Noticing that the food «stays there,» feeling an immediate need to eat or experiencing frequent discomfort in the upper abdomen is more common than it seems. When these sensations recur, they can be part of what is known as dyspepsia.
We are not talking about a temporary indigestion after a large meal, but about symptoms that appear again and again and that are worth studying to understand their origin.
What is dyspepsia?
The dyspepsia It is the set of digestive symptoms that are located in the upper part of the abdomen and that, often, are related to meals. It is not a specific disease, but a way of describing discomforts that can have very different causes.
The most common symptoms are:
- Heavy indigestion, With the feeling that the food takes a long time to settle down.
- Early CivilizationFeeling full after eating very little.
- Plenitude or swelling after meals.
- Pain o nuisance in the mouth of the stomach.
- Burning sensation o burning sensation in the upper part of the abdomen.
- Groans o Nausea in some cases.
Each person experiences it differently: the symptoms vary in intensity and can appear seasonally.
Why do I have heavy digestion often?
It is normal to have one heavy digestion From time to time, especially after a large meal, with fat or when accompanied by alcohol. But if it happens regularly, it is worth finding out what is causing it.
Sometimes these discomforts appear because the stomach does not function as usual, for example, because It takes longer to empty or it does not adapt well to the amount of food it receives. In other cases, there may be a specific digestive cause, such as a Gastritis, one peptic ulcer or an infection by Helicobacter pylori.
Since similar symptoms can have different origins, it is not possible to know the cause just by how one feels. This is why a medical evaluation is so important.
Early satiety: when you fill up with very little food.
The Early satiety It is one of the symptoms that worries the most. You start eating normally, but soon you notice an intense feeling of fullness that prevents you from continuing. Over time, it is common for the person to end up eating less to avoid the discomfort.
In some patients it is due to the stomach not relaxing enough when it receives food. In others, it is due to a slower emptying, or to another cause that needs to be investigated.
If precocious satiety is common, and even more so if it is accompanied by Weight loss, If you experience vomiting or any other new symptoms, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
What is functional dyspepsia?
In many patients, after performing the necessary tests, no injury is found that explains the discomfort. Then they talk about Functional dyspepsia.
Being «functional» does not mean that the symptoms are imaginary or that they are not important. It means that the digestive system is not functioning as it should, although the usual tests do not show any visible injury. Among the mechanisms that may be involved are:
- Changes in the gastric motility, That is, in the movements of the stomach.
- One greater sensitivity of the stomach to certain stimuli.
- Feeling of filling up too quickly while eating.
- Changes in the communication between the Digestive system and nervous system.
Since the mechanisms are so varied, the treatment must be adapted to each patient and the predominant symptoms.
How is persistent dyspepsia studied?
Not all people need the same tests. The decision depends on age, history, how long the symptoms have been present, and the presence of warning signs.
During the consultation, the specialist examines when the discomfort appears, how it relates to meals, what medication is being taken, and whether there are any other symptoms. From there, you can propose studies such as:
Gastroscopy
It allows you to directly see the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is useful for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities that explain the symptoms.
Study of Helicobacter pylori
This bacterium may be behind some gastric problems and can be detected through various tests.
Other digestive tests
Depending on the symptoms and clinical suspicion, additional studies may be necessary.
The goal is not to do more tests, but to choose the ones that actually provide value. useful information in each case.
The choice of tests depends on the symptoms, the history, and the findings of each patient.
When should I consult?
Many people live with these discomforts for months or years, thinking that they have «bad digestion». It is advisable to consult a doctor when the symptoms recur or begin to affect eating and daily life.
And it is especially important to do so if any of these warning signs appear:
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Digestive bleeding or anemia.
- Pain that is increasing.
- Recent changes in symptoms that were previously stable.
Conclusion: Do not normalize the recurring discomforts.
The dyspepsia It encompasses digestive discomforts of very different origins. In some cases, tests identify a specific cause; in others, the diagnosis is Functional dyspepsia. In both situations, there are options to improve the symptoms.
If you notice heavy digestions, early satiety, fullness, or frequent discomfort in the upper abdomen, A specialist assessment can help you understand what is happening and decide whether you need any tests.
And GASTEIZ We have specialists in the digestive system and advanced diagnostic techniques to study each case individually. Find out which study might be suitable for you.
