dyspepsia - difficult digestion

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Diagnosis

The diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is a diagnosis of exclusion, namely, that we must eliminate other possible causes. Although organic diseases (ulcer, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux …) that can motivate dyspepsia are many, you could make a reliable diagnosis by a good history and further confirmation by radiological or endoscopic.

Treatment

The diagnosis, there is the difficulty of arranging a treatment for a condition which causes are unknown. Should be clear that many patients do not need any drug treatment and there is no specific therapy for this disease. This reality is not assumed by many dyspeptic who think “there must be something.”

A complete and detailed explanation of the origin of the trouble and the good prognosis of the disease by the doctor is a good therapy. Sometimes treatment can be daunting. Despite all measures taken and supplied drugs, relief can be scarce. However, it should give several recommendations but may not guarantee complete relief can be effective.

General Recommendations

Some guidelines for patients with functional dyspepsia:

Avoid snuff, alcohol and anti-inflammatory drugs that almost always have an irritating effect on mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Coffee is poorly tolerated by some dyspeptic.

Avoid chewing gum, as they may cause air swallowing (aerophagia).

Eat slowly, chew well and drink some liquid during meals to promote gastric processing of food and aid digestion. It is essential to eat without rushing, devote time to do it calmly and avoid stress, agitation, and physical exercise before and after meals.

Eating small amounts frequently and promotes gastric emptying.

Avoid excessively fatty foods as well as spicy, spices and extra fiber.

The symptoms may be exacerbated by the states of stress or tension. In addition, dyspepsia occurs more often in people with anxiety, neurosis, hypochondriasis, personality disorders, so that supportive psychotherapy can be effective.

The herbal teas help in some cases and there is a whole arsenal of them: angelica, Boldo, lemon verbena, chamomile, yarrow, mint, pennyroyal, licorice …

With regard to medical therapy, keep in mind that should be individualized according to the predominant symptoms. In some cases it may go well prokinetic drugs that improve the bolus transit through the digestive tract, in other antacids and mucosal protective.