ProViva Tummy School
Section 2: Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is a collective term that describes various symptoms from the stomach. The person in question often experiences pain or discomfort in the upper stomach at the level where the ribs come to a point. Inflammation (gastritis) is only infrequently the cause of the dyspepsia symptoms.
What is the cause?
The cause of dyspepsia is often difficult to pinpoint, though "poor lifestyle habits" are often a predisposing factor. Examples include poor eating habits, irregular meals, stress, tobacco and alcohol. However, in most cases no obvious cause can be found. The symptoms may be due to a dysrhythmic emptying of stomach contents into the intestine or because the stomach is sensitive to distension; in other words, it cannot handle too much food at a time.
Symptoms may vary significantly from person to person and may include:
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constant feeling of hunger even immediately after eating
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pain in upper portion of stomach
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heartburn / burning sensation in esophagus
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feeling of early satiety
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repeated belching and acid reflux
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nausea
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bloating
What can you do about the situation?
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If you are stressed, try to unwind. Take a break and exhale!
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Consider whether any particular type of food makes you feel worse, such as spicy food, fatty food or coffee. If so, avoid that type of food
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Eat at regular mealtimes. Waiting too long between meals increases the risk of nausea and heartburn. In addition it is all too easy to eat more than what you intended if you are extra hungry, since your stomach will have too much to take care of in too short a time, which produces bloating and discomfort
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Avoid alcohol and tobacco
Over the counter medications are available at the pharmacy that neutralize stomach acid and reduce symptoms.