What is Dyspepsia and What Can You Do About It?
Posted By Author on February 22, 2023
Dyspepsia is better known as indigestion and is what causes the discomfort, pain, or burning sensation often associated with indigestion. It is a common digestive issue and can display symptoms such as gas, bloating, and nausea in some cases.
If even the smallest of meals make you uncomfortable, that may be a sign of dyspepsia. At Charleston GI, we’re here to help you feel better and deal with the pesky symptoms of dyspepsia, so you can get back to enjoying your meals and your life.
Read on to learn more!
Causes and Symptoms of Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is typically the result of an irritated stomach lining, which can be caused by a number of factors. Drinking too many alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages, or carbonated beverages can cause it. Eating too fast, too much, too many greasy foods, or highly acidic foods can also result in dyspepsia. Additionally, feeling stressed or smoking can also cause symptoms.
Dyspepsia can also be the result of certain medical conditions, like:
- Acid reflux
- Stomach ulcers
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Lactose intolerance
- Food allergies
- H. Pylori infection
- Anxiety
- Gallbladder inflammation
Symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Burping
- Upper abdomen pain/discomfort
- Feeling full immediately following a meal
- Feeling uncomfortably full after eating
- Growling/gurgling in stomach
- Gas
- Nausea
How is it Diagnosed and Treated?
If you suspect you may have dyspepsia, your doctor at Charleston GI will help you get diagnosed. When you visit your doctor, they may do a blood test, conduct an upper endoscopy, perform a breath test to detect abnormal bacteria in your digestive tract, or do a gastric emptying study to determine how fast your stomach empties into your small intestine.
These tests help rule out any other serious or severe digestive problems. If other infections, diseases, or stomach issues are ruled out, you’ll most likely be diagnosed with dyspepsia.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with dyspepsia, your GI doctor will determine the best treatment route for you. The condition is commonly treated with “proton pump inhibitors” which block acid pumps in acid-secreting stomach cells. Medications like Prilosec OTC, Nexium 24HR, and Prevacid 24 HR are commonly known proton pump inhibitors.
Your doctor may also prescribe gas remedies, nausea relief medications, or acid reducers like Pepcid AC.
What to Do
If you’re noticing symptoms of dyspepsia, schedule an appointment with your doctor to get a diagnosis and rule out any more serious conditions. You can also start making changes to your diet by keeping a food journal to catalog what triggers your dyspepsia and begin eliminating those foods.
It’s also helpful to make lifestyle changes like getting more exercise, improving your sleep, and reducing stress factors to help your dyspepsia symptoms.
Dealing with Digestive Pains? Contact Charleston GI Today!
Suffering from dyspepsia can be irritating not only to the health of your body, but also to your quality of life. Here at Charleston GI, our board-certified gastroenterologists are experienced in treating a wide variety of conditions, and we can help you with all the information you need to live comfortably if you suffer from dyspepsia.
We have four convenient Charleston area locations to choose from, in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Carnes Crossroads. There’s no referral needed, so schedule your appointment today, with Charleston GI!
More Helpful Gastrointestinal Blogs
- WHY YOU MAY NEED A CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY
- WHO SHOULD SCHEDULE A COLONOSCOPY?
- WHAT CAN I EAT AFTER A COLONOSCOPY?
- HOW LONG DOES A COLONOSCOPY PROCEDURE TAKE?
- WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A COLONOSCOPY
- WHAT GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS CAN A COLONOSCOPY DETECT?
