Recurrent stomach upset symptoms that happen without any obvious reason are called functional dyspepsia. This condition is also known as non-ulcer dyspepsia and it happens quite commonly. While it is a constant condition, symptoms do not happen all the time. Functional dyspepsia symptoms are very similar to an ulcer. For example upper abdominal pain or discomfort, belching, bloating, and nausea.
Symptoms
People with this condition usually experience the following symptoms. Examples include:
- Burning or pain in the stomach
- Bloating
- Excessive belching
- Nausea, especially after eating
- Satiety (an early feeling of fullness)
It is advised to visit a doctor right away if any of the following symptoms occur. For example:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaw, neck, or arm pain
- Shortness of breath
- Tarry or black stools
- Bloody vomit
Causes
Unfortunately, experts do not know the exact cause of functional dyspepsia. However, doctors consider this condition a functional disorder, and routine testing may determine the cause. Healthcare professionals diagnose this condition based on symptoms.
Risk Factors
There are some factors that may elevate your risk of developing functional dyspepsia. Examples include:
- Mental disorders (such as depression, anxiety, and others)
- Smoking
- Medical history of childhood physical or sexual abuse
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Women are more prone to develop functional dyspepsia than men
- Frequent use of some over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers including Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and others
Diagnosis
Physicians usually diagnose this condition according to the symptoms you experience. However, in some cases, they may perform additional tests to find the exact cause and exclude other diseases that may cause similar symptoms. For example:
- Blood tests – These tests help rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
- Tests for H. pylori – In some cases, helicobacter pylori may cause stomach problems. To determine whether you have this bacteria, doctors may perform a stool test, and a stomach biopsy.
- Endoscopy – This procedure involves a thin and flexible tube (endoscope) with a camera on the end. It helps check the stomach and the upper small bowel for abnormalities. During endoscopy, doctors may remove a small sample of the stomach tissue for laboratory testing.
Treatment
While some people notice improvements in their disease with lifestyle changes only, others need treatment. Physicians usually recommend for people with functional dyspepsia medications and behavioral therapy.
Medications
The following medicines are usually recommended by doctors to relieve symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Examples include:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines with Simethicone to reduce intestinal gas.
- H-2 receptor blockers – These medications are used to reduce stomach acid production. For example Cimetidine, Famotidine, and Nizatidine. However, if previous OTC medicines do not work, physicians may prescribe stronger H-2 receptor blockers.
- Proton pump inhibitors – This group of medications decreases stomach acid levels. There are prescription and nonprescription proton pump inhibitors available. OTC proton pump inhibitors include Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, and others.
- Antibiotics – These medications are prescribed for people with H. pylori.
- Low-dose antidepressant medications – These medicines work by inhibiting the activity of certain neurons that control intestinal pain. Physicians may prescribe either tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
- Prokinetics – Physicians may recommend this group of medications to tighten the esophageal valve and help to empty the stomach faster. Prokinetics also may help reduce abdominal pain.
- Anti-emetics – These medicines are used to lessen nausea. Doctors usually prescribe Promethazine, Prochlorperazine, and Meclizine.
Behavioral Therapy
This treatment option helps people learn techniques to cope with symptoms and manage stress. For more details, talk with your healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between functional dyspepsia and ulcers?
While functional dyspepsia causes stomach pain and recurrent indigestion without reason, a peptic ulcer may cause open sores in the digestive tract.
How to get rid of functional dyspepsia?
Check below some tips that may help prevent or avoid this unpleasant condition:
- Eat 5-6 smaller meals per day instead of 1-2 but large
- Do not consume foods or drinks that trigger the symptoms
- Decrease fiber and fat consumption
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and medicines that trigger the symptoms
- Manage stress and anxiety
Discuss with your doctor for more details.
What are the possible functional dyspepsia complications?
People with this condition usually do not experience any complications but some people may experience the following ones. Examples include:
- Breathing problems
- Severe pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Anemia
- Abnormal weight loss
Contact your physician right away if any of the previous complications occur. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
