What is it about ?
Dyspepsia is characterized by the feeling that the stomach is very full after a meal, by being quickly sated (early satiety), by pain or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen (in the pit just after a meal). below the breastbone). These complaints come up regularly over the weeks.
There are two types of dyspepsia: organic dyspepsia and functional dyspepsia.
- In organic dyspepsia, symptoms are caused by disease, such as stomach ulcer, reflux, lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, cancer, or disease of the pancreas or bile ducts ( eg gallstones). Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs can also be responsible.
- In functional dyspepsia, there is no explanation for the pain or discomfort.
What is its frequency?
Dyspepsia is a very common complaint. It affects 2 to 4 people out of 10, as many women as men. Studies show that dyspepsia decreases with age, with the exception of heartburn, which increases with age. Gastric symptoms motivate 3% of all general practitioner appointments. Only 1 in 4 people with dyspepsia find their symptoms severe enough to see a doctor.
How to recognize it?
The most common complaints are upset stomach, heartburn, and bloating in the upper abdomen. But nausea, regurgitation, postponement (belching) and the feeling of fullness during the meal are also possible.
In most people, these are harmless symptoms. However, one must be on the lookout for symptoms that may suggest serious conditions.
It is advisable to consult your general practitioner in the following cases (warning symptoms):
- First onset of symptoms after the age of 50-55 years;
- Nausea or vomiting that recurs regularly;
- Severe pain in the stomach area;
- Continuous pain in the belly;
- Pain in the belly that radiates to the back;
- Difficulty swallowing food;
- Pain when swallowing;
- Unintentional weight loss;
- Ball (mass) in the belly;
- Swollen glands in the neck;
- Black-purple pasty stools (melena).
How is the diagnosis made?
Your doctor will ask you several questions and examine you.
If you have warning symptoms or are over 55 years of age, they will refer you to a stomach and intestinal specialist (gastroenterologist) for a stomach exam which allows you to look into the eye. stomach with a camera inserted through the mouth (gastroscopy).
If you are younger, the doctor will suggest that you try treatment for 4 weeks. You will only be referred to a specialist if the treatment does not provide relief.
If necessary, biopsies of the gastric or esophageal mucosa may be taken during gastroscopy. A biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue to examine it for a possible malignant tumor or the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (see gastritis). If you have had a gastroscopy for the same symptoms in previous years, and the results were normal, having a gastroscopy again is generally not advised.
If the cause is not identified by gastroscopy, the doctor may schedule other additional examinations: blood work, lactose and gluten intolerance tests and ultrasound of the abdomen to see possible gallstones and tumors of the stomach. pancreas.
What can you do ?
Stop smoking and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Limit or avoid foods and drinks that you don’t tolerate well. Many people experience an upset stomach after consuming a fatty or very spicy meal, an acidic or carbonated drink, coffee, chocolate or alcohol. It varies from person to person. To find out exactly what is causing your symptoms, you can check if they go away by removing one food at a time. Don’t stop multiple foods at the same time, as you may miss out on some nutrients that are essential for your health.
If you are overweight, you are advised to lose weight: you can already feel better by losing 10% of your current weight.
If you suffer from stress, anxiety, moodiness, or trouble sleeping, it’s important to manage these issues. This may be enough to make the upset stomach go away.
Slip a few extra pillows under your head, neck and your shoulders (so not just under your head) or elevate the head of your bed. This will prevent the contents of your stomach from moving up into the esophagus.
Coughing and constipation can increase the pressure in your tummy and cause an upset stomach. If you have a persistent cough, see a general practitioner. If you are constipated, take the following steps: choose foods high in fiber, drink enough (1.5 liters per day) and increase your level of daily activity (cycling, walking).
If you are taking any medicines (anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics) that may make your stomach upset, ask your GP if you can reduce the dose or stop them.
Eat regularly, without skipping meals. Spread meals over the day. It can be effective. Eat three main meals (light, easy to digest) and a few (3) snacks. You can experiment for yourself which distribution works best for you. For good digestion, it is important to eat calmly and chew well. If you are suffering from heat, it is a good idea not to eat anything right before bedtime. Lying on a full stomach increases the risk of burns.
What can your doctor do?
If you are under 55 and have mild, short-lived symptoms without weight loss or abnormal bowel movements, your doctor may start with a 4-week treatment with a medicine that stops your acid production. stomach (proton pump inhibitor (PPI)), before scheduling additional examinations.
If you are over 55, this treatment can also be started if the symptoms are mild. If the complaints are serious and persistent and this treatment does not bring any improvement, a gastroscopy will be performed.
If the bacteria ‘Helicobacter pylori’ are found in the stomach, you will be given antibiotics and a PPI. You should know that this treatment does not necessarily remove the symptoms. Only 15% of people with dyspepsia are free of their symptoms 1 year after eradication of the bacteria.
If you suffer from cramps or bloating instead, your doctor may prescribe another medicine. Do not take any medicine without your doctor’s advice.
Want to know more?
- The food pyramid – Eat Move – Health Question
- Physical activity – Eat Move – Health question
- Fibers: multiple benefits – mongeneraliste.be – SSMG – Scientific Society of General Medicine
- Stomach ache … What to do?, Here, Where to find on this page of INAMI – National Institute for Sickness and Invalidity Insurance
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Find a registered dietitian – Professional Union of French-speaking dieticians
- Find a nutritionist doctor – Belgian Society of Nutritionist Doctors
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