Dyspepsia

Question 1

Symptoms?

Answer 1

Upper Stomach ache (Vague abdominal discomfort) associated with burping

Bloating

Flatulence

A feeling of fullness

Nausea and vomiting

Heartburn

Painful burning feeling in the chest, often after eating

Bringing up food or bitter tasting liquid

Question 2

Questions?

Answer 2

Does the pain radiate to any other areas of the body?

Is the pain severe?

Anything that worsens or relieves the symptoms?

Risk factors for GORD

• Stress
• Smoking
• Being overweight

Question 3

Red flag?

Answer 3

Does the pain radiate to any other areas of the body?

If it does then it is indicative of more serious pathology and the patient MUST be referred.

The pain might be cardiovascular in origin, especially if the pain is felt down the inside aspect of the left arm.

Persistent vomiting is suggestive of ulceration (formation of an ulcer)or even cancer and must be referred to the doctors.

Black and tarry stools indicate a bleed in the GI tract and must be referred

Typical red flags:

Unexplained weight loss in the last 6 months

Any rectal bleeding

Any recent hospital, antibiotic or PPI treatments

If the patient has any systemic illnesses( illness that has affected all over the body)

If the patient has persistent diarrhoea

Any presence of mucus/fat/blood in stool

If the patient had travelled abroad recently

If the customer or patient regularly takes NSAIDs

If the patient is pregnant

If the customer is taking other me medication

Symptoms that are very frequent and are increasing in frequency

Symptoms that have lasted for more than two weeks, despite taking OTC medication.

Question 4

Treatment?

Answer 4

Alginates & Antacids:

• Gaviscon
• Peptic
• Acidex

5-20ml after meals and at bedtime
Not for children under 6

Antacids:
(hydroxides, carbonates and trisilicates)
- Rennie 
- Tums 
- Gaviscon  

Varies with each drug but normally taken with/after food or before bed.
Not for under 12 years of age.