Definition: what is dyspepsia?
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Dyspepsia, or functional digestive disorder, is a collection of symptoms caused by difficult and painful digestion. It appears during or after eating and affects between 20 to 40% of adults.
Symptoms of dyspepsia
Dyspepsia can have numerous symptoms. Difficulties to digest foods lead to pains most often found in the upper abdomen. There can also be nausea, vomiting or burping. Dyspepsia is often associated with heartburn.
Someone who is affected by digestive problems can also feel full a lot quicker than normal when eating. Bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea can also occur after a meal.
Causes of dyspepsia
Some very varied causes can be responsible for dyspepsia. They are still however quite difficult to identify because these digestive problems don’t cause damage to the body.
The most common factor of dyspepsia is a bad diet caused by an excessive consumption of alcohol or fat, eating foods that are too rich (this is known as a “bilious attack”) or a considerable consumption of fizzy drinks.
In addition, stress and anxiety can cause these problems, as well as certain chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, food poisoning, or numerous medications.
Treating dyspepsia
The symptoms of dyspepsia don’t last long in most cases and so don’t need treatment. However, in case the problems persist, it is advised to consult a doctor.
Depending on the cause, medicinal treatment can ease the symptoms. Antispasmodics can be given to ease cramps or stomach pains, should they appear, antacids, stimulants which deal with nausea or laxatives for the constipation.
In addition, changing your eating habits is recommended as well as regularly doing sport or some kind of physical activity.
