Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is the general name for digestive problems such as fullness, bloating and nausea in the upper abdomen. Dyspepsia is colloquially known as indigestion and often occurs after large meals or can be a sign of various digestive system problems. For this reason, it is considered a symptom, not a disease. Dyspepsia is a disease that can be treated by applying some medications and healthy lifestyle recommendations, which are used with the recommendation of a doctor. In the continuation of the article, you can find more comprehensive answers to the question “What is dyspepsia?”
Contents
What Does Dyspepsia Mean?
What Are the Symptoms of Dyspepsia?
What are the Causes of Dyspepsia?
How Is Dyspepsia Diagnosed?
How Is Dyspepsia Treated?
What Does Dyspepsia Mean?
Dyspepsia, commonly known as indigestion, is a condition among the digestive system disorders. Generally called gastrointestinal system; It occurs in ailments and digestive problems involving the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus. One of the most important factors causing dyspepsia is nutritional disorders. For this reason, first of all, diet adjustment and nutrition order are created for patients who apply to the doctor. In addition to the diet, appropriate medication can be given to relieve this ailment. However, dyspepsia is not a disease that goes away in a short time and usually includes long-term treatment procedures. Dyspepsia, in addition to these, is a disorder that does not cause serious complications, but can lead to a decrease in the quality of life and to be removed from social life from time to time.
What Are the Symptoms of Dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia is a disorder found in a significant proportion of patients who apply to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic. This includes mainly stomach-related complaints. These are the most; symptoms such as nausea, bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort after eating. Some of the common symptoms of dyspepsia are as follows:
Early Feeling of Fullness: An early feeling of fullness may occur during the meal, before finishing the meal.
Post-Meal Fullness: The feeling of fullness after a meal continues even after a certain period of time, and this situation lasts for a long time.
Pain in the Upper Abdomen: Pain in the upper abdomen, sometimes mild, sometimes severe, in the area between the lower part of the breastbone and the navel.
Upper Abdominal Burning: Warmth in the upper abdomen or esophagus similar to an uncomfortable burning sensation.
Bloating and Pain in the Upper Abdomen: Feeling of tension, bloating and pain in the upper abdomen.
Nausea: Nausea with a feeling of vomiting and discomfort for people.
Excessive Gas and Belching: Belching, which is called excessive gas accumulation in the stomach and expulsion of this accumulated gas from the mouth.
Dyspepsia may be associated with more serious symptoms in some patients apart from the above-mentioned symptoms. In case of any of these conditions, it is necessary to apply to a health institution. Some of the serious symptoms that can accompany dyspepsia are:
Vomiting that is bloody or dark in color
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Stool is black in color
Unexplained and rapid weight loss
chest pain
Shortness of breath
Sweating
feeling like there is a lump in the stomach
Fatigue and weakness that may indicate anemia
What are the Causes of Dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia can have many different causes; but the main reason is nutritional disorders. In addition to nutritional disorders, conditions such as lifestyle habits, side effects of medications or some underlying diseases can also cause dyspepsia. Some of the things that can lead to dyspepsia are as follows:
BAD NUTRITION
Large portions, fast and frequent eating habits are important factors that cause dyspepsia. In the diet; Giving too much space to fatty, spicy, bitter, sweet, sour, acidic, fizzy, alcoholic and caffeinated foods and beverages can cause this situation. Actions such as lying down or lying down after eating can also cause dyspepsia, as they slow down digestion.
LIFESTYLE HABITS
Some lifestyle habits may be of the type that cause dyspepsia. Examples of this situation are some triggers such as sedentary life and unnecessary drug use. Some of the lifestyle habits that can cause dyspepsia are as follows:
No activity and a sedentary lifestyle
To smoke
drinking alcohol regularly
be overly stressed
Using regular medication due to chronic diseases
Unnecessary or excessive use; pain relievers, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic-derived drugs
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Various medical conditions can cause dyspepsia. Some of the diseases that can cause dyspepsia in general are:
Reflux
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Peptic ulcer (stomach sores)
Pancreas or bile duct abnormalities
Lactose and gluten intolerance
Gastroparesis (stomach laziness)
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
celiac disease
gallstones
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Constipation
Ileus (intestinal obstruction or knotting)
Mesenteric ischemia (occlusion of intestinal vessels)
Diabetes
thyroid disease
Gastric cancer
How Is Dyspepsia Diagnosed?
Patients who apply to the doctor with some complaints pointing to dyspepsia are first asked questions about their eating habits and medical condition. Patients then undergo a physical examination. According to the first findings detected by the doctor, some examinations can be performed when necessary. The most commonly used method is abdominal X-ray to check whether there is any problem in the digestive system. These are diagnostic methods that are considered sufficient for mild or moderate symptoms. However, severe symptoms seen in dyspepsia, sudden onset, and the patient’s age over 55 may require further medical evaluations. The analyzes and examinations performed in such cases are as follows:
Laboratory Tests: Some of the conditions that may cause dyspepsia with laboratory tests; iron deficiency, thyroid, etc. situations are detected.
Breath and Stool Tests: Breath and stool tests are tests to detect peptic ulcer, a condition that can cause dyspepsia.
Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a method used to identify diseases in the upper digestive system and to take samples when necessary. One of the diseases that can trigger dyspepsia thanks to endoscopy; peptic ulcer, reflux and inflammatory diseases can be detected.
CT Scan: With this imaging method, it is possible to detect intestinal obstruction causing dyspepsia.
How Is Dyspepsia Treated?
Dyspepsia is a condition that is usually mild and goes away on its own if there is no underlying condition. However, in cases that are constantly recurring and do not go away on their own, it can be healed with medications used with the advice of a doctor and some methods that can be applied at home. Some of the methods used in the treatment of dyspepsia are as follows:
prescribed by the doctor; taking certain medications that treat digestive upset, stomach acid, and stomach pain
Avoiding foods that cause indigestion and turning to foods that are easier to digest
Eating small portions and slowly
Stopping eating close to bedtime
Quitting alcohol and smoking
limiting caffeinated drinks
Not using unconscious drugs without doctor’s control
Providing weight control
Keeping stress and anxiety under control
Exercising regularly to facilitate digestion
Helps stomach problems and digestion; consuming herbal teas such as mint, lemon, cumin, fennel, chamomile
Using a pillow to keep the head and shoulders up to prevent stomach acid from rising while sleeping
If you are experiencing symptoms of dyspepsia, you can apply to a health institution and receive the right treatment as a result of the examination and medical evaluations.