Dyspepsia: What's Causing Your Upset Stomach?
Dyspepsia: What's Causing Your Upset Stomach?
Why It Matters
Dyspepsia, or indigestion, affects many people, but the reasons behind it can vary greatly. Understanding its causes and treatments can help improve your quality of life.
Contents
- What is Dyspepsia?
- Common Causes of Dyspepsia
- Who is at Risk?
What is Dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia is a term for discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. It can include symptoms like bloating, nausea, or feeling full too quickly. While it doesn’t usually affect life expectancy, it can significantly impact daily life and healthcare costs.
Common Causes of Dyspepsia
About 20-25% of dyspepsia cases have an identifiable cause such as peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux. However, most cases are functional, meaning no clear cause is found even after tests. Medications like NSAIDs can also contribute to symptoms.
Who is at Risk?
Dyspepsia can affect anyone, but some are at higher risk. Older adults and certain ethnic groups may be more prone to gastroesophageal malignancies. Lifestyle factors and medication use can also increase the chances of experiencing dyspepsia.
FAQs
What is functional dyspepsia?
It is indigestion with no identifiable cause after tests.
Can medications cause dyspepsia?
Yes, NSAIDs and other drugs can contribute to symptoms.
Is dyspepsia life-threatening?
No, but it can severely impact quality of life.
Who is more likely to develop dyspepsia?
Older adults and certain ethnic groups are at higher risk.
Key Takeaways
Understanding dyspepsia can help manage symptoms and improve daily life.
Additional References
- Ford AC, Marwaha A, Sood R, Moayyedi P. Global prevalence of dyspepsia. Gut 2015; 64:1049.
- Kurata JH, Nogawa AN, Everhart JE. Dyspepsia in primary care. Dig Dis Sci 2002; 47:797.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.