Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a chronic digestive condition that includes feelings of prolonged indigestion without a clear structural cause. Some treatment options can reduce symptoms.
Many nonstructural factors can cause FD, including:
- bacterial infection
- diet
- some medications
- impaired gut barrier function
- gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
This article will detail the causes, treatments, and symptoms of FD.
Dyspepsia is the medical term for indigestion. When you experience symptoms of continuous indigestion without any structural abnormalities in the upper digestive area, healthcare professionals typically refer to your condition as “functional dyspepsia.”
If you have FD, you may feel pain or irritation in your upper digestive tract. Symptoms can include:
FD symptoms may resolve and reoccur.
There is no single cause of FD. Many factors can result in FD symptoms, either alone or in combination.
Some of the causes of functional dyspepsia may include:
- intestinal microbiome changes
- infection
- the bacterium H. pylori
- gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- exposure to allergens
- more acid secretion than usual
- inflammation in the small bowel
- ability of the stomach to mobilize and accommodate food
- diet and lifestyle habits
- stress, anxiety, or depression
- side effects of medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Approximately 20% of people around the world have FD. Some factors may increase your risk of developing FD. These can include:
- being female
- smoking cigarettes
- using NSAIDs
- having high stress levels
- high body mass index (BMI)
- anxiety
- depression
- acute gastroenteritis
- high pain sensitivity
The symptoms of FD can vary from person to person, but you may experience:
- burning or pain in your upper digestive tract
- bloating
- early satiety, or feeling full after eating just a small amount of food
- nausea
- vomiting
- burping
- sour taste in the mouth
- weight loss
- psychological distress related to the condition
For a doctor to diagnose you with FD, you will generally have to experience symptoms for
A doctor may consider a diagnosis of FD after assessing your symptoms and medical history. Long-term feelings of early fullness when eating and prolonged fullness following meals, in addition to upper abdominal discomfort, may be enough for a doctor to diagnose FD.
As part of a general diagnosis, doctors may wish to evaluate you for other health conditions with similar symptoms. These include:
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- peptic ulcer disease
- gastroparesis, or when the stomach takes too long to empty
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- upper abdominal-related cancers
It’s also possible to have FD and one of these health conditions at the same time.
The tests a doctor may order include:
- endoscopy
- esophageal pH monitoring
- blood tests
- blood, stool, or breath tests for h. pylori bacteria
- gastric emptying study
Sometimes, symptoms similar to those of FD may indicate an emergency. A doctor may order emergency diagnostic tests if you:
- have lost weight unexpectedly
- have trouble swallowing
- are older than age 60
- have a family history of cancer in your gastrointestinal tract
- are bleeding or vomiting
- have anemia
- have a fever
There is not one specific treatment for functional dyspepsia. Doctors may determine a potential underlying or contributing cause that they can treat, such as regulating the acid your stomach produces during digestion or helping your stomach empty food faster. Otherwise, treatment may focus on relieving your symptoms.
You may be able to treat the condition without using medication, but you may need short- or long-term medication to manage symptoms.
A doctor may also recommend a combination of methods for relieving symptoms of FD.
Medications
Your doctor may recommend the following medications to help with FD symptoms:
- acid-blocking medications called proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor blockers
- antidepressants such as amitriptyline, which may support your digestive function
- stomach-emptying medications such as metoclopramide
- antibiotics, if you have the H. pylori bacteria in your body or your doctor suspects SIBO
These medications may be available over the counter or by prescription only. Your doctor will recommend the length of time you should use any given medication.
Psychological intervention
There is a
Psychological interventions may be beneficial in treating those with FD, according to a
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- psychotherapy
- hypnotherapy, according to a
2019 review
Management with lifestyle changes
Assessing your diet can be an important first step in managing FD. Factors like what, when, or how you eat may contribute to your symptoms. In some instances, dietary changes can provide long-term relief.
The following dietary and lifestyle adjustments may help to relieve your FD symptoms:
- eating smaller meals more frequently rather than larger ones three times daily
- skipping high fat foods, as they can slow the emptying of your stomach
- prioritizing low FODMAP foods
- avoiding smoking or quitting smoking, if you smoke
- limiting alcohol intake
- limiting caffeine intake
- keeping a food journal and avoiding foods that tend to trigger symptoms
While medical professionals may often recommend many of these adjustments, a
You may find it beneficial to work with a doctor or a dietitian to determine which dietary changes will work best for you.
FD symptoms can interfere with daily activities, so seeking psychological support as part of an overall treatment plan may help you manage FD symptoms.
FD occurs in each person differently. Symptoms can vary, and a doctor may order multiple tests to confirm a diagnosis or rule out potential contributing causes.
Changes to your lifestyle, certain medications, and mental health support may help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
