Dyspepsia (Indigestion) Treatment in Delhi, India

Dyspepsia is a common condition commonly occurring in 30% of people.

• Bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Acidity or gas
• Feeling full without eating much
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Burning sensation in the stomach
• Stomach pain

Dyspepsia is commonly caused by stomach ulcers and acid reflux. During the reflux, the acid in the stomach moves back into the oesophagus, which causes pain in the chest. Other factors that can cause dyspepsia include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or pain relievers such as Advil, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
• Taking medications on an empty stomach
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Unhealthy eating and drinking
• Smoking and drinking
• Obesity or overeating
• Stress

Dyspepsia can be caused as a symptom of a wide range of diseases and health problems, such as:

• Ulcers
• Stomach or any other type of cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Liver disease
• Hernia
• H pylori infection
• Bowel disease or bowel syndrome
• Allergic reaction to medications
• Thyroid disease
• Pregnancy (pregnant women experience indigestion in the last trimester)

To diagnose, the doctor will ask the person about their symptoms, past medical history, and eating habits. The doctor may also conduct a physical examination of the chest and stomach.

The doctor may ask to do the following tests:

• Blood test: The doctor may collect blood samples to check in the laboratory for signs of anaemia, liver problem, and other health conditions.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a long thin tube with a camera attached to one end. The tube is inserted through the mouth into the gastrointestinal tract to examine and take images. It is also used to take tissue samples for biopsy to diagnose ulcers or tumours.
• Imaging test: Imaging tests such as an x-ray may be recommended to have a closer look at the stomach and small intestine.

A person must consult a doctor if they experience frequent stomach pain and feel full too soon, even without eating properly. A person must consult a doctor if they experience falling symptoms along with indigestion:

• Change in bowel movement
• Vomiting
• Blood in the stool
• Unexpected weight loss
• Anaemia
• Weakness and dizziness
• Difficulty in swallowing food
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Extreme sweating

Dyspepsia is easily curable. Treatment options for dyspepsia depend on the cause and severity of the symptoms. The treatment for dyspepsia may vary as it is a symptom and not a disease.

Dyspepsia can be treated by:

• Medications: For persistent or severe symptoms, the doctor may recommend medications such as over the counter gas medication (mylanta and gashx) antacids, proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists, prokinetics, antibiotics, and antidepressants.
• Lifestyle changes: Making a few lifestyle changes can help control dyspepsia and its symptoms. Avoid trigger foods such as oily, fried food, onion, and garlic, limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine, eat smaller meals at regular intervals and eat slowly.
• Counselling: Chronic dyspepsia can affect a person's life and overall well-being. Counselling can help manage these issues and stress. Different options include cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation therapy, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback.

Dyspepsia is not a serious condition, but it can often be a symptom of an underlying disease. It can often be a symptom of stomach cancer. Other complications due to frequent dyspepsia and stomach acid include:

• Oesophagal stricture: Persistent exposure due to acid reflux can lead to scarring in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to the track becoming narrow and constricted, causing difficulty while swallowing and increasing chest pain. In such cases, surgery is needed to widen the oesophagus.
• Peritonitis: If stomach reflux frequently occurs, the stomach acid can affect the lining of the digestive system. It may break down and lead to an infection called peritonitis. The infection can be treated with medication and surgery.
• Pyloric stenosis: stomach acid can irritate the pylorus (a passage between the stomach and small intestine). Long-term exposure to stomach acid can narrow the pylorus, and the person may not be able to digest the food properly.

If dyspepsia is a symptom of an underlying health condition, it may not be controlled or prevented. However, in other cases, dyspepsia can be controlled by taking preventive measures such as:

• Stop smoking
• Monitor eating habits; do not eat food that causes stomach pain
• Try to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet
• Avoid acidic, spicy, and fatty food
• Avoid and manage stress
• In case of acid reflux, do not eat before bedtime
• Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, naproxen, ketoprofen, and ibuprofen
• Drink water instead of aerated drinks and soda

Dyspepsia or indigestion is a common concern for people of all ages and occurs equally in men and women. A person is at increased risk of indigestion due to the following:

• Excess amount of alcohol intake
• Regular smoking
• Obesity, stress, or depression
• Frequent use of drugs such as aspirin and other pain relievers

Dyspepsia is mild and curable by making dietary and lifestyle changes. Limiting and monitoring food intake can help to prevent and relieve the symptoms. In a few cases, dyspepsia could be the underlying cause of a serious health condition.

Consulting a doctor can help to diagnose and treat the condition. Patients with dyspepsia can lead a normal healthy life by taking precautions and making lifestyle changes.