Functional dyspepsia is a condition that affects the upper digestive tract and can cause symptoms such as stomach pain or burning, feeling full quickly during meals, or a sensation of fullness after eating.
Dyspepsia is a medical term for discomfort in the upper stomach area when no specific cause is found through medical tests. This condition is also known as functional dyspepsia.
If functional dyspepsia is suspected, it is recommended to see a gastroenterologist. Treatment may include medications to reduce stomach acid production, along with lifestyle measures such as losing weight or exercising regularly.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of functional dyspepsia include:
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Pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen;
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Feeling full very quickly during meals;
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A sensation of fullness after eating;
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Bloating;
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Nausea and/or loss of appetite in some cases.
The symptoms of functional dyspepsia are often recurrent, typically occurring at least once a week. Although symptoms can be related to indigestion, they may sometimes get better after eating or, in other cases, appear even when fasting.
Symptoms can be intense and may interfere with daily activities. However, functional dyspepsia usually does not worsen over time and does not cause weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or frequent vomiting.
Confirming a diagnosis
The diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is made by a gastroenterologist or primary care provider based on symptoms and test results, such as an upper endoscopy and Helicobacter pylori testing, to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Testing is especially recommended for people over 60 years of age or when symptoms include weight loss, pain or difficulty swallowing, anemia, or a family history of stomach cancer.
Possible causes
Functional dyspepsia is believed to be caused by several factors, including:
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The stomach’s reduced ability to accommodate food;
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Abnormal stomach contractions that affect the movement of food from the stomach to the intestines;
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Increased sensitivity to stomach stretching during meals;
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Impaired natural gastric protection;
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Gastric or intestinal inflammation;
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Changes in the stomach microbiota.
Although the exact cause of functional dyspepsia is not completely understood, genetic predisposition and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or excessive stress may also contribute to its development.
Treatment options
Initial treatment for functional dyspepsia typically involves medications that reduce stomach acid production, such as omeprazole or pantoprazole. If H. pylori infection is detected, antibiotics will also be prescribed to eliminate the bacteria.
If symptoms persist even after H. pylori treatment, a doctor may recommend other medications, such as low-dose antidepressants or, in some cases, prokinetic drugs like metoclopramide to help relieve symptoms.
In addition, psychotherapy may be recommended to help manage stress and develop strategies to cope with ongoing symptoms.
Natural treatments
Natural treatments for functional dyspepsia may include lifestyle changes such as:
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Exercising regularly;
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Quitting smoking;
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Losing weight if overweight;
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Getting enough sleep;
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Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, especially fatty foods;
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Reducing caffeine intake, including coffee, black tea, mate tea, or iced tea.
Some herbal medicines, such as rikkunshito, a traditional herbal mixture, may help promote gastric emptying and relieve symptoms in some cases. However, these should only be used under medical supervision, as rikkunshito is not FDA-approved in the United States.