Definition
Dyspepsia is a condition characterized by discomfort or pain in the upper part of the digestive tract. It can be acute or recurrent. It may be experienced in various ways, such as indigestion, bloating, pulling sensation, burning, early satiety, etc.
Etiology
The causes of dyspepsia are numerous. In the case of acute dyspepsia, it may occur following the consumption of a heavy meal, alcohol, or certain medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). For recurrent dyspepsia, causes include cancer, medications, gastroesophageal reflux, delayed gastric emptying, and gastroduodenal ulcer.
During investigations, many patients present abnormalities such as motor disorders, duodenitis, a Helicobacter pylori gastritis, lactase deficiency, etc., but treating the abnormality does not resolve the dyspepsia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dyspepsia may include pain and/or a burning sensation in the upper abdominal region, early satiety, nausea, a feeling of fullness, regurgitation, and belching. Depending on the cause of dyspepsia, symptoms may also include decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. Finally, eating may relieve symptoms in some individuals and worsen them in others.
Diagnosis
Since several symptoms of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome overlap, the two conditions can be difficult to distinguish. To diagnose functional dyspepsia, there must be no lesions or other visible changes in the digestive system.
Long-term monitoring is very important to establish the diagnosis. One or more of the following symptoms must have been present for the past 3 months:
- Unpleasant feeling of fullness (a sensation of heaviness when the stomach is or seems full) after eating
- Feeling of fullness at the beginning of a meal
- Pain under the ribs, in the upper part of the abdomen
- Burning sensation under the ribs, in the upper part of the abdomen
The onset of the first symptoms must also date back at least 6 months before diagnosis. If you think you have digestive issues, keep a journal to track your symptoms daily and share it with your healthcare professional.
Treatment
Treatment of dyspepsia generally involves addressing underlying diseases when present. Otherwise, in individuals with dyspepsia who do not have underlying diseases, treatment includes clinical follow-up that helps reassure and educate them about the condition.
General recommendations
People suffering from dyspepsia may also benefit from the following recommendations:
- Modify their lifestyle
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Dietary recommendations
Nutritionally, dietary recommendations that may help relieve symptoms in individuals with dyspepsia include:
- Follow a balanced diet
- Reduce fat intake, as fats delay gastric emptying
- Lower the caloric density of the diet
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Avoid spices, alcohol, and caffeine
Dyspepsia is a digestive disorder whose symptoms can sometimes be relieved or worsened by diet, but may also be unrelated to food intake. Therefore, nutritional recommendations for dyspepsia should be personalized according to each individual's tolerance and needs. Finally, diet alone does not treat dyspepsia, and consultation with a healthcare professional is required to develop a treatment plan tailored to your personal situation.
References
- Bouthillier, Lise. January 2019. "Digestive Tract Diseases." NUT 2047 – Clinical Nutrition 2. Montreal: University of Montreal.
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/professional/troubles-gastro-intestinaux/sympt%C3%B4mes-des-troubles-gastro-intestinaux/dyspepsie#
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/accueil/troubles-digestifs/sympt%C3%B4mes-des-troubles-digestifs/indigestion#
- https://www.iberogast.ca/fr/functional-indigestion/
Article written by:
Marie-Noël Marsan, written in 2021.