Digestive Disorders.
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Understanding Dyspepsia
Also known as dyspepsia, this condition is defined as persistent or recurring pain or discomfort in the stomach top.
What are the symptoms of digestive disorders?
Symptoms digestive problems may include:
• A burning sensation in stomach or the upper abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating (full-bodied)
• Belching and gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• A sour taste in the mouth
• Stomach sounds like
These symptoms may worsen during times of stress.
People often experience upper abdominal pain or a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) along with indigestion.
However, heartburn itself is a separate symptom and may indicate other problems.
Who is at risk?
Digestive disorders can affect people of all ages, both men and women. These conditions are very common. A person’s risk increases with:
Excessive alcohol consumption
The use of medications that can irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and other pain relievers
Conditions that cause abnormalities in the digestive tract, such as ulcers
Emotional issues, such as anxiety or depression
What is the cause?
Digestive disorders have many causes, including:
Diseases and conditions:
• Ulcer
• GERD
• Stomach cancer (rare)
• Gastroparesis (a condition in which the stomach does not empty its contents properly; this often occurs in people with diabetes)
• Stomach infection
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Pancreatitis chronic
• Diseases thyroid
• Pregnancy
• Aspirin and other pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (Naprosyn)
• Estrogen and contraception oral
• Medicine steroid
• Antibiotics certain
• Medicine thyroid
Lifestyle:
• Eating too much, eating too quickly, consuming high-fat foods, or eating in stressful situations
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Smoking
• Stress and fatigue
Digestive problems are not caused by excess stomach acid.
Swallowing too much air while eating can increase symptoms of belching and bloating, which are often associated with digestive disorders.
Sometimes a person experiences persistent digestive problems that are not related to those factors. This type of disorder is called functional dyspepsia or non-ulcer dyspepsia.
How is the diagnosis made?
If you are experiencing symptoms of digestive problems, make an appointment to see a doctor.
Since “digestive problems” is a very broad term, providing a detailed description of the discomfort you’re experiencing will help your doctor.
When describing your symptoms, try to specify the part of your abdomen where the discomfort usually occurs. To rule out other possible underlying conditions, your doctor may:
• Perform several blood tests and X-rays of the stomach or small intestine.
• Recommend an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to get a closer look inside the stomach.
During the procedure, an endoscope—a flexible tube equipped with a light and a camera to produce images from inside the body—is used to view the inside of your stomach.
What is the treatment?
Because digestive disorders are symptoms, not diseases, treatment usually depends on the underlying condition causing the disorder.
How can this be prevented?
The best way to prevent digestive problems is to avoid foods and situations that seem to trigger symptoms. Keeping a food diary helps identify foods that cause digestive problems.
Here are a few more suggestions:
1. Eat small portions so your stomach doesn't have to work too hard or for too long.
2. Eat slowly.
3. Avoid foods high in acid, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.
4. Reduce or avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine.
5. If stress triggers digestive problems, learn new ways to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques and biofeedback.
6. If you smoke, quit. Smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach.
7. Cut back on alcohol, as alcohol can also irritate the stomach lining.
8. Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, as they can put pressure on the stomach and cause its contents to flow back into the esophagus.
9. Don't exercise on a full stomach. Exercise before eating or at least one hour after eating.
10. Don't lie down right after eating.
11. Wait at least three hours after your last meal of the day before going to bed.
12. Sleep with your head elevated higher than your feet (at least 6 inches) and use a pillow to support your body. This helps digestive fluids flow into the intestines rather than up into the esophagus.
Symptoms that resemble digestive problems can be caused by a heart attack.
If you experience unusual digestive symptoms accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, or pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or arm, seek medical attention immediately.