Introduction
Functional dyspepsia (FD), often referred to as a sensitive stomach, is a chronic disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent symptoms of indigestion without any identifiable structural or biochemical abnormalities. People with FD experience discomfort in the upper abdomen, such as pain, bloating, nausea, or early satiety (feeling full quickly), despite having a normal physical examination and standard diagnostic tests.
Causes
The exact cause of functional dyspepsia is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including:
- Increased sensitivity to stomach distension or acid
- Delayed gastric emptying (slowed movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine)
- Abnormal stomach contractions
- Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression
- Prior gastrointestinal infections
- Genetic predisposition
Symptoms
Symptoms of functional dyspepsia can vary in intensity and frequency and may include:
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
- Postprandial fullness (feeling uncomfortably full after eating)
- Belching
- Heartburn or acid reflux
Symptoms may be triggered or worsened by certain foods, stress, or other factors.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is based on:
- A thorough medical history and physical examination
- Exclusion of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as peptic ulcers, gallbladder disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Upper endoscopy (EGD) to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
- Gastric emptying studies to assess how quickly food leaves the stomach
- Testing for Helicobacter pylori infection
If no structural or biochemical abnormalities are found, a diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is made.
Treatment Options
Treatment for functional dyspepsia focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Options include:
- Lifestyle and dietary modifications:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding trigger foods (such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods)
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
- Medications:
- Acid-suppressing drugs (such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers)
- Prokinetics to speed up gastric emptying
- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to address psychological factors
- Herbal remedies or alternative therapies (such as peppermint oil or acupuncture)
Prevention
There is no specific way to prevent functional dyspepsia, but managing stress, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding known triggers can help reduce symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent or severe abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools
- Symptoms that do not improve with self-care measures
Takeaway
Functional dyspepsia is a chronic disorder characterized by symptoms of indigestion without any identifiable cause. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms through lifestyle changes, medications, and addressing psychological factors.