenterology
http://www.acg.gi.org/
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG)
http://www.cag-acg.org/
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca/
References:
Functional dyspepsia. University of North Carolina School of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.med.unc.edu/wrkunits/2depts/medicine/fgidc/collateral/functional_dyspepsia_06132005.pdf#search=%22dyspepsia%22 .
Functional dyspepsia (non-ulcer dyspepsia). The Merck Manual website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section3/chapter21/21c.jsp .
Karamanolis G, Caenepeel P, Arts J, Tack J. Association of the predominant symptom with clinical characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms in functional dyspepsia. Gastroenterology . 2006; 130:296
Mertz H, Fullerton S, Naliboff B, Mayer EA. Symptoms and visceral perception in severe functional organic dyspepsia. Gut. 1998; 42:814.
Non-ulcer stomach pain. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stomach-pain/DS00524 .
Tack J, Talley NJ, Camilleri M ,et al. Functional gastroduodenal disorders. Gastroenterology . 2006; 130:'466
Last reviewed January 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.