Have you heard about Dyspepsia? If you have not, you need to know about it because it is something that can affect your loved ones in their golden years. In fact, it is a typical symptom among mature adults. Nausea, bloating, feeling full, stomach soreness, loss of appetite, heartburn, and acidic plash are some of the symptoms of this condition. Read on to know more about Dyspepsia in the elderly.
What Causes Dyspepsia?
Several factors can cause your loved one to develop Dyspepsia. Dyspepsia could be caused by the decrease in the production of digestive juices (such as bile, saliva, gastric juice, and enzymes) as we age. This decrease in production limits one’s digestive efficacy.
At the same time, chewing issues can also cause Dyspepsia. For instance, inadequate chewing, ill-fitting dentures, dental rot, or tooth loss are some examples. The absence of physical exercise might also cause gastrointestinal motility to decrease. If your loved one also leads an unhealthy lifestyle, like overeating, having irregular mealtimes, smoking, and consuming alcohol regularly, they will likely develop Dyspepsia too.
What are the Symptoms of Dyspepsia?
Given Dyspepsia is common among mature adults, you need to be careful and watch out if your loved one shows any symptoms of this condition. While dyspepsia might be a temporary issue, it can also be caused by a more serious underlying condition such as a peptic ulcer. Specifically, the untreated peptic ulcer can result in bleeding or perforation. Furthermore, stomach cancer also has similar symptoms as dyspepsia. These are the symptoms you need to look out for in your loved one: a loss of appetite or stomachache that lasts an unusually long time and sudden weight loss.
How to Avoid and Treat Dyspepsia
What if your loved one has Dyspepsia? Does it mean it’s the end? Do not despair because thankfully, there are many ways to relieve and prevent this condition. First, your loved one needs to lead a healthy lifestyle. And that means they should exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and drinking at all costs. At the same time, they need to eat healthily.
For instance, they can switch their 3 heavy meals for smaller but more frequent meals instead. They can also eat softer meals like congee, fish, steaming eggs, or opt for braised or stewed food. At the same time, fried foods with a lot of fat should be avoided. They need to also slowly eat their food and ensure it is completely chewed before swallowing.
Prior to eating or cooking, your loved one can cut food into little pieces for easier digestion. They should also avoid drinking significant amounts of fluids during meals, and avoid caffeine-containing foods and beverages in general. To avoid reflux, they should also avoid lying down shortly after eating. Next, they can also better manage their emotions and stress. Relaxation exercises should be used to relieve their physical and mental tension. Ask them to try to appreciate themselves, others, and the things around them to improve their life satisfaction.
