Dysphagia
Dyspepsia, commonly known as indigestion, is a condition characterized by discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. It’s not a disease but rather a group of symptoms that often includes:-
- Abdominal pain: A burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen.
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
- Nausea: A sensation of unease and discomfort in the stomach with an urge to vomit.
- Burping: Frequent belching can occur.
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating.
- Feeling full quickly: Feeling full sooner than expected when eating.
Causes of Dyspepsia:-
Dyspepsia can be caused by various factors, including:
- Overeating or eating too quickly.
- Fatty, greasy, or spicy foods.
- Carbonated beverages.
- Alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Smoking.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and others, can irritate the stomach lining.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Peptic ulcers.
- Gallstones.
- Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining.
Diagnosis and Treatment:-
Diagnosis typically involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. In some cases, additional tests like blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, or imaging studies might be needed.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but can include:
- Lifestyle changes: Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods and beverages, quitting smoking, and reducing stress.
- Medications: Antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2-receptor antagonists, prokinetics, and antibiotics if an infection is present.
- Therapies: Psychological therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial if stress and anxiety contribute to symptoms.