Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, is a medical condition affecting the intestines. Using the two terms interchangeably is not always accurate, as dyspepsia tends to be longer lasting. It typically affects the stomach and the small intestine first. Common symptoms include belching, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, and a feeling of being full, and some individuals also experience a burning or gnawing feeling in their stomachs. 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 are still unsure why these diseases, which are not 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, his or her stomach acid enters into the esophagus and causes pain in the chest. Over time, this build up of stomach acids can lead to stomach problems. On rare occasions, the condition may also be caused by stomach cancer.
Drugs can also cause dyspepsia. The type of drugs 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 portion of users.
The majority of dyspepsia cases are believed to be caused by a dysfunction of the organs within the gastrointestinal tract or by the nerves that control these organs. Since the nerves involved with the gastrointestinal tract go to the brain and run inside the spinal cord, the dysfunction causing the problems may also be within one of those locations as well.
Individuals with a dysfunctional gastrointestinal system are more prone to developing dyspepsia. For these people, certain conditions, including depression and anxiety, can increase their likelihood of exhibiting 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 demonstrated that blocking these hormones reduces the likelihood of developing stomach problems.
In most cases, dyspepsia is not a serious condition, though it can be quite uncomfortable. Anyone suffering from it who is over the age of 50 or who has lost weight without trying to should see a healthcare professional. Other symptoms of concern include difficulty swallowing, severe vomiting, and black or bloody bowel movements.
