Dyspepsia is the medical term for discomfort or pain in the upper stomach area. People often describe it as a burning feeling, fullness, bloating, or nausea, especially after meals. In Uganda, recognising dyspepsia is important because it can signal common digestive issues like acid reflux or ulcers, and in some cases, it may point to more serious problems such as stomach or oesophageal cancer.
Hope Plus can help patients experiencing persistent stomach discomfort by connecting them with a licensed healthcare provider for a consultation in minutes. This service allows you to discuss your symptoms, get guidance on necessary tests, and receive treatment advice quickly, making it easier to manage your digestive health. Learn more at Hope Plus.
Key Takeaways
- Dyspepsia means upper abdominal discomfort or pain lasting more than 2–4 weeks.
- Common causes include ulcers, acid reflux (GERD), functional dyspepsia, and sometimes infections or cancers.
- Symptoms may include upper stomach pain, bloating, early fullness after meals, repeated belching, and nausea.
- Alarm symptoms like difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or vomiting require urgent medical attention.
- Diagnosis often involves medical history, physical examination, and sometimes endoscopy.
Causes of Dyspepsia
- Peptic ulcer disease: Sores in the stomach or upper intestine.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid from the stomach rises into the oesophagus.
- Functional dyspepsia: Stomach discomfort without a clear cause.
- Cancer: Stomach or oesophageal cancer, though less common.
- Oesophagitis: Inflammation of the food pipe from drugs, infections like candida, or acid.
- Gastroparesis or gastric outlet obstruction: Delayed stomach emptying or blockage.
- Other motility disorders: Problems with how the stomach moves food.
Symptoms Patients May Notice
- Pain or discomfort in the upper stomach (epigastric area).
- Burning sensation or heartburn.
- Feeling full quickly after meals or bloating.
- Repeated burping or regurgitation of food.
- Nausea.
Alarm Features Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Patients should see a healthcare provider promptly if they notice:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or painful swallowing (odynophagia).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- A lump in the abdomen or enlarged neck lymph nodes.
- Vomiting blood or passing black stools (signs of bleeding).
- Iron deficiency anaemia.
- Recurrent vomiting.
- New stomach discomfort in people over 40 years.
Other reasons for endoscopy may include:
- Long-term smoking or alcohol use.
- Persistent symptoms despite treatment with medicines like proton-pump inhibitors.
- Liver or gallbladder problems.
Diagnosis and Tests
Healthcare providers usually:
- Take a full medical history and examine the abdomen.
- Assess the symptoms and risk factors for serious disease.
- Recommend endoscopy if alarm symptoms or persistent problems are present.
- Order other tests as needed, including blood tests and imaging.
Treatment and Management
- Lifestyle adjustments: Avoid alcohol, smoking, and spicy foods if they worsen symptoms. Eat smaller, frequent meals.
- Medications: Medicines may be given to reduce stomach acid, treat infections, or improve stomach emptying.
- Follow-up and referral: Patients with persistent or alarm symptoms may be referred for further tests like endoscopy.
Managing dyspepsia early improves comfort, prevents complications, and helps catch serious conditions promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can dyspepsia go away on its own?
Sometimes mild dyspepsia improves with diet and lifestyle changes, but persistent symptoms should be checked by a healthcare provider.
2. When should I see a doctor for stomach discomfort?
See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2–4 weeks, are getting worse, or if you notice alarm signs like weight loss, vomiting blood, or difficulty swallowing.
3. Can medicines help dyspepsia?
Yes. Treatments may include acid-reducing medicines, antibiotics for infections like H. pylori, or medications to help the stomach empty faster.
4. What lifestyle changes can help?
Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, eat smaller meals, reduce spicy or fatty foods, and avoid lying down immediately after eating.
5. Is dyspepsia dangerous?
Most cases are mild, but some may signal ulcers, severe reflux, or cancer. Early evaluation prevents complications.
6. What tests are needed for dyspepsia?
Tests can include blood work, imaging, or endoscopy to look inside the stomach and oesophagus.
7. Can Hope Plus assist with dyspepsia?
Yes. Through Hope Plus, you can consult a licensed healthcare provider quickly for evaluation, advice on tests, and treatment options.
