Dyspepsia, also commonly known as indigestion, is characterized by pain or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen (the epigastrium), upper abdominal fullness, bloatedness, belching, nausea, and occasionally, symptoms of acid reflux.  Dyspepsia is one of the more common symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal tract, and has been reported to affect up to about 40% of the general population.

What Causes Dyspepsia?

Dyspepsia may be due to both organic causes (in which there is actual anatomical evidence of disease, such as inflammation, infection or an ulcer) as well as functional causes (in which there is no anatomical evidence of disease).

Causes of dyspepsia include:

• Peptic ulcer disease
• Gastritis, duodenitis
• H. pylori infections
• Gastric cancer
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gastroparesis (in which the stomach doesn't empty itself properly)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Certain drugs (eg. NSAIDS, steroids)

Smokers and those who consume excessive alcohol are at increased risk for developing dyspepsia.  Those who have emotional problems, such as anxiety and depression, are also at increased risk for developing the condition.  Many women, in the more advanced stages of pregnancy, as a result of hormonal changes and compression of the growing fetus on the gastrointestinal tract, also tend to develop symptoms of dyspepsia.

"Red Flag" Symptoms:

You should see your doctor immediately if you should have any of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting of blood
• Passing of soft, tarry-black stools (this indicates bleeding from high up in the gastrointestinal tract)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unintentional weight loss
• An abdominal mass
• Persistent vomiting or pain

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