Dyspepsia (Indigestion) Treatment in Delhi, India

Indigestion refers to the discomfort faced in the upper abdomen. Also known as dyspepsia, indigestion is very common, but the intensity varies from person to person. It can also be considered a symptom of several digestive diseases. Usually, medications and lifestyle changes are sufficient to cure dyspepsia.

Types

Dyspepsia may be classified based on its causes. The two types of dyspepsia are:

• Organic Dyspepsia: Peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer of the stomach or oesophagus, problems of the pancreas or biliary system, sensitivity to certain foods or medications, and other infectious or systemic illnesses are examples of organic causes of organic dyspepsia.
• Functional Dyspepsia: The pathophysiological factors underlying FD include delayed stomach emptying, decreased gastric adaptation to a meal, hypersensitivity to gastric distension, reduced duodenal sensitivity to lipids or acids, and gastric electrical rhythm.

Causes

Dyspepsia can be caused by the following:

• The consumption of certain meals, such as those that are fatty, as well as those that have a lot of acid or fibre
• Not consuming food at appropriate times of the day
• Consuming an excessive amount of coffee
• Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol
• Using certain pharmaceuticals
• Smoking
• Not getting enough sleep

Abnormalities in the gastrointestinal system or other health problems may also bring on indigestion. These are the following:

• Acid Reflux: Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition in which stomach contents, including food and drink, comes back up into the oesophagus after eating or drinking. It exists in the form of acid and has the potential to enter the oesophagus, which is a tube-like structure that connects the mouth to the stomach. Additionally, vomiting may be caused by acid reflux. Heartburn is another possible symptom of this illness
• Irritable bowel syndrome: This condition, known as irritable bowel syndrome, causes problems in the intestines. Stomach discomfort, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhoea are some of the symptoms of this condition
• Infection: Indigestion may result from an illness caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (also known as H. pylori)
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis causes problems with digestion. If the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract become inactive, the body will either slow down or halt the transit of food through the digestive system. The symptoms include feeling sick, throwing up, having stomach discomfort, bloating, and having acid reflux
• Ulcer: The lining of the stomach, small intestine, or oesophagus can develop sores called ulcers (also known as peptic ulcers)

Symptoms

Symptoms of indigestion may include:

• Severe pain: One may experience discomfort in the upper of the abdomen, just behind the rib cage. The stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and liver are all located in this area of the body, which is referred to as the epigastrium
• Bloating: Bloating is a common symptom of indigestion. Patients may also witness an unpleasant sensation of fullness or pressure in the abdominal region, particularly after eating
• Loss of appetite: An early feeling of fullness or decreased appetite. Having the sensation of being "full" soon after or during eating
• Heartburn: Acid reflux is the most common cause of searing pain in the area between the stomach and the oesophagus
• Acid reflux: Stomach acid that passes into the oesophagus generates a burning sensation and frequently leaves a bad taste in the mouth of the person experiencing it
• Nausea and vomiting: When the condition is severe, feelings of fullness and lack of appetite may progress into genuine nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

Several diagnostic tests may be conducted to diagnose indigestion. Some of them are:

• Physical examination: In addition to reviewing the signs and symptoms, the doctor will probably complete a physical exam
• Blood test: Blood tests may assist in excluding the possibility of other disorders that might be the source of signs and symptoms comparable to those of functional dyspepsia
• Check to see whether there is a bacteria. The physician may suggest a test for bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori, which is known to be a common cause of stomach troubles. Testing for H. pylori may involve blood, faeces, breath or gastric tissue samples
• Endoscopy: The healthcare providers will be able to see the oesophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine using a thin, flexible, and lit device called an endoscope that will be inserted down the neck. In addition, the doctor can take tiny tissue samples from the stomach /duodenum to examine them for signs of inflammation

Additional tests to evaluate the stomach's capacity for relaxing and emptying may be necessary for certain circumstances. Treatment plans will be drafted based on the results of these tests.

Treatment

Lifestyle changes may reduce indigestion. One or more of the following may be suggested by the healthcare provider:

• Consciously avoiding items known to cause stomach upset
• Alternating between three significant meals and five or six smaller ones daily
• Cutting down or stopping all consumption of alcoholic beverages and caffeine
• Preventing the use of some painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium

Learning to manage anxiety and stress

Certain medications can help to relieve indigestion if it continues. Antacids available without a prescription are often taken initially. Stomach acid may be lowered using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Patients may be prescribed proton pump inhibitors if they have both heartburn and indigestion. Stomach acid may also be reduced by using H-2 receptor blockers. In cases when the stomach empties slowly, prokinetics may be helpful.

Antibiotics may alleviate the symptoms if H. pylori bacteria are to blame for the stomach ache. In addition, some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs might lessen the pain sensitivity, making gastrointestinal symptoms more bearable.

Prevention

One may ease indigestion by adjusting what they eat and when they consume it, but only in mild and infrequent occurrences. Following these steps may lessen the severity and frequency of indigestion:

• Avoid fatty, oily, spicy, and very acidic meals (certain things we enjoyed earlier in life may now be causing problems)
• Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day; instead of just three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and supper), try to fit in five or six
• Limit the intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages (caffeine can be found in tea, chocolate, and soft drinks, as well as coffee)
• Stress and worry may manifest in various ways, including gastrointestinal distress, so keep an eye on the stomach
• Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are some examples of pain medicines one may want to stay away from
• Oats, non-citrus fruits, egg whites, and healthy fats are all good additions to a balanced diet that can help prevent indigestion
• Don't eat late at night; if one must eat late at night, do not collapse into bed immediately

Outlook

Indigestion is a prevalent condition affecting most of the world's population. It can be cured and managed with some medications and making specific lifestyle changes. However, in some cases, ingestion can be a symptom of other severe abdominal conditions.

Consult a doctor immediately if the indigestion isn't improving.