Dyspepsia: An Unoverlooked Illness

     Dyspepsia is caused by inflammation or irritation of the stomach's inner lining, which can occur in both acute and chronic forms. Acute dyspepsia can heal within 1-2 weeks, while frequent symptoms over a long period can lead to chronic inflammation and ulcers.

Types of Dyspepsia

1.  Non-ulcer Dyspepsia 

     This is the most common type and arises from abnormal functioning, such as uncoordinated contractions between the stomach and intestines, or excessive stomach acid that does not lead to ulcers.

2.  Ulcerative Dyspepsia 

     This occurs due to conditions like ulcers in the stomach and the duodenum caused by H. pylori bacterial infection.

3.  Cancer-related Dyspepsia 

     This is rare, accounting for about 2% of patients presenting with abdominal pain suspected to be stomach-related.

Causes of Dyspepsia

     The main cause is excessive stomach acid secretion that damages the stomach lining, which is not well-suited to withstand acid. Various contributing factors often lead to the disease.

Dyspepsia Risk Factors

• Stress and Anxiety due to fast-paced living or work-related pressures
• H. pylori Infection a common bacterial infection
• Poor-Eating Habits such as eating quickly, irregular meal times, and skipping meals
• Irritating Substances Consuming caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and regularly eating spicy or sour foods
• Certain Medications Like aspirin and some pain relievers.
• Smoking Increases the likelihood of developing ulcers in the upper small intestine.

Dyspepsia Symptoms

• Sudden abdominal pain, discomfort, or fullness in the upper abdomen, often fluctuating and chronic.
• Nausea and sour belching; pain typically correlates with meals, whether before or after eating and when the stomach is empty.
• Feeling full quickly, with reduced appetite.

The Treatment

     Once the underlying cause of the stomach disease is identified, doctors can assess appropriate treatment, which primarily includes:

• Medication Doctors treat patients based on the symptoms and causes. For dyspepsia caused by H. pylori infection, antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the bacteria. For other causes, treatment focuses on symptoms and may include acid-reducing medications to alleviate acid secretion and heal ulcers.
• Lifestyle Adjustments Such as washing hands before and after meals, consuming clean and well-cooked food, eating on a regular schedule, avoiding spicy and sour foods, managing stress, and ensuring sufficient sleep.
• Further Reading Testing for H. pylori infection and risk factors for stomach cancer.

Stomach disease is often chronic, and even after recovery, there is a risk of recurrence if not treated properly and lifestyle adjustments are not made.