$Unique_ID{BRK01165}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Does the Word "Dyspepsia" Mean?}
$Subject{stomach bad digestion dyspepsia food drink digestive upset antacid
acid antagonist cimetidine ranitidine eating system tummy diet diets foods
drinks antacids acids antagonists}
$Volume{I-10,I-26}
$Log{}

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


What Does the Word "Dyspepsia" Mean?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I always preferred simple terms to explain medical conditions, but
was surprised when I was told that I had dyspepsia.  Although simple enough, I
am now afraid that my doctor is trying to conceal something from me.  What
does the word "dyspepsia" really mean?  Is it a condition that can be helped,
and if so what is the treatment?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  It may be confusing but its not meant to hide anything from you.  The
term "dyspepsia" means "bad digestion".  By definition, it relates to food or
drink and their digestion, but digestion difficulties can be a symptom of more
complex problems.  Dyspepsia is a problem that plagues all of us from time to
time, and some suffer it more often and more severely than the rest.  If it is
a constant problem that causes you severe discomfort, it deserves attention.
     But you and your physician are faced with a puzzling scenario when you
have dyspepsia.  The problem is so common, yet has so many variations, that it
is hard to evaluate.  Digestive discomfort can mean nothing more than
overindulgence, or it can be the warning sign of ulcers, heart attack or gall
bladder disease.
     In light of the complex problems that can hide behind the upset stomach,
your role as patient and chief observer of the problem becomes really
important.  Know as much about your complaint as you can, so that you can help
your doctor decide which investigative avenue to take.  Total evaluation of
all the possible causes of dyspepsia is expensive, uncomfortable and
unnecessary, if the two of you work together to investigate the most likely
causes first.  Despite the best efforts of you and your physician, the cause
of your dyspepsia may never be found.  In this case, he will probably
recommend that you avoid the foods that cause your problems, and treat the
symptoms with an antacid or acid antagonist like cimetidine or ranitidine.
     To help your doctor evaluate your problem, ask yourself these questions,
and keep a simple diary for a while so you can identify patterns of symptoms.
Are your symptoms related to eating?  Do the symptoms occur during eating,
after eating, or before eating?  Do certain foods trigger different symptoms?
Exactly what are your symptoms?  Are you nauseated; does the nausea progress
to vomiting?  Is there vomiting without nausea?  Do you have pain?  Exactly
where is it?  Are there tender spots or is the pain vague and diffuse?  Do you
notice other symptoms that seem unrelated to your digestion?  Have you had any
weight gain or loss?  Have you noticed any change in your bowel habits?  Are
your eating patterns changed?  What emotions are you experiencing when you
have digestive problems?  Is there a family history of ulcers, gall bladder
disease or other problems?  What medicines are you taking?  Do you drink
alcohol or smoke?
     Dyspepsia has been blamed for everything from bad marriages to decline of
entire empires.  Its sufferers support an entire industry of antacid
manufacturers, and the only problem that keeps people away from work more
often is the common cold.  Those that haven't suffered a bout of dyspepsia
yet probably will someday.  And though it may be unpleasant, it most likely
will not be dangerous.  However, the important thing to remember is that you
should keep track of your symptoms and see your doctor if the problem is
severe enough to interfere with your normal activities and good health.

----------------

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.