dyspepsia

dyspepsia:

see indigestionindigestion
or dyspepsia,
discomfort during or after eating caused by some interference with the normal digestive process. Symptoms include nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, gas distress, and a feeling of abdominal distention.
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Dyspepsia

disturbances in digestion, varied in origin.

As distinct nosological forms of gastrointestinal diseases have increasingly been distinguished, the term “dyspepsia” has been reserved predominantly for syndromes of functional disturbance of the intestinal tract—putrefactive and fermentative dyspepsia. The term “dyspeptic symptoms” continues to be used in relation to various symptoms of functional disturbance of the stomach—belching, heartburn, nausea, and heaviness in the region of the stomach.

The basis of fermentative dyspepsia is increased motility of the small intestine, so that some carbohydrates are not digested and absorbed. Overloading the digestive organs with carbohydrates and plant cellulose (alimentary dyspepsia) is important here; it is manifested by distention and bulging of the stomach, loud rumbling and gurgling, coliclike pains, excessive gas, and liquid or pulpy stools.

Putrefactive dyspepsia is the result of an intensification of putrefactive processes in the large, and partially in the small, intestine. When there is a disturbance of the secretions of gastrointestinal digestion and a decrease in the bactericidal action of gastric juice (deficiency or absence of acidity in the stomach contents), the abundant microflora of the lower part of the small intestine settle in its upper part. A decisive role is played by an increase in the secretion of intestinal juice, which is rich in proteins and is the basic substrate for the putrefactive processes. Intestinal hypersecretion is most often caused by inflammations of the intestine. This may occur as an acute illness or chronically. It is manifested by persistent diarrhea—the stools are liquid, dark in color, and, along with gas, have an unpleasant odor.

The condition is treated by an appropriate diet, the introduction of increased quantities of vitamins C, PP, B₁, and B₂, and adsorbent and anti-inflammatory agents.

I. S. SAVOSHCHENKO

Infantile dyspepsia is an acute disturbance of digestion in children occurring predominantly during infancy. The anatomic and physiological characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract peculiar to children during the first year of life (insufficient fermentative activity of the stomach, intestine, and pancreas) create the conditions that readily lead to digestive disturbances. Weakened infants are most often stricken. The disease occurs in simple or toxic forms.

Simple infantile dyspepsia is caused chiefly by an alimentary factor (overfeeding, rapid transition to artificial feeding, food of inappropriate content). As a result of careless feeding, the digestive process is distorted, food is incompletely broken down, fermentative processes are intensified, and the stomach and duodenum become populated with colon bacilli, so that bacterial digestion replaces fermentative digestion. The infant begins to regurgitate and to have diarrhea. Stools (up to ten times a day) are watery and greenish with white clumps. The infant’s general condition, however, is hardly disturbed. An increase of gas in the intestine causes abdominal distention and coliclike pains. Complications, such as otitis, pyelitis, and pneumonia, are possible if the condition persists. The basic treatment consists in decreasing the volume of food by replacing one or two feedings with an equal volume of liquid and limiting the volume intake by 40-50 percent. Enzymes and vitamins are also prescribed.

Toxic infant dyspepsia is a severe form of the disease characterized by profound disturbance of all types of metabolism and of the functions of many organs and systems. It arises through disruption of the feeding regime and bacterial invasion. It is manifested by persistent vomiting and watery stools (up to 15 times a day). As a result of the great loss of water from vomiting and diarrhea, body weight decreases sharply, exsiccosis (dehydration) develops, and the toxic products of metabolism accumulate, affecting the central nervous, autonomic, and cardiovascular systems and causing disturbances of blood circulation, respiration, and liver and kidney functions. Complications are common (stomatitides, otitides, mastoiditides, pneumonia). A water and tea diet for 10-15 hours is recommended in treatment, with subsequent measured feeding (for infants in the first months of life, breast milk). Intravenous and subcutaneous injection of saline solutions of glucose, blood plasma, and antibiotics are also used.

Strict observance of a proper feeding schedule, a balanced nutritional regime, and general care help to prevent the condition.

REFERENCE

Maslov, M. S. Lektsii po fakul’tetskoi pediatrii, part 1. Leningrad, 1963. Pages 18-43.

R. N. RYLEEVA and M. IA. STUDENIKIN

dyspepsia

[dis′pep·sē·ə] (medicine) Disturbed digestion.

dyspepsia

, dyspepsy indigestion or upset stomach

dyspepsia

Dyspepsia

Definition

Dyspepsia can be defined as painful, difficult, or disturbed digestion, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, bloating, and stomach discomfort.

