Dyspepsia is another word for indigestion.

People with chronic indigestion often report feelings of stomach pain, over-fullness and bloating during and after eating. Other common symptoms include acid reflux, heartburn and excessive burping, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

A functional disorder is an ongoing problem with your bodily functions that can’t be explained by physical causes. You have symptoms, and doctors can observe those symptoms, but they can’t find any mechanical reason for them. Gastrointestinal diseases are often “functional” rather than structural. Doctors don’t always understand why they occur. It may be that the brain and nerves are involved.

Dyspepsia is very common which is seen in 20-30% of Indian population.

You may be more likely to experience functional dyspepsia if you:

• Have a history of anxiety or depression.

• Have a history of abuse.

• Have a history of H. pylori infection.

• Use NSAIDs.

• Smoke or use tobacco products.

Both are different as they involve different parts of G.I. system but both share same pathophysiology and can co exist in same patient.

Upper G.I. endoscopy is done to rule out Helicobacter Pylori infection and other structural causes of indigestion. Other tests include ruling out wheat intolerance, lactose intolerance, pancreatitis, gall stones and diabetes.

Helicobacter pylori infection is gram negative bacteria which is seen in 90% of Indian population with pathogenic strains cause dyspepsia and gastritis. Infection occurs during childhood from contaminated food or water. Symptoms have late onset as it is slow growing bacteria.

H. pylori is tested using endoscopy by RUT (rapid urease testing ) or biopsy , UREA BREATH TEST ( UBT) and stool test. At Gastro 360 , we have advanced laser endoscopy which can detect infection by endoscopic appearance and also Urea Breath test (13C UBT) to rule out infection in children , pregnant and sick patients.

H. pylori is treated only if it is detected by various tests . H. pylori can present with resistance to various antibiotics.

H. pylori is a common bacteria and is not considered dangerous which can be eradicated. If left untreated it may lead to stomach or duodenal ulcer and cancer in very few patients.

H. pylori can be suspected if there is chronic malnutrition , malabsorption , vitamin B12 deficiency , iron deficiency, thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and skin conditions like urticaria.

Belching is diagnosed by taking proper history and other investigations like upper G.I. endoscopy.

Excess burping or Belching can happen because of acid reflux, indigestion, H. pylori infection, anxiety, recent weight gain, tight clothes, sedentary lifestyle, excess smoking and excess talking.

Burping is treated by finding the reason and treating. Diaphragmatic breathing helps in reducing burps. Burping is NOT DANGEROUS