How is indigestion (dyspepsia) diagnosed?
Indigestion is a nonspecific set of symptoms, patients who feel sick enough to seek medical attention are likely to go to their primary care doctor. The history does not always point to an obvious diagnosis. The doctor can, however, use the process of history-taking to evaluate the patient's mood or emotional state in order to assess the possibility of a psychiatric disturbance.
In addition, asking about the location, intensity, timing, and recurrence of the indigestion can help the doctor weigh the different diagnostic possibilities.
An important part of the history-taking is asking about symptoms that may indicate a serious illness. These warning symptoms include weight loss, persistent vomiting, difficulty or pain in swallowing, vomiting blood or passing blood in the stools, and anemia. If the doctor thinks that the indigestion should be investigated further, he or she will order an endoscopic examination of the stomach. An endoscope is a slender tube-shaped instrument that allows the doctor to look at the lining of the patient's stomach. If the patient has indigestion of the esophagitis type or nonulcer type, the stomach lining will appear normal. If the patient has PUD, the doctor will be able to see breaks or ulcerated areas in the tissue. He or she may also order ultrasound imaging of the abdomen, or a radionuclide scan to evaluate the motility of the stomach. Endoscopy and barium studies may be used to rule out underlying gastrointestinal disease. Upper gastrointestinal x-ray studies using barium may allow for visualization of abnormalities. Endoscopy permits collection of tissue and culture specimens which may be used to further confirm a diagnosis. |
More information on indigestion (dyspepsia)
What is indigestion (dyspepsia)? - Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a non specific term for a variety of symptoms resulting from a failure of proper breakdown and absorption of food in the alimentary canal.
What causes indigestion (dyspepsia)? - A disease or an ulcer in the digestive tract might cause indigestion. Being tired or stressed, smoking, or drinking too much alcohol or caffeinated beverages can cause indigestion.
What are the symptoms of indigestion? - Symptoms of indigestion are burning in the stomach or upper abdomen, heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, belching and gas, nausea, vomiting, acidic taste.
How is indigestion (dyspepsia) diagnosed? - Indigestion is a nonspecific set of symptoms, patients who feel sick enough to seek medical attention are likely to go to their primary care doctor.
What are the complications of indigestion? - Dyspepsia in most cases is not a serious condition but it does lead to much discomfort and it affects feelings of well-being.
What're the treatments for indigestion? - The treatment of indigestion is based on assessment of symptoms and suspected causative factors. A range of indigestion treatments can be bought from the pharmacy.
How to prevent indigestion? - The best way to treat indigestion is to prevent it by avoiding the foods and situations that seem to cause indigestion. |
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