Dyspepsia |Indigestion| Heart burn
What is Dyspepsia?
In simple terms, it means epigastric pain or discomfort. It may represent with recurrent/ persistent variety of upper abdominal symptoms like bloating, postprandial (after food) fullness, burning sensation in the chest, acidity, belching, nausea & at times sour vomiting too.
Who is at risk?
The condition is common worldwide, with 20-40% of the world’s population affected at some time. It is extremely prevalent. Risk of individual increases with- eating high-fat foods, alcohol, cigarette smoking, various drugs (NSAIDs (pain killers), Iron and potassium supplements, calcium antagonists, bisphosphonates, nitrates, theophyllines, corticosteroids etc.), anxiety-stress etc. It is also seen in people infected with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori in the stomach.
What causes Dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia is not an isolated condition by itself. The pathophysiology of dyspepsia depends on the underlying disease. But in most of the cases no identifiable cause is found (functional dyspepsia: non-ulcer dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome)
Other common causes are- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Peptic Ulcer Disease, Acute Gastritis, Gall Stones, Motility disorders like Oesophageal Spasm, Pancreatic diseases like Chronic Pancreatitis, Hepatic Disease, Psychological causes like Anxiety and Depression etc.
How to rule out the underlying conditions?
If you are experiencing the symptoms of dyspepsia, the primary approach to the treatment is to identify the underlying conditions. The identification is generally done through proper evaluation of the symptomatology and sometimes by conducting few investigations (blood tests, x-ray, endoscopy, testing for H pylori non-invasively with the urea breath test or stool antigen etc.)
When do I need to consult a doctor?
Seek help from your doctor immediately if you are having the following symptoms like- weight loss, anaemia, frequent vomiting, Haematemesis (vomiting of bloody substance) and/or melaena (blood with stool), dysphagia, palpable abdominal mass. Doctor consultation is also required in cases with minimal symptoms but recurrent in nature or if persisting for a longer period.
Is there any Self-Help advice?
The first treatment of dyspepsia should be lifestyle modifications. The common advice to the patients are:
- Changes in diet & lifestyle e.g., taking small meals frequently, low-fat diet, avoiding certain aggravating foods etc.
- Cessation of smoking
- Avoiding excess alcohol intake
- Minimizing tea-coffee intake
- Adding ginger to your diet
- Avoid foods that trigger acidity.
- Reduce your stress and anxiety level by meditation
Why Let’s Homeopathy? How we be of help?
At Let’s homoeopathy, we insist on following the standard practice of evaluation of the case through symptomatology and history of the case. If indicated certain medical tests may also be recommended to identify the actual underlying disease. Homoeopathic remedies, followed by the proper evaluation of the case improve the impaired quality of life of patients with Dyspepsia. Some of the remedies like Carbo Vegetabilis, Lycopodium, Natrum carb, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Arsenic album, Natrum Phos etc. are frequently recommended in appropriate dosages and strength, depending on the individual’s condition and severity. At times long-term management may be required for permanent relief.
Kindly note, we do not encourage patients to experiment with homoeopathic medications. Self-prescription can prove harmful, and parents are not recommended to self-prescribe any of the Homeopathic medicines without consulting an appropriately qualified doctor from a recognized university.
Let our team of Let’s homoeopathy help you fight this disease.
So, do not hesitate and waste more time! Get a consultation with a qualified and experienced Homeopath today from the comfort of your home through Let’s Homeopathy. We will deliver the medicines to your doorstep too!