$Unique_ID{BRK00755}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Are There Tests to Find if a Special Food Causes Indigestion?}
$Subject{dyspepsia indigestion Digestive stomach endoscope}
$Volume{I-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are There Tests to Find if a Special Food Causes Indigestion?


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QUESTION:  I suffer from occasional bouts of indigestion.  I can't figure out
if it is a special food that bothers me.  However when I do mention this to my
doctor, he just shrugs and tells me not to worry.  Aren't there some special
tests I should have to help figure this thing out?

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ANSWER:  You call it indigestion, and I call it dyspepsia, but I think we are
speaking of the same thing.  You must realize that you are not alone, since
about a third of the population suffers from similar problems.  It has been
estimated that as many as 2 million office visits to physicians will be for
consultations about dyspepsia.  Even amongst those who are completely
evaluated, no specific cause can be found in many cases.  I suppose we could
really break the bank if every patient with indigestion was put through an
expensive medical work up.  The American College of Physicians, Health and
Public Policy Committee has suggested an approach to this problem that advises
medical treatment for 6 to 8 weeks, when there is no obvious disease or
complications present.  Antacids or medications to stop the flow of stomach
acid may be prescribed, depending upon the nature of the symptoms and the
result of a physical examination.  If there is no response and symptoms
continue, then the patient should be tested using a endoscope, a flexible
telescope like instrument which permits the doctor to see the insides of
stomach and intestine.  Of course if a patient is more likely to have serious
disease, because symptoms are severe and recurrent, there is weight loss or
signs of intestinal bleeding, an abdominal mass on physical examination,
regular use of aspirin or other medications that irritate the stomach, or
there is a past history of ulcer disease, the test should be performed
promptly.  Since your case sounds less serious your physician is trying to be
both reassuring and keep your costs down.  Show him this column the next time
you visit, and perhaps he will use the method I have outlined.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.