Dyspepsia

by Gary S. Sy



Sometimes, people see their doctors for stomach pain that they think is caused by an ulcer, but it isn’t.

Although you may have gnawing upper abdominal pain, diagnostic tests don’t reveal an ulcer or other digestive problem — all tests come back normal. If this is so, you may have a type of indigestion called Dyspepsia (nonulcer stomach pain).

Dyspepsia sometimes long-lasting (chronic) disorder of the upper gastrointestinal system, which includes your esophagus and first part of your small intestine (duodenum) as well as your stomach. The disorder can cause signs and symptoms that resemble those of a peptic ulcer, such as pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen, often accompanied by bloating, belching, and nausea.

Dyspepsia occurs for no apparent reason and isn’t necessarily related to a particular disease. Rather, the culprit may be a temporary problem, such as eating too quickly, overeating or dealing with a stressful event. For some people, stomach pain is a chronic condition. For many people, however, the symptoms of dyspepsia are often short-lived and preventable.

Signs and symptoms

A burning sensation or discomfort in your upper abdomen or lower chest, sometimes relieved by food or antacids; bloating; belching; gas (flatulence); an early feeling of fullness with meals; and nausea.

An unhealthy lifestyle can contribute dyspepsia. Stress, fatigue, poor diet, not enough rest, and lack of exercise may aggravate its signs and symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause of dyspepsia is unknown. In some cases it may occur after a viral infection, but this is rare. Doctors consider it a functional disorder not necessarily related to a specific disease. However, temporary and often aggravating factors can be common causes of the signs and symptoms of dyspepsia.

Risk factors

Some people naturally are at higher risk. Certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk, including:

Overeating; eating too quickly, sometimes with air swallowing; drinking carbonated beverages; eating spicy foods; eating greasy or fatty foods; consuming too much caffeine or alcohol; smoking; taking certain medications, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); and stress.

Complications

Because Dyspepsia is a disorder unrelated to disease, it doesn’t lead to more serious conditions. However, complications may include:

Problems caused by tests done to rule out other disorders; side effects of medications taken to treat the condition; and worry about having other conditions.

Prevention

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often prevent dyspepsia. The following lifestyle modifications may help alleviate your signs and symptoms:

Diet

* Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Having an empty stomach can sometimes produce signs and symptoms similar to those of nonulcer dyspepsia. Nothing but acid in your stomach may make you feel sick. Try eating a small snack, such as a cracker or a piece of fruit. Avoid skipping meals. Avoid large meals and overeating. Eat smaller meals more frequently.

* Avoid trigger foods. Some foods may trigger the signs and symptoms of nonulcer stomach pain, such as fatty and spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol. Avoid consuming more than three caffeinated beverages a day.

* Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Allow time for leisurely meals.

* Limit beverages during meals. If you feel full early on during the meal, restrict your intake of beverages.

* Take steps to avoid excessive air. To reduce excess gas and belching, refrain from activities that result in excessive air swallowing, such as smoking, eating rapidly, chewing gum and drinking carbonated beverages.

* Don’t lie down right after a meal. Wait to lie down until at least two hours after eating.

* Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.

* Create a calm environment at mealtime. This may help relieve stress-related indigestion.

* Identify current stressors in your life. Learn how to manage your stress by exercising and listening to soothing music.

Source: Manila Bulletin

http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20070926104026.html