What are some Common Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms and how it can be treated in SIngapore | Dr David Ong - A respected Singapore Gastroenterologist

Upper GI Symptoms

Heartburn (Acid Reflux)

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, or pyrosis, occurs when some acidic contents from the stomach goes back up into the oesophagus (gullet). Acid reflux tends to cause a burning sensation in the lower chest area that may move up into your throat, often occurring after a meal. You may also experience a sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your mouth or throat. If this occurs regularly (more than twice a week), you may have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD is a common cause of acid reflux.

Common causes of acid reflux include:

– Drinking certain ‘acid reflux beverages’ such as carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, or alcohol

– Eating certain ‘acid reflux foods’ such as fatty or fried foods, garlic, onion, mint, tomato.

– Eating a large meal and subsequently bending over or lying down

– Taking aspirin or ibuprofen

– Pregnancy

– Smoking

Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia or an upset stomach, is when you experience discomfort in your upper abdomen. Indigestion often describes specific symptoms including abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness soon after eating rather than a specific disease. However, indigestion can also be a symptom of various digestive illnesses.

Common causes include

– Overeating or eating too quickly

– Fatty, greasy, or spicy foods

– Carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, or chocolate

– Smoking

– Anxiety

– Some antibiotics and pain relievers

– Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)

– Peptic ulcers

– Coeliac disease

– Constipation

– Gallstones

– Diabetes

– Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis)

– Stomach cancer

– Intestinal obstruction

– Pregnancy

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)

Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is when it takes more time and effort to move food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia may be painful and in some cases, swallowing is impossible.

Medical conditions that can cause dysphagia include:

– Head injury

– Neurological disorders including stroke, dementia, multiple sclerosis,

cerebral palsy

– Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

– Obstruction

– Cancer such as oesophogeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, or mouth cancer

Burping (Belching)

Belching, or burping, is when swallowed air or gas come back up your oesophagus (gullet) and throat from your stomach. A burp or belch can help to ease an upset stomach. If it occurs frequently, it may be a sign of a medical condition. Causes of excessive belching include:

– Swallowing air (aerophagia) which occurs when chewing gum, smoking, wearing loose dentures, sucking on objects, drinking carbonated beverages, or eating/drinking too quickly.

– Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

– Gastritis

– Stomach ulcers (Helicobacter pylori infection)

– Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

– Liver disease such as fatty liver disease

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea is an uneasiness and discomfort of the stomach that often comes with the sensation of wanting to vomit. Vomiting is the forced voluntary or involuntary emptying (throwing up) of contents from the stomach through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting has many causes and can often be prevented. Some people are highly sensitive to motion (motion sickness and seasickness), medications, and the effects of certain medical conditions. Causes of nausea and vomiting include:

– Motion sickness or seasickness

– Early stage of pregnancy

– Medication effects

– Intense pain

– Emotional distress

– Infections such as stomach flu or gastroenteritis

– Overeating

– Food poisoning

– Ulcers

– Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

– Some forms of cancer

– Appendicitis