Dyspepsia

The term dyspepsia (indigestion) covers a range of symptoms affecting the upper GI tract, some of which are regarded as conditions in their own right: heartburn, acid reflux, upper abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may come and go, or occur regularly, and are often related to eating and drinking. There are several causes, the main ones being:

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in which the stomach contents moves up past the lower oesophageal sphincter and into the oesophagus
• Pregnancy where hormonal changes that slow digestion are experienced, and the growing baby can put pressure on the stomach
• A peptic ulcer disease can cause a break in the lining of the lower oesophagus, stomach or duodenum, often caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
• Hiatus hernia where part of the stomach pushes through the muscular diaphragm, meaning the lower oesophageal sphincter cannot completely close.

Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference to dyspepsia and may even remove the need for treatment. Addressing factors such as smoking; drinking too much alcohol or caffeine; not eating regular meals; being overweight; and feeling stressed, depressed or anxious can help. Other measures that may relieve symptoms include raising the head of the bed or adding an extra pillow to facilitate a more upright sleeping position, reducing the amount of fatty and spicy foods that are being consumed, making sure the evening meal is not eaten too close to bedtime, and stopping certain medicines that can irritate the stomach lining, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Did you know?

The location of a peptic ulcer can affect the symptoms experienced, with a gastric ulcer (located in the stomach) tending to cause generalised upper abdominal pain within an hour of eating. A duodenal ulcer is more likely to cause local pain between meals and at night, and is often relieved by eating or vomiting. An endoscopy is the only way to be absolutely sure when and where an ulcer is within the GI tract.