Acid dyspepsia

Acid dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen, upper abdominal fullness, and feeling full earlier than expected when eating. It can be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other digestive disorders.

Definition

Acid dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, is a term that describes discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. It's not a disease, but rather a group of symptoms that often occur together. Dyspepsia is often confused with heartburn, but the terms are not interchangeable. Heartburn is only one of several possible symptoms of acid dyspepsia.

Causes

The exact cause of acid dyspepsia is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to the actions of the stomach acid on the mucosa of the stomach and duodenum. Some of the common causes include gastritis, peptic ulcers, gallstones, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Certain lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress can also contribute to the development of acid dyspepsia.

Symptoms

The main symptom of acid dyspepsia is a feeling of discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. This can be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, belching, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. The symptoms can be triggered by eating certain foods, drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages, and stress.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of acid dyspepsia is primarily based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. The doctor may perform a physical examination and order tests such as an endoscopy, ultrasound, or blood tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment

The treatment of acid dyspepsia depends on the underlying cause. Lifestyle modifications such as avoiding trigger foods, reducing alcohol consumption, and managing stress can help manage the symptoms. Medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers can also be used to reduce stomach acid and relieve symptoms.

See also

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Peptic ulcer
• Gastritis