Dyspepsia / indigestion

More commonly referred to as indigestion, dyspepsia refers to upper abdominal discomfort, often provoked by meals or certain foods and sometimes accompanied by other symptoms including a sense of fullness after eating small amounts, bloating, nausea or wind.  Dyspepsia is very common and often easily treated along the same lines as reflux with diet changes (avoiding foods which provoke symptoms and eating small or portions more frequently), antacids and acid lowering medications.

It is sometimes caused by taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, or even aspirin.  In many people it is caused by a common bacteria, known as a Heliobacter pylori (HP), which can live in the stomach lining.  Many people carry the infection with no symptoms but in others it can lead to dyspepsia, gastritis or even peptic ulcers.  People with simple dyspepsia should be tested for the presence of HP by a simple breath test or blood test as getting rid of it with a seven day course of antibiotics will often cure the symptoms. 

People with persistent symptoms, those with new onset dyspepsia over the age of 45 and those with 'alarm' symptoms (persistent vomiting, weight loss, anaemia) should see a doctor urgently and may need a specialist opinion and gastroscopy.

Heartburn and other reflux symptoms
Dyspepsia / indigestion
Abdominal pain
Bowel problems / changes in bowel habit
Rectal bleeding
Jaundice or abnormal liver blood tests