Dyspepsia is a recurrent or persistent pain or discomfort that is primarily experienced in the upper abdomen. The most common type of Dyspepsia is "Functional" (or "non-ulcer") Dyspepsia. Functional Dyspepsia occurs without an identifiable cause such as ulcer.
Dyspepsia is typically a chronic disease which is a relapsing condition. However, most cases can be treated successfully. The mainstay of treatment is lifestyle modification.
Common symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia include:
Discomfort Zone
Discomfort or pain is typically felt here:
Seek medical help when you have:
People who are above 40 years old or who experience serious symptoms, such as repeated vomiting, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or a low blood count, should have an upper endoscopy procedure.
People who are below 40 years old and who do not have serious symptoms are generally offered non-invasive testing to detect infection with H. pylori (e.g. stool or breath testing).
Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on the predominant symptoms that you may have.
Better understanding of the condition and its underlying cause, such as anxiety, may help focus on the appropriate therapy.
Lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain food which trigger the symptoms (often fatty, spicy and greasy foods).
Medications such as H.pylori eradication therapy (if such an infection is found in the stomach), may help some patients. Other medications to reduce stomach acid production may be beneficial. Some antidepressant medications when used in low doses have been very effective for pain symptoms. Some complementary and alternative medicine remedies have been suggested as beneficial, but more research is required before they can be recommended.
Click here to access our Find A Doctor directory for a list of doctors treating this condition across our NUHS institutions.
