Dyspepsia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Dyspepsia is a disorder characterised by upper abdominal discomfort or pain, that is commonly accompanied by nausea, bloating, belching, and, in some cases, vomiting. It is also known as indigestion.

• There are two types of dyspepsia: functional dyspepsia and organic dyspepsia.
• Functional dyspepsia: Functional dyspepsia is a disorder of the upper digestive tract that causes abdominal pain or discomfort after eating.
• Organic dyspepsia: Organic dyspepsia is caused by a medical condition such as an ulcer, gastritis, or gallbladder disease.

• Eating certain foods, such as spicy and fatty foods, or eating too much.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease.
• Bacterial infections, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
• Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and some antibiotics.
• Gallbladder problems.
• Pancreatic disease.

• Upper abdominal discomfort or pain, which can vary in intensity.
• Bloating and feeling full quickly
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Burping and regurgitation.

• Avoid eating large meals: When the stomach expands after a large meal, it may produce indigestion, heartburn, and other dyspepsia symptoms. Having small, more frequent meals throughout the day is preferable than indulging in three or four large meals.
• Avoid eating spicy and fried foods: Spices and fried foods are known to aggravate dyspepsia symptoms as they can irritate your digestive tract.
• Limit your alcohol intake: Alcohol has been linked to an increase in dyspepsia symptoms such as abdominal pain and heartburn.
• Quit smoking: Indigestion and other symptoms of dyspepsia may be brought on by smoking, since it causes the stomach to produce more acid. Quitting smoking can also reduce the risk of long-term complications like ulcers and cancer of the digestive tract.
• Manage stress: Stress has been linked to an increase in dyspepsia symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Dyspepsia symptoms may reduce when stress is reduced through activities like yoga or meditation.

• Physical examination: A physical exam is often used to help diagnose dyspepsia. A doctor will do a thorough physical examination to rule out any underlying conditions as the source of the symptoms.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can help find out if dyspepsia is caused by an infection, inflammation, or something else.
• Stool sample: A stool sample can be collected and examined under a microscope to look for signs of infections or other problems.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound employs sound waves to generate a picture of the abdomen and the organs within it, including the liver and stomach. Any anomalies in these organs that might be producing dyspepsia symptoms can be found with the use of this test.
• Breath test: A breath test measures levels of hydrogen or methane in your breath after you drink a sugar solution containing either hydrogen or methane gas (or both). An abnormally high level of hydrogen or methane in your breath usually indicates an infection or inflammation in the digestive tract, which could be causing dyspepsia symptoms.

• Dyspepsia, if left untreated, may progress to more severe illnesses such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and gastritis.
• Dyspepsia complications might also include trouble breathing, a decreased appetite, and weight loss.
• Long-term complications from untreated dyspepsia can include anemia, malnutrition, and even a weakened immune system as the body is unable to properly absorb nutrients from food.
• In extreme cases, severe abdominal pain or bloating can indicate a twisted intestine or an intestinal obstruction that requires surgical intervention.

• Take one teaspoon of coriander seeds and boil it in a cup of water. Strain the solution and consume it twice a day.
• Drink a cup of warm water with half a teaspoon of dried ginger powder once a day.
• Mix equal amounts of cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black pepper in 1 teaspoon of honey and take it twice daily.
• Chew 2-3 basil leaves every morning on an empty stomach to reduce the symptoms of dyspepsia.
• Drink a glass of buttermilk mixed with 1 teaspoon each of cumin powder, coriander powder, and fenugreek powder for relief from dyspepsia related symptoms such as gas, bloating and indigestion.

• Consume more fibre by eating whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
• Choose lean proteins like fish, beans and poultry.
• Consume low-fat dairy products and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts.

• Avoid high fat and greasy foods, as they can worsen symptoms.
• Reduce or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, as they are known to irritate the stomach and may cause indigestion.
• Sugar and processed foods should be avoided since they are difficult to digest.
• Avoid eating large meals and stick to smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

• Lifestyle modifications: Dietary and physical activity adjustments may be done to alleviate the symptoms of dyspepsia. These modifications may include eating smaller, more frequent meals, minimizing fried, fatty, and spicy foods, avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks, etc.
• Medication: Medications are often the first treatment option for dyspepsia. These aid in decreasing acid levels in the stomach, reducing inflammation, and alleviating dyspepsia-related pain.
• Endoscopic surgery: This surgical procedure involves making small incisions in the abdomen to insert a thin, lighted instrument known as an endoscope. This allows the surgeon to view the digestive tract and remove any abnormal tissue or blockages.
• Laparoscopic surgery: This type of surgery involves making several small incisions in the abdomen and inserting a laparoscope, which is a thin tube equipped with a camera and light source. The camera allows the surgeon to view the digestive tract from within and make repairs or remove blockages or abnormal tissue.
• Stent placement: A stent is a device that is inserted into an area of the digestive tract to help keep it open and allow food to pass through more easily. It can be used to treat problems associated with narrowing of the digestive tract, such as ulcers or tumors.

• A doctor to consult for Dyspepsia could be a Gastroenterologist, General Practitioner, or Primary Care Physician.
• A gastroenterologist is a doctor who examines and treats digestive disorders such as dyspepsia.
• A General Practitioner is a physician who can diagnose and treat many medical conditions, including dyspepsia.
• A Primary Care Physician can also diagnose and treat dyspepsia as part of their comprehensive care of patients.

• Antacids: These medications are used to treat dyspepsia symptoms like heartburn and indigestion because they decrease the amount of acid formed in the stomach. Examples are calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminium hydroxide.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medications reduce the amount of acid created in the stomach and relieve dyspepsia symptoms like heartburn and indigestion by inhibiting the enzyme in the stomach wall that generates acid. Examples include omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole.
• H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs): These drugs work by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach wall that stimulate acid production, reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach and relieving symptoms of dyspepsia such as heartburn and indigestion. Examples include cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine.
• Prokinetics: These drugs work by stimulating gastric emptying to improve digestion, relieving symptoms of dyspepsia such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and belching. Examples include domperidone and metoclopramide.

The amount of time it takes to recover from Dyspepsia depends on the cause and severity of the condition.

Some people may find relief from their symptoms within a few days, while others may take weeks or months to fully recover.

• No, the results of treatment for dyspepsia are not permanent.
• Dyspepsia is a symptom of an underlying condition, which may be caused by a variety of factors such as diet, lifestyle, medications and underlying medical conditions.
• Therefore, treatment effects depend on the reason and kind of treatment.
• In most cases, lifestyle changes and dietary modifications can help to relieve symptoms and reduce recurrence.

Post treatment guidelines typically include:

• Avoiding excessive usage of alcohol and caffeine.
• Reducing levels of stress.
• Taking medications such as antacids or stomach acid reducers such as proton pump inhibitors as prescribed by a doctor.
• Taking Vitamin B Complex and other suggested dietary supplements to aid digestion.
• Managing side effects of prescribed medications in an appropriate manner.
• Proper food hygiene includes washing hands before eating and properly preparing meals.

Generally, treatments such as medications, lifestyle changes and dietary modifications are typically inexpensive.

For more expensive treatments, such as endoscopy or surgery, costs can range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 40,000 or more.

Usually, dyspepsia treatments can cause:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth.
• Other potential side effects include:
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Increased sensitivity to the sun.
• Rare side effects can include black stools, bloody vomit or stool, difficulty breathing and rash or hives.

If you are experiencing any Dyspepsia-related issues, you should see a doctor as they can lead to complications such as 'Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and gastritis,' the treatment for which can range from a few months to years based on the severity of the ailment.