DYSPEPSIA

Question 1

WHAT IS DYSPEPSIA?

Answer 1

combination of symptoms that suggest that suggests an upper GI problem

Question 2

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL SYMPTOMS OF DYSPEPSIA?

Answer 2

1) epigastric pain
2) retrosternal pain (heart burn)
3) post prandial fullness
4) belching
5) bloating
6) nausea
7) early satiety

Question 3

WHAT ARE THE ALARM SYMPTOMS?

Answer 3

1) anaemia (iron deficiency)
2) loss of weight
3) anorexia
4) recent onset/ progressive symptoms
5) meleana/ haematemesis
6) dysphagia

Question 4

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ALARM SYMPTOMS?

Answer 4

• red flag symptoms that may indicate a possible malignancy

Question 5

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU COME ACROSS THE ALARM SYMPTOMS IN A PATIENT?

Answer 5

• referral for upper GI endoscopy

Question 6

HOW DO YOU TREAT DYSPEPSIA WITHOUT ANY ALARM SYMPTOMS

Answer 6

• empirical treatment with a proton pump inhibitor for 4 weeks or to test for Helicobacter pylori and treat accordingly.

Question 7

HOW DO YOU TEST FOR H.PYLORI INFECTION?

Answer 7

• stool sample

- urea breath test

Question 8

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR H.PYLORI INFECTION?

Answer 8

triple therapy - lansoprazole + clarithromycin + amoxicillin

review after 4 weeks

Question 9

WHAT MEDICATIONS CAN CAUSE DYSPEPSIA?

Answer 9

NSAIDS

Question 10

WHAT LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN HELP DYSPEPSIA?

Answer 10

• reduce alcohol consumption and tobacco

Question 11

WHAT 3 CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE DYSPEPSIA?

Answer 11

• gastritis
• duodenal ulcer
• gastric ulcer
• H.pylori infection which can lead to ulcers