Dyspepsiais a stomach condition thats also sometimes called indigestion.
It causes stomach pain and burning, bloating,nausea, and gas.
Dyspepsia is common and could be related to a problem with the muscles in the stomach.
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It might be treated with various medications and changes to diet.
This article discusses the symptoms and potential causes of dyspepsia.
To rule out other conditions, its important to let your healthcare provider know what you’re experiencing.
It may be labeled as eitherepigastricpain syndrome or postprandial distress syndrome.
However, it might not always be necessary or helpful to distinguish between the two.
Its called a functional disorder because tests dont show a physical reason for the symptoms.
However, its thought that dyspepsia might be triggered by a problem with the way the stomach works.
This allows room for food and is important in the process of digestion.
For people with dyspepsia, normal muscle changes after eating might not happen as they should.
This can lead to the symptoms of bloating, heartburn, or feeling full.
How to Treat Symptoms of Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia might be treated with certain types of medications.
This includes both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.
Antidepressants
Drugs known as antidepressants can have effects on the nervous system and the digestive system.
They can help relax the muscles involved and relieve symptoms of dyspepsia.
For dyspepsia, they are usually given in lower doses than what’s needed to treat depression.
H2-Receptor Blockers
This medication is available both over the counter and by prescription.
Some brands are:
Prokinetics
Prokinetics might be tried when other types of drugs arent helpful.
There is not a lot of evidence for their effectiveness.
But in some cases, they may help empty the stomach more quickly.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
These are medications that reduce the amount of stomach acid produced.
In some cases, dyspepsia is diagnosed without doing much testing, especially if the symptoms are mild.
Medications may be enough to improve symptoms.
Results of blood tests alone usually arent enough to make a diagnosis.
Instead, the results are used along with other tests to rule out more serious conditions.
It is a common pop in of infection that is treated with antibiotics.
pylorimight be done if symptoms dont get better with a trial use of certain medications.
Motility studies:Tests that check the muscles of the stomachand other organs might be used.
Theyre not readily accessible and may only be used for people with severe symptoms.
Reasons to see a healthcare provider right away include:
Summary
Dyspepsia is a common problem.
Some people may find relief from the symptoms with OTC medications.
However, for severe symptomsespecially those interfering with daily lifeother treatments might be needed.
Even if a physical reason isn’t found, symptoms should still be taken seriously and treated.
In some cases, medication that helps the stomach muscles to work better eases the symptoms.
Pain in the upper abdomen, where the stomach is located, is called epigastric pain.
It might feel like fullness or burning in that area.
It could be only a little painful or it could be very painful and bothersome.
Talley NJ, Goodsall T, Potter M.Functional dyspepsia.Aust Prescr.2017;40(6):209-213. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2017.066.
