Disorders of Gastric Acid and Ulceration

Question 1

What is dyspepsia?

Answer 1

The British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) defines dyspepsia as a group of symptoms that alert doctors to consider disease of the upper GI tract, and states that dyspepsia itself is not a diagnosis. These symptoms, which typically are present for 4 weeks or more, include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, heartburn, gastric reflux, nausea or vomiting. In this guideline, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) refers to endoscopically determined oesophagitis or endoscopy-negative reflux disease.

Question 2

What conditions can cause dyspepsia?

Answer 2

Indigestion (functional, uncertain origin)
GORD (heartburn, acid regurgitation, oesophagitis)
Gastritis
gastric or duodenal ulcers

Question 3

what symptoms would trigger urgent endoscopic referral?

Answer 3

Anaemia (as a result of GI bleeding)
loss of weight
Anorexia
Recently changed, unexplained new dyspepsia in 55+unresponsive to treatment
Malaena (blood in stool, dysphagia, haematemesis or recurrent vomiting

Question 4

What is gastritis?

Answer 4

Inflammation of the stomach