Dyspepsia
| Sign/Symptoms |
| Treatments |
| Attributes |
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Commonality is common |
| Further Tests |
Our Records are Incomplete for Further Tests |
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is a commonly encountered term which is used to refer to discomfort or pain felt at the upper region of the abdomen. [1] It is often called indigestion and is related to various conditions. Treatment is based on the determined cause. [2]
Causes
There is a long list of dyspepsia causes. The cause can be as simple as eating excessively to as serious as stomach cancer. Common causes include eating too hurriedly, eating fatty or spicy foods, consuming too much caffeine or alcoholic drinks, swallowed air, cigarette smoking, infection commonly by a bacteria called Heliobacter pylori, gastritis, obesity, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), taking drugs like those belonging to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, gallstones, hernia and anxiety. [1] [3]
Symptoms
Most individuals who suffer from the condition sense a feeling of discomfort or pain in the stomach or chest region which can be associated with nausea, bloating and belching. It is often felt soon after eating however sometimes it can come delayed. Some patients also experience vomiting. [1] [4] [5]
Diagnosis
In the majority of cases, dyspepsia is mild and requires no medical intervention. However in some cases, dyspepsia may point toward an underlying serious disease. Some warning signs that should be watched out for include unintentional weight loss, difficulty in swallowing, unrelenting vomiting, lump felt in the stomach area and vomiting of blood. [5]
The medical history of patient that describes the symptoms observed is important in making suspicion of the possible etiology. Likewise, the family history is also essential to be noted. A physical examination is typically conducted which involves inspection of the abdominal area and looking for tender areas by pressing in the region. Some of the laboratory exams that may be helpful to investigate further the condition include blood test, endoscopy, liver function test, urea breath test, x-rays, imaging tests like ultrasound and CT scan. [1]
Treatment
Diet and lifestyle changes frequently help especially for mild cases. Among these are taking in less caffeine, alcoholic drinks and fatty foods. Avoidance of spicy foods and having enough sleep are also advised. Some drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen are better avoided. Depending on the cause determined, the medications that may be prescribed include antacid, PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), H-2-receptor antagonists and antibiotics. [1]
References:
1. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/163484.php
2. http://www.patient.co.uk/health/dyspepsia-indigestion
3. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/dyspepsia-topic-overview
4. http://www.thirdage.com/hc/c/dyspepsia-symptoms
5. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Indigestion/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking:
Vitamin B Complex [1, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help in preventing some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. Please note, this acts as a PREVENTATIVE treatment, and not necessarily symptomatic relief. Supplements should only be taken if they contain no more than 100% of the recommended daily value
Recommendation: Strongly in favor (Vitamin B may help in preventing dyspepsia due to its role in maintaining the digestive system)
Grade of Evidence: High quality of evidence
Valerian (Valerian Tea, Valeriana Officinalis) [1, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Valerian helps to treat dyspepsia. More research is needed)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Strychnos Nux-Vomica (Maqianzi, Poison Nut) [1, 70, 71, 72]:
WARNING! This substance is HIGHLY POISONOUS. The seeds contain Strychnine, which may cause convulsions, breathing difficulties and death, even if as little as 5 milligrams is ingested
Recommendation: Strongly against (There is no evidence in the form of clinical trials which reports the effectiveness of Strychnos Nux-Vomica, because it is highly poisonous to humans, and is not recommended.)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
St John's Wort (Goatweed, tipton weed, Hypericum Perforatum) [1, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (Available evidence does not support claims that St John's Wort can help to treat dyspepsia)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Psyllium (Isphagula, Plantago Psyllium) [1, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Strongly in favor (Clinical trials have shown that Psyllium is effective in treating dyspepsia)
Grade of Evidence: High quality of evidence
Peppermint Oil [1, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly in favor (Early clinical trials have shown that Peppermint may help in the treatment of dyspepsia, but more research is needed)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Pau D'Arco (Lapachol, Tabebuia Impetiginosa, Tabebuia Heptaphylla) [1, 46]:
Please note, this treatment has potentially serious side effects. Some of the chemicals in the plant are known to be toxic. High doses are known to cause liver and kidney. Even at low doses, chemicals in the plant may interfere with blood clotting, causing excess bleeding and anaemia. Pau D'Arco should be avoided, especially by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Recommendation: Strongly against (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Pau D'arco helps to treat dyspepsia. This, combined with its potentially harmful side effects if taken without supervision from a doctor or pharmacist gives enough reason to avoid this treatment.)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Mugwort (Artemisa Vulgaris) [1, 43, 44, 45]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It has been proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has been discounted due life-threatening side effects
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that mugwart helps to treat dyspepsia. More research is needed.)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Kava (Piper Methysticum) [1, 39, 40, 41, 42]:
WARNING: In rare cases, kava may lead to liver failure and other life threatening problems. The FDA warns that those who have had liver problems, or are on medicacations which may affect the liver, patients should check with their doctors before taking Kava. Other side effects include headache, upset stomach, drowsiness, weight loss, bloody urine, and muscle weakness.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Kava helps to treat symptoms of dyspepsia. More research is needed)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Green Tea [1, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly in favor (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Green Tea helps to treat dyspepsia in any way. Although reports are positive, more studies are needed.)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) [1, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly against (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Goldenseal helps to treat dyspepsia. More studies are needed. Goldenseal may produce toxic effects, including depression, constipation, rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, mouth ulcers and vomiting.)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Ginseng [1, 23, 24, 25, 26]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that ginseng helps to treat dyspepsia. More studies are needed)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Ginger [1, 20, 21, 22]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (Research regarding claims that ginger helps treat dyspepsia has yielded mixed results)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Flaxseed Oil [1, 17, 18, 19]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that flaxseed oil helps to treat dyspepsia)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Evening Primrose Oil [1, 14, 15, 16]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Primrose Oil helps to treat dyspepsia any way.)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Cloves (Caryophyllum Aromaticum, Eugenia Caryophyllata) [9, 10, 11, 12, 13]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Cloves help to treat dyspepsia in any way)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Chaparral (Larrea Tridentata Coville [6, 7, 8]:
Please note, this herb is HIGHLY TOXIC, and has been reported to cause severe and permanent liver disease which can be fatal.
Recommendation: Strongly against (Existing evidence shows that Chaparral is not an effective treatment for dyspepsia. In addition, this herb is highly toxic and potentially life threatening.)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla) [4, 5]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly against (Available evidence does not support claims that Chamomile helps treat dyspepsia. In addition, allergic reactions and side effects like cramps, itching, rashes and difficulty breathing can be relatively common)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Celandine (Ukrain, Chelidonium Majus) [1, 2, 3]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly against (There is insufficient evidence that Celandine helps to cure or treat dyspepsia. In addition, the plant is mildly poisonous to humans. It may cause hepatitis as well as symptoms of pain, nausea, thirst, and fever.)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Red Pepper (Capsaicin):
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that red peppers help to treat or prevent dyspepsia)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Black Walnut (Juglans Nigra):
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly against (Available evidence does not support claims that Black Walnut helps to treat dyspepsia)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Aloe Vera:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly against (there is no evidence that Aloe Vera may help with abdominal pain. Although Aloe does have laxative qualities, there are potentially dangerous side effects, and increased cancer risk with its use)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Reflexology:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is no reliable evidence showing the effects of reflexology on dyspepsia)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Polarity Therapy:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (there is no reliable evidence supporting Polarity in helping with dyspepsia)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Osteopathy:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly in favor (there is no available scientific evidence that shows that osteopathy alone may help with treating dyspepsia)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Moxibustion:
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to show that moxibustion has any effect on dyspepsia)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Curandisomo:
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is no available evidence that Curanderismo helps treat dyspepsia)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Aromatherapy [90, 91]:
Recommendation: Weakly in favor (Early studies show that aromatherapy may be helpful to those with dyspepsia. More studies are needed)
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence
Relaxation Techniques [92]:
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that acupuncture is able to treat dysphagia)
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
* www.gradeworkinggroup.org
Summary References
Treatments:
1. Ades T, Alteri R, Gansler T, Yeargin P, "Complete Guide to Complimentary & Alternative Cancer Therapies", American Cancer Society, Atlanta USA, 2009
2. http://abchomeopathy.com/r.php/Chel
3. http://abchomeopathy.com/r.php/Chel
4. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-chamomile.html
5. http://www.abchomeopathy.com/r.php/Cham
6. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2005/2005_135-eng.php
7. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West, Gregory L. Tilford, ISBN 0-87842-359-1
8. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/chaparral
9. Ades T, Alteri R, Gansler T, Yeargin P, "Complete Guide to Complimentary & Alternative Cancer Therapies", American Cancer Society, Atlanta USA, 2009
10. Balch, Phyllis and Balch, James. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd ed., Avery Publishing, ©2000, pg. 94.
11. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition by Dan Bensky, Steven Clavey, Erich Stoger, and Andrew Gamble 2004
12. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/cloves
13. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-clove.html
14. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/evening-primrose
15. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/eveningprimrose/
16. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4395826.stm
17. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/flaxseed
18. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-flaxseed.html
19. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/flaxseed/index.htm
20. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/ginger
21. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-ginger.html
22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10793599
23. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-ginseng.html
24. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/ginseng
25. Shin HR, Kim JY, Yun TK, Morgan G, Vainio H (2000). "The cancer-preventive potential of Panax ginseng: a review of human and experimental evidence". Cancer Causes Control 11 (6): 565–576.
26. McElhaney JE et al. (2004). "A placebo-controlled trial of a proprietary extract of North American ginseng (CVT-E002) to prevent acute respiratory illness in institutionalized older adults". J Am Geriatr Soc 52 (1): 13–19
27. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/goldenseal
28. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/goldenseal/
29. Tierra Michael (1998): The Way of Herbs. New York, Pocket Books
30. Grieve M. (1971): A Modern Herbal. New York, Dover Publications, Inc
31. Mills S. and Bone K. (2000): Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Philadelphia, Churchill Livingstone
32. Tice Raymond (1997): Goldenseal and Two of its constituent alkaloids: berberine and hydrastine Research Triangle Park, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, in Seiger E: Review of Toxilogical Literature
33. http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/ellingwood/hydrastis.html
34. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/green-tea
35. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16968850
36. http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_4326770
37. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-green_tea.html
38. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/greentea/index.htm
39. http://www.publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_id=SP05005.pdf
40. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/kava
41. http://www.kavazen.com/pages/library.htm#KavaZen and Kava Safety
42. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/kava/index.htm
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44. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/mugwort
45. Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.
46. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/pau-d-arco
47. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/peppermint
48. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17420159
49. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19507027
50. http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/alternat/AT022.html
51. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-peppermint.html
52. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil/index.htm
53. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-psyllium.html
54. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601104.html
55. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=cmed&part=A17913
56. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/psyllium
57. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-lowering-supplements/CL00013/METHOD=print
58. http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-psyllium.htm
59. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/st-johns-wort
60. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-stjohnswort.html
61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18843608
62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11939866
63. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/ataglance.htm
64. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/sjw-and-depression.htm
65. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/how-is-depression-detected-and-treated.shtml
66. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11939872
67. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12132963
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73. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-valerian.html
74. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/valerian/index.htm
75. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/valerian
76. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian.asp
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78. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9757514
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