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Non-ulcer dyspepsia is a common problem in which a patient suffers from signs and symptoms suggestive of indigestion. Symptoms include an uncomfortable feeling in your lower chest or upper abdomen, nausea, belching, bloating and feeling full after eating a moderate amount of food. These symptoms may persist and you may experience dark, tarry stools, bloody vomit, shortness of breath and pain running down your jaw, neck or arm. Although the cause of non-ulcer dyspepsia is not clear, factors such as smoking, excess caffeine and alcohol, and certain pain relieving medications can increase your risk.

Non-ulcer dyspepsia can be diagnosed by reviewing your signs and symptoms and performing a through physical examination. Your doctor may order blood tests to rule out other problems and a test to detect the helicobacter pylori bacterium, which is a common cause of stomach problems. An endoscopy, a procedure where a narrow tube with a camera is inserted into your digestive system, may be performed to examine and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and includes administration of medications for reducing or supressing the production of acid, and antibiotics if helicobacter pylori is the cause of the condition. Making changes to your eating habits such as eating several small meals, eating slowly, avoiding skipping meals and foods that bring on the symptoms can help provide relief. Your doctor may suggest therapy to reduce stress if your condition is stress related.

Conditions

  • Medical Board of Australia
  • Royal Australasian College of Physicians
  • Gastroenterological Society of Australia
  • American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  • American Gastroenterological Association
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