a disease that affects half the population and very few people know
Dyspepsia unknown word meaning a very familiar feeling… but with many nuances.
It has happened to all of us at some point: we finish eating and start. suffer from mouth pain stomach” This is common and usually occurs after eating.
In most cases this happens due to heartburnwhat with pain causes burning, heat, or stinging. However, there is no reason to worry.
It’s another matter when abdominal pain is chronic.. That’s what it’s called dyspepsiawhich, as explained by Health Guides Dr. Carolina Malaguelladafrom the Digestive System Service of the Val d’Hebron University Hospital.
- “A functional digestive disorder causing symptoms in the upper abdomenmainly in the central part where the stomach is located.”
And this, in the worst case, may be accompanied by swelling stomachnausea and even vomiting. Pain that occurs after eating is associated with the feeling difficult digestion and long lasting.
These symptomsemphasizes the Secretary General of the Spanish Society of Digestive Pathology (SEPD), They are not associated with any organic changes that can be “detected.” during endoscopic examinations or ultrasound.
- Functional dyspepsia is caused by changes in the nervous system of the digestive tractwhich affects how the stomach “feels and moves.”
According to recent studies published in scientific journals, Dyspepsia is a “disease” that is estimated to affect 22–56% of the population.although only 30% consult their family doctor.
Symptoms and diagnosis of dyspepsia
Symptoms Functional dyspepsia can be confused with diseases such as ulcers or gastritis.which also produce abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Or for intestinal diseases such as celiac disease.
Therefore, it is important to carry out some clinical tests to “rule out other pathologies.” Knowing that there are no specific tests for dyspepsia.
The diagnosis is clinical.based on the presence of typical symptoms and the absence of other digestive diseases that explain them.
Digestive endoscopy is usually performed.” Dr. Malagelada says, using an endoscope, a flexible instrument with a lens and a camera on the end, inserted through the mouth to see the lining of the upper digestive system.
Is dyspepsia curable?
The main recommendation is to consult a family doctor “if abdominal pain persists for a long time (more than a month), which is considered chronic.”
Although, the specialist clarifies, more in-depth knowledge about dyspepsia is necessary in order to begin diagnosis and treatment from the first consultation.
The first tip is to make some changes to feeding and lifestyle. These are general recommendations, since nutritional therapy treatment must be individualized:
- Avoid large meals.
- Don’t eliminate foods regularly, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies. Don’t choose a food group that is thought to only “make us feel good.”
- Avoid dieting rich in fats and fiber.
- Drink small amounts of water throughout the day and avoid drinking too much liquid before and after meals.
- Give preference to steamed, grilled or boiled foods.
- Eat in the correct position, calmly and without distraction. Without forgetting chew correctly products.
Recommendations that are added to those already known:
- Fulfill physical activity moderately.
- Varied and balanced dietgiving preference to the Mediterranean, which is considered the healthiest.
- Support sleep hygiene: Set a fixed bedtime and do not use a computer or mobile phone two hours before bedtime.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and toxic habits such as smoking.
However, there are pharmacological treatments such as:
- Antacids and proton pump inhibitors, which suppress production stomach acid.
- Prokinetics, which are responsible for stimulating stomach movements.
- Neuromodulators due to abdominal discomfort.