Dyspepsia is a medical condition that affects the intestines and typically affects the stomach and small intestine first. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including acid reflux disease, stomach ulcers, and drugs. Most cases are caused by dysfunction of the organs within the gastrointestinal tract or the nerves that control them. While not usually serious, those over 50 or who have lost weight without trying should consult a healthcare professional.
Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, is a medical condition that affects the intestines. Using the two terms interchangeably is not always accurate, as dyspepsia tends to last longer. It typically affects the stomach and small intestine first. The most common symptoms include belching, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and a feeling of fullness, and some individuals also experience a burning or gnawing sensation in their stomach. These symptoms are typically triggered by eating.
A variety of conditions can cause dyspepsia, including diseases such as hyperparathyroidism, which results from an overactive parathyroid gland. Others, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and severe kidney disease, are also potential causes. Researchers aren’t yet sure why these diseases, which aren’t directly related to the gastrointestinal system, cause dyspepsia.
Acid reflux disease and stomach ulcers can also cause dyspepsia. When a person suffers from acid reflux disease, their stomach acid enters the esophagus and causes chest pain. Over time, this buildup of stomach acids can lead to stomach problems. On rare occasions, the condition can also be caused by stomach cancer.
Drugs can also cause dyspepsia. The type of medications most frequently associated with this condition are anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, estrogen, and antibiotics. Most drugs, however, cause stomach problems in at least a small proportion of users.
Most cases of dyspepsia are thought to be caused by a dysfunction of the organs within the gastrointestinal tract or the nerves that control these organs. Since the nerves involved in the GI tract go to the brain and run within the spinal cord, the dysfunction causing the problems could also be within one of those locations.
Individuals with a dysfunctional gastrointestinal system are more prone to developing dyspepsia. For these people, certain conditions, including depression and anxiety, can make them more likely to experience symptoms. A woman’s menstrual cycle also tends to exacerbate dyspepsia, as it increases the amount of progesterone and estrogen in her body. Research has shown that blocking these hormones reduces the likelihood of developing stomach problems.
In most cases, dyspepsia is not a serious condition, although it can be quite uncomfortable. Anyone with it who is over the age of 50 or who has lost weight without trying should consult a healthcare professional. Other symptoms of concern include difficulty swallowing, severe vomiting, and black or bloody bowel movements.
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