Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is a common condition where a person has ongoing stomach upset without a clear medical reason. Sometimes called "non-ulcer dyspepsia," this means there's no visible problem like an ulcer causing the discomfort.

This isn't a sudden, occasional problem. It's a persistent issue, meaning the symptoms come and go, but they're a recurring feature of the person's health. The symptoms often resemble those of a stomach ulcer. These can include pain or a feeling of unease in the upper stomach area, feeling full or bloated, burping, and feeling sick to your stomach (nausea).

Functional dyspepsia is a condition that causes uncomfortable digestive issues. Common symptoms include:

• Stomach pain or burning: This can feel like a burning sensation in your stomach area.
• Bloating: Feeling like your stomach is swollen or full, even if you haven't eaten much.
• Excessive belching: Passing gas frequently and noticeably.
• Nausea after eating: Feeling queasy or sick to your stomach after meals.
• Early feeling of fullness (satiety): Feeling full very quickly when you start eating.
• Stomach pain not linked to meals: Experiencing discomfort in your stomach that's not connected to eating, or that goes away when you eat.

If you're experiencing these symptoms regularly and they worry you, it's important to see a doctor. This is especially true if you notice any of these more serious signs:

• Bloody vomit: This is a serious symptom and needs immediate medical attention.
• Dark, tarry stools: This can be a sign of bleeding in your digestive tract, which requires prompt medical evaluation.
• Shortness of breath: This could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
• Pain in your jaw, neck, or arm: While sometimes related to indigestion, these symptoms could signal other issues and should be checked out by a doctor.
• Unexplained weight loss: Significant and unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of various health problems and requires immediate attention.

It's crucial to remember that this information is for general knowledge and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your digestive health, please consult a doctor or other qualified medical provider.

If you're having ongoing health problems that concern you, make an appointment with your doctor.

See a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:

• Vomiting blood: This is a serious sign and needs immediate attention.
• Black, sticky stools (melena): This often indicates bleeding in the digestive tract and requires quick medical evaluation.
• Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath can signal a range of issues, from allergies to serious heart or lung problems. Get help right away.
• Jaw, neck, or arm pain: Pain in these areas, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or sweating, could be a sign of a heart attack or other serious conditions. Don't delay.
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing a significant amount of weight without trying to can be a symptom of various illnesses. It's important to see a doctor to find out the cause.

Functional dyspepsia is a digestive problem that doctors don't fully understand. It's considered a "functional disorder," meaning there's no specific physical illness or injury causing the symptoms. This is why standard medical tests often don't find anything wrong. Instead, doctors diagnose functional dyspepsia by looking at the symptoms a person is experiencing. In short, the problem is tied to how the digestive system works, not a physical issue like a tumor or infection.

Several things might make you more likely to have functional dyspepsia, a condition causing stomach discomfort.

One factor is being a woman. This doesn't mean women always get it, but it's a known risk.

Some over-the-counter pain relievers, like aspirin and ibuprofen (common brands include Advil and Motrin), can irritate your stomach lining. Taking these regularly or in high doses can increase your risk. If you experience stomach upset after taking these medicines, it's important to talk to your doctor.

Smoking is another risk factor. Smoking can damage the lining of your stomach and intestines, potentially leading to discomfort.

A history of childhood physical or sexual abuse can also play a role. Experiences like these can sometimes affect the way your body reacts, potentially impacting your digestive system.

Finally, an infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can increase your risk of functional dyspepsia. H. pylori is a common bacteria in the stomach, and while many people have it without issues, it can sometimes lead to stomach