What is Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, is a common problem that affects the upper part of the digestive system, particularly the stomach. It makes you feel full and bloated, even after eating small amounts of food.

If the problem persists or worsens, it’s essential to seek medical advice from your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you see someone experiencing this problem ask them to consult a doctor. The doctor will immediately start the treatment to ease your symptoms and prevent causes so that it does not get worse.

Symptoms of Dyspepsia

The most common signs include:

• Feeling full and bloated even after eating small meals
• Experiencing pain or discomfort in the stomach area
• Having an uncomfortable sensation of fullness during or after meals
• Heartburn, which is a burning feeling in the chest or throat, can also be a symptom of dyspepsia.
•  Additionally, some people with dyspepsia may have nausea, excessive burping, or a feeling of food coming back up into the mouth.

These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go. They might be triggered by certain foods, overeating, eating too quickly, or stressful situations.

Causes of Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia, or indigestion, can be caused by various factors that affect the digestive system

• One common cause is overeating, where eating large amounts of food can overwhelm the stomach’s capacity to digest properly.
• Eating too quickly can also lead to dyspepsia as it doesn’t give the stomach enough time to process the food.
• Consuming fatty, greasy, or spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining, triggering indigestion. Additionally, drinking too much alcohol or carbonated beverages may lead to dyspepsia.
• Stress and anxiety can play a role in causing indigestion.

Treatment of Dyspepsia

The treatment of dyspepsia focuses on relieving symptoms and managing the causes.

• Adopting healthy habits can help manage dyspepsia. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding trigger foods like spicy, fatty, or greasy dishes can ease discomfort.
• Some medications are suggested by doctors to relieve symptoms.
•  If lifestyle changes and medications don’t benefit, a doctor might prescribe medications to target specific causes.

Dr. Kailash Mishra
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Prime Gastro Liver Clinic