Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

dyspepsia 37
absorb the nutrient molecules that result from the
duodenum’s activity. The duodenum is the most
common site of the ulcers that characterize PEPTIC
ULCER DISEASE.
For further discussion of the duodenum and
the small intestine within the context of gastrointestinal
structure and function, please see the
overview section “The Gastrointestinal System.”
See also BILE DUCTS; LIVER; PANCREAS.
dyspepsia The clinical term for indigestion or
heartburn. Most people experience dyspepsia as a
burning PAIN in the upper abdomen. Some people
also experience NAUSEA, VOMITING, and excessive
belching. Certain foods or drinks, such as spicy
foods or caffeinated beverages, often worsen the
discomfort, as do medications such as aspirin and
other NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS
(NSAIDS) and numerous prescription medications.
ANTACIDS sometimes bring temporary relief. PEPTIC
ULCER DISEASE and GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISOR-
DER (GERD) are common causes of dyspepsia. Rarely,
persistent dyspepsia indicates STOMACH CANCER.
The diagnostic path may include upper
endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
(examination of the ESOPHAGUS, STOMACH, and DUO-
DENUM with a lighted, flexible tube), or BARIUM
SWALLOW to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Treatment targets the underlying cause and usually
includes a medication to suppress gastric acid
production, such as H2 ANTAGONIST (BLOCKER) MED-
ICATIONS or PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR (PPI) MEDICATIONS.
The doctor may also prescribe an ANTIBIOTIC MED-
ICATIONS to eradicate HELICOBACTER PYLORI BACTERIA,
the typical cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers,
when the underlying condition is peptic ulcer disease.
Most dyspepsia dramatically improves within
six to eight weeks of appropriate treatment.
See also ACHALASIA; BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS;
ENDOSCOPY; GALLBLADDER DISEASE; GASTRITIS.