Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, is the pain that arises in the upper abdomen, especially after eating or drinking. According to medical practitioners, it’s not a disease but a symptom. A research study highlights the fact that dyspepsia affects up to 30% of the population. The common symptoms of dyspepsia include bloating, nausea, feeling full quickly, and gas. Dyspepsia treatment is possible with a few lifestyle changes and OTC medications.
Symptoms of dyspepsia
If you suffer from dyspepsia, you will experience symptoms like:
- Pain in the digestive system
- Burning sensation in the digestive tract
- Feeling full quickly during eating
Besides these symptoms, a patient may also experience nausea and bloating.
Causes
Dyspepsia may occur due to improper lifestyle or dietary habits, a medical condition, or the use of certain drugs. The common reasons for indigestion are listed below:
- Dietary aspects
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Stress
When there is no metabolic cause, a medical practitioner will diagnose functional dyspepsia. Under such circumstances, supplements containing lactobacillus reuteri will come to your help.
Treatments
Dyspepsia treatment depends on the cause and severity. In most cases, treating an underlying condition or altering a person’s medication will minimize dyspepsia.
Lifestyle treatments
For those with mild and infrequent symptoms, lifestyle changes can come in handy. It includes:
- Eating slowly
- Drinking water instead of soda
- Maintaining a moderate weight
- Curbing the intake of caffeine and alcohol
- Avoiding trigger foods like fried and spicy foods, chocolate, garlic, and onion
- Avoiding tight-fitting clothing
- Quitting smoking
Medications
If you are suffering from severe or frequent symptoms, your doctor may recommend certain medications. The patients should speak to their doctor regarding suitable options and possible side effects. For dyspepsia treatment, the medication options include antacids, H-2-receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, antibiotics, and antidepressants.
Counseling
Counseling can also be a great help to individuals who suffer from chronic indigestion. Such problems affect a person’s quality of life and overall well-being. Counseling can help people to manage these issues. Given below are some of the counseling options:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Biofeedback
- Relaxation therapy
When to visit a doctor
The symptoms of dyspepsia may range from mild to severe. Some individuals may experience mild dyspepsia over time and manage the same with OTC medications, lactobacillus reuteri supplements, or lifestyle changes. However, those with frequent indigestion and worsening symptoms should resort to a doctor. In most instances, people tend to go to a doctor when they experience the following besides indigestion:
- Severe stomach pain
- Frequent vomiting
- Changes in bowel movement
- Black stools
- A lump in the abdominal area
- Unexplained weight loss
Dyspepsia is a term for persistent symptoms of indigestion with no actual cause. Mild to moderate dyspepsia can be tolerated without any medicines, but when it crosses the limit, you have to consult a doctor. When it comes to dyspepsia treatment, he can give you the necessary suggestions regarding the intake of medicines. Also, it’s important that you lead a healthy lifestyle to minimize the symptoms.
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