Dyspepsia is basically a chronic upset stomach—painful, difficult, or disturbed digestion that might be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, bloating, or stomach discomfort.

This digestive problem may have an identifiable cause, such as bacterial or viral infection, peptic ulcer, gallbladder, or liver disease. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori is often present in individuals suffering from duodenal or gastric ulcers. Investigation of recurrent indigestion should rule out these possible causes.

Often, there is no organic cause for dyspepsia, in which case it is classified as functional or nonulcer dyspepsia. There is evidence that functional dyspepsia may be related to a state known as dysmotility, in which the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine contract spontaneously. These patients may respond to a group of drugs called prokinate agents.

In terms of external causes, a review of the patient's eating habits (e.g. chewing with the mouth...