2024 Author: Brian Parson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:02
What is dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is one of the most common digestive diseases that afflicts many people. It affects the stomach and upper small intestine. Dyspepsia is a functional disease - the muscles of the organ or nerves that control this organ do not function properly. Dyspepsia is also known as indigestion.
It is not yet fully specified what are the causes of dyspepsia. Experts believe that it is caused by improper innervation of the sensory intestinal organs, improper transmission of impulses from these organs and incorrect stimulation of the intestine by the motor nerves.
Dyspepsia is a chronic disease that can last for years and in many cases for life.
Dyspepsia can be due to a number of causes and diseases. The most common are: peptic ulcer, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, gallstones, tumor in the stomach, cirrhosis, achalasia, duodenal ulcer, pancreatic cancer, lactose intolerance, ascites, heart attack, congestive heart failure, use of some types of medication, uremia, chronic gastritis, esophageal tumor, acute gastric dilatation, stress, smoking, the presence of a lot of fat in the menu, surgery in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreatitis. The rapid growth of intestinal bacteria can also trigger dyspepsia. Some conditions further exacerbate the severity of dyspepsia. These are the menstrual cycle, anxiety and depression.
Types of dyspepsia
There are two types of the disease - organic dyspepsia and inorganic dyspepsia. Organic dyspepsia can be caused by several factors. In the first place, these are the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract / gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, bile duct diseases, carcinomas, Helicobacter pylori infection /; in second place is the intake of certain drugs / aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone preparations, calcium and iron preparations /; in third place are metabolic disorders / hypo and hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism /.
The second type dyspepsia is inorganic. The reason for its occurrence is not specified.
Symptoms of dyspepsia
Manifestations of the disease include stomach pain, nausea and belching, bloating, rapid satiety when eating and vomiting in some cases. The symptoms of dyspepsia usually worsen during meals. The severity and frequency of dyspepsia vary.
Symptoms of inorganic dyspepsia resemble peptic ulcer disease - a pain that is stronger at night and is not affected by ordinary painkillers.
Diagnosis of dyspepsia
The diagnosis is made by the method of exclusion. The presence of organic disease as well as suspicion that dyspepsia is associated with the colon should be ruled out. The disease is chronic, with the shortest period lasting three months.
Treatment of dyspepsia
In most cases dyspepsia it is not a very serious condition, but it can cause serious discomfort and significantly worsen the quality of life of the victim. If the symptoms worsen, an examination by a gastroenterologist should be performed.
Treatment of emerging dyspepsia is performed with H2-receptor antagonists, removal of Helicobacter pylori infection (if any). When the complaints worsen, a biopsy is ordered despite the treatment.
Nutrition in dyspepsia
In the first place, the patient should not overeat, and chewing food should be slow. It is necessary to avoid refined products - flour and sugar; red and black pepper; carbonated drinks, coffee and alcohol; red meat and chocolate. Consumption of meat should be limited, at the expense of fruits and vegetables.
The menu can include lots of baked apples, dates and baked corn. After eating the patient should rest, a short walk can be made. The last meal of the day should be around 8 pm. Stress and mental tension further aggravate the symptoms of dyspepsia, so they should be kept to a minimum.
The article is informative and does not replace a consultation with a doctor!