Dyspepsia with unidentified cause

Abstract

Dyspepsia is a group of upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms, which are typically present for 4 or more weeks (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2014). These symptoms typically include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux and upper abdominal discomfort, with up to 40% of the UK population affected annually (NICE, 2014). A systematic review carried out by Ford et al (2015) found a higher prevalence among active smokers, women and those using non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Lifestyle factors should be considered as part of the management of dyspepsia, with strategies such as weight loss, stress reduction, reduction of alcohol intake, avoidance of potential trigger foods (such as coffee, fatty or spicy foods) and smoking cessation identified as having the potential to reduce symptoms (NICE, 2017)