Dyspepsia Symptoms, Causes & More

By priscilla

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Harmon, R Christopher, and David A Peura. ‘Evaluation and Management of Dyspepsia.’ Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, SAGE Publications, Mar. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002574/
• 2. Madisch, Ahmed, et al. ‘The Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia.’ Deutsches Arzteblatt International, Deutscher Arzte Verlag, 30 Mar. 2018, [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938438/.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938438/.)
• 3. Pesce, Marcella, et al. ‘Diet and Functional Dyspepsia: Clinical Correlates and Therapeutic Perspectives.’ World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7 Feb. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7015717/

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Commonly referred to as indigestion, dyspepsia is pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. It may occur after eating certain foods or drinking specific beverages. Dyspepsia is a symptom rather than a disease. Up to 30 percent of the population experience it at least once.¹Harmon, R Christopher, and David A Peura. ‘Evaluation and Management of Dyspepsia.’ Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, SAGE Publications, Mar. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002574/ However, the experience may vary from one person to another.

The symptoms may include discomfort, bloating, nausea, a full feeling after eating a small amount and passing gas. Specific lifestyle changes may reduce the occurrence of dyspepsia. Besides certain foods and beverages, medical conditions and the use of certain medications may contribute to the syndrome.

Causes

Some dietary habits and lifestyle choices may cause indigestion, as do some medical conditions and medications. Among the causes are nutritional factors, excessive stress, smoking and being overweight or obese. In cases where no identifiable metabolic or structural cause is present, a person may be diagnosed with functional dyspepsia.²Madisch, Ahmed, et al. ‘The Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia.’ Deutsches Arzteblatt International, Deutscher Arzte Verlag, 30 Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938438/.

Indigestion may be a symptom of several diseases, including peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, stomach cancer and abnormalities in the pancreatic or bile duct. Taking certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, may result in dyspepsia. It may also occur during pregnancy, commonly in the third trimester.