Dyspepsia

Content provided by Healthwise

Dyspepsia is a vague discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest that may be described as gas, a feeling of fullness, gnawing, or burning.

Common causes of dyspepsia include:

Swallowed air.
Burped-up stomach juices and gas (regurgitation or reflux) caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia.
Peptic (stomach) ulcer or duodenal ulcer.
Stomach cancer.
An inability to digest milk and dairy products (lactose intolerance).
Gallbladder pain (biliary colic) or inflammation (cholecystitis).
A disorder that affects movement of food through the intestines, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Anxiety or depression.
Side effects of caffeine, alcohol, or medications. Examples of medications that may cause dyspepsia are aspirin and similar drugs, antibiotics, steroids, digoxin, and theophylline.

Treatment depends on what is causing the problem. If no specific cause is found, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with medication.

Credits

Author	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	September 30, 2005

Last updated:	September 30, 2005
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.