Causes and symptoms

The digestive problems may have an identifiable cause, such as bacterial or viral infection, peptic ulcer, gallbladder, or liver disease. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori is often found in those individuals suffering from duodenal or gastric ulcers. Investigation of recurrent indigestion should rule out these possible causes.Often, there is no organic cause for the problem, in which case dyspepsia is classified as functional or nonulcer dyspepsia. There is evidence that functional dyspepsia may be related to abnormal motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract (a state known as dysmotility in which the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine behave abnormally). These patients may respond to a group of drugs called prokinate agents. A review of eating habits (e.g., chewing with the mouth open, gulping food, or talking while chewing) may reveal a tendency to swallow air. This may contribute to feeling bloated, or to excessive belching. Smoking, caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages may contribute to the discomfort. When there is sensitivity or allergy to certain food substances, eating those foods may cause gastrointestinal distress. Some medications are associated with indigestion. Stomach problems may also be a response to stress or emotional unrest.

Diagnosis

A physical examination by a health care professional may reveal mid-abdominal pain. A rectal examination may be done to rule out bleeding. If blood is found on rectal exam, laboratory studies, including a blood count may be ordered. Endoscopy and barium studies may be used to rule out underlying gastrointestinal disease. Upper gastrointestinal x-ray studies using barium may allow for visualization of abnormalities. Endoscopy permits collection of tissue and culture specimens which may be used to further confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of dyspepsia is based on assessment of symptoms and suspected causative factors. Clinical evaluation is aimed at distinguishing those patients who require immediate diagnostic work-ups from those who can safely benefit from more conservative initial treatment. Some of the latter may require only reassurance, dietary modifications, or antacid use. Medications to block production of stomach acids, prokinate agents, or antibiotic treatment may be considered. Further diagnostic investigation is indicated if there is severe abdominal pain, pain radiating to the back, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, a palpable mass, or anemia. Additional work-up is also indicated if a patient does not respond to prescribed medications.

Prognosis

Statistics show an average of 20% of patients with dyspepsia have duodenalor gastric ulcer disease, 20% have irritable bowel syndrome, fewer than 1% of patients had cancer, and the range for functional, or non-ulcer dyspepsia (gastritis or superficial erosions), was from 5-40%.

Resources

Periodicals

Talley, N. J. "Non-ulcer Dyspepsia: Current Approaches to Diagnosis and Management." American Family Physician May 1993: 1407-1416.

Other

"Clinical Economics: Gastrointestinal Disease in Primary Care." April 23, 1998. 〈http://www.avicenna.com〉.

Key terms

Anemia — Diagnosed through laboratory study of the blood, a deficiency in hemoglobin or red blood cells, often associated with paleness or loss of energy.Endoscopy — A diagnostic procedure using a lighted instrument to examine a body cavity or internal organ. Endoscopy permits collection of tissue and culture specimens.

dyspepsia

[dis-pep´se-ah] impairment of the power or function of digestion; usually applied to epigastric discomfort after meals. adj., adj dyspep´tic.acid dyspepsia dyspepsia associated with excessive acidity of the stomach.nonulcer dyspepsia dyspepsia in which the symptoms resemble those of peptic ulcer, although no ulcer can be detected. Because many patients with nonulcer dyspepsia have a Helicobacter pylori infection, H. pylori has been suggested as a cause. This has not been proven, however, and many patients still have dyspepsia after antibiotic treatment.

dys·pep·si·a

(dis-pep'sē-ă), Impaired gastric function or "upset stomach" due to some disorder of the stomach; characterized by epigastric pain, sometimes burning, nausea, and gaseous eructation. Synonym(s): gastric indigestion [dys- + G. pepsis, digestion]

dyspepsia

(dĭs-pĕp′shə, -sē-ə)n. Disturbed digestion; indigestion.

dyspepsia

Gastroenterology 1. Formally, a compromised ability to digest food.2. Popularly defined as postprandial epigastric discomfort. See Nonulcer dyspepsia.

dys·pep·si·a

(dis-pep'sē-ă) Impaired gastric function or "upset stomach" due to some stomach disorder; characterized by epigastric pain, burning, nausea, and gaseous eructation.
Synonym(s): gastric indigestion. [dys- + G. pepsis, digestion]

dyspepsia

Indigestion. Any symptoms of disorder of, or abuse of, the digestive system or any symptoms attributed to digestive upset. The symptoms include discomfort in the upper abdomen, heartburn, a tendency to belching, nausea or a sense of bloated fullness (flatulence). See also PEPTIC ULCER.

dys·pep·si·a

(dis-pep'sē-ă) Impaired gastric function or "upset stomach" due to some disorder of the stomach. [dys- + G. pepsis, digestion]

dyspepsia

dys·pep·sia

dyspepsia

dyspepsy

dys•pep•sia

also dys•pep′sy,

dyspepsia

dyspepsia

dyspepsia

dyspepsia:

Dyspepsia

REFERENCE

dyspepsia

dyspepsia

dyspepsia

Dyspepsia

Definition

Causes and symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prognosis

Resources

Periodicals

Other

Key terms

dyspepsia

dys·pep·si·a

dyspepsia

dyspepsia

dys·pep·si·a

dyspepsia

dys·pep·si·a

Dyspepsia

dyspepsia

Synonyms for dyspepsia

noun a disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea

Synonyms

Related Words