Dyspepsia

Sign/Symptoms
Drugs
Treatments
Alternative Medicine
Attributes
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 Helicobacter 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 (Artemisia 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 mugwort 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 medications 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 therapy 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 limited evidence that osteopathy alone may help with 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

Curanderismo

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 relaxation techniques are able to treat dyspepsia )

Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence

* GRADE reference: www.gradeworkinggroup.org

Summary treatment references

  1. Ades T, Alteri R, Gansler T, Yeargin P, "Complete Guide to Complementary & 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 Complementary & 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
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  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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  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
  68. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16423519
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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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  89. Higdon, Jane (2003). "Biotin". An evidence-based approach to vitamins and minerals. Thieme. ISBN 9781588901248.
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  92. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3014053/

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