Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, is a medical condition affecting the intestines. Using the two terms interchangeably is not always accurate, as dyspepsia tends to be longer lasting.

Dyspepsia typically affects the stomach and the small intestine first. Common symptoms include belching, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, and a feeling of being full. Some individuals also experience a burning or gnawing feeling in their stomachs. These symptoms are typically triggered by eating.

Dyspepsia can be caused by a variety of conditions. Diseases such as hyperparathyroidism, which results from overactive parathyroid glands, can cause dyspepsia. Other disease, including thyroid disease, diabetes, and severe kidney disease, are also potential causes. Researchers are still unsure why these diseases, which are not directly related to the gastrointestinal system, cause dyspepsia.

Acid reflux disease and stomach ulcers can also cause dyspepsia. When a person suffers from acid reflux disease, his or her stomach acid enters into the esophagus and causes pain in the chest. Over time, this build up of stomach acids can lead to dyspepsia. On rare occasions, dyspepsia may also be caused by stomach cancer.

Drugs can also cause dyspepsia. The type of drugs most frequently associated with dyspepsia are anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, estrogen, and antibiotics. Most drugs, however, cause dyspepsia in at least a small portion of users.

The majority of dyspepsia cases are believed to be caused by a dysfunction of the organs within the gastrointestinal tract or by the nerves that control these organs. Since the nerves involved with the gastrointestinal tract go to the brain and run inside the spinal cord, the dysfunction causing dyspepsia may also be within the brain or the spinal cord.

Individuals with a dysfunctional gastrointestinal system are more prone to developing dyspepsia. For these people, certain conditions can increase their likelihood of exhibiting symptoms. These conditions include depression and anxiety. A woman’s menstrual cycle also tends to exacerbate dyspepsia, as it increases the amount of progesterone and estrogen in her body. Research has demonstrated that blocking these hormones reduces the likelihood of developing dyspepsia.

In most cases, dyspepsia is not a serious problem, though it can be quite uncomfortable. Anyone suffering from dyspepsia who is over the age of 50 or who has lost weight without trying to should see a doctor. Other symptoms of concern include difficulty swallowing, severe vomiting, and black or bloody bowel movements.