Aetiology and dynamics of dyspepsia in Shimla: a study of 500 patients

Dyspepsia is a frequent presenting symptom amongst patients attending medical clinics worldwide. However their aetiologies differ geographically. The present study was conducted to identify the aetiologies of dyspepsia of our centre and to determine their clinical characteristics. Five hundred consecutive patients presenting with dyspepsia were studied at our Institute. All patients underwent detailed structured questionnaire, stool examination, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, ultrasound scan of upper abdomen and sigmoidoscopy when necessary. Among 500 patients, 34% suffered from essential dyspepsia, 28% had peptic ulcer, 19.2% had cholelithiasis, 10.8% had irritable bowel syndrome and 6% had gastro-oesophageal reflux. Significantly more patients with peptic ulcer experienced night paints, pain relief with food, milk, antacids or H2 receptor antagonists and periodic pain. In patients with essential dyspepsia, pain was continuous, mild to moderate in intensity, aggravated by food or alcohol, without relief with milk, antacids or H2 receptor antagonists and night pains were absent in them.