DISCOMFORT OR BURNING IN THE UPPER ABDOMEN
Indigestion / Dyspepsia
A common condition causing upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, early fullness and burning after meals. Most cases are manageable with lifestyle changes and acid-suppression therapy.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Indigestion / Dyspepsia
Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a common condition characterised by upper abdominal discomfort, burning, bloating, early fullness, nausea and discomfort after meals. It can occur occasionally with overeating or eating particular foods, or persistently as a chronic problem. Common causes include H. pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease, GERD, gastritis, certain medications, slow stomach emptying and, in many cases, functional dyspepsia where no clear structural cause is identified. Diet, eating habits, smoking, alcohol, stress and anxiety often play significant roles. Diagnosis is based on a careful history, examination and selective use of endoscopy and H. pylori testing — particularly when alarm features are present. Treatment combines lifestyle and dietary changes, acid-suppression therapy, H. pylori eradication when present, and stress management. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive dyspepsia evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Functional dyspepsia (no clear structural cause)
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis
- Acid reflux and GERD
- Anti-inflammatory pain medications and other drugs
- Slow stomach emptying
- Lifestyle factors — large meals, late eating, smoking, alcohol, stress
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical evaluation; endoscopy and H. pylori testing in selected cases
Weight loss, vomiting blood, swallowing difficulty, anaemia or older age with new symptoms
Lifestyle changes, acid-suppression therapy and H. pylori eradication when present
May benefit from dietary and stress-management approaches
Regular smaller meals, avoiding triggers and managing stress
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Stepwise Treatment with Selective Investigation
The most effective approach is a stepwise plan starting with lifestyle and dietary changes, then acid-suppression therapy, with H. pylori testing and treatment when appropriate. Endoscopy is reserved for patients with alarm features or persistent unexplained symptoms.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, eating patterns, medications, alcohol use and stress factors, and arranges H. pylori testing or endoscopy when indicated.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created with lifestyle, dietary and medical components, tailored to the most likely cause.
- 3
Medical Management
Lifestyle and dietary modification, acid-suppression therapy, H. pylori eradication when present, and review of contributing medications.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review to assess response, step down therapy where possible and arrange further evaluation if symptoms persist or red-flag features emerge.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Lifestyle and Dietary Modification
Eating smaller regular meals, avoiding eating close to bedtime, reducing fatty and spicy foods, limiting caffeine and alcohol and stopping smoking all help reduce symptoms.
Acid-Suppression Therapy
Effective acid-reducing medication relieves symptoms, especially when reflux or acid sensitivity is contributing.
H. pylori Eradication When Present
Structured combination therapy clears H. pylori in patients who test positive and often improves symptoms significantly.
Review of Medications
Reviewing and adjusting medications that worsen dyspepsia — particularly anti-inflammatory pain medications — can resolve symptoms in many patients.
Stress Management and Dietary Counselling
Stress-management techniques and structured dietary counselling are particularly helpful in functional dyspepsia.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure about your condition?
Compassionate, confidential consultations — Book your appointment today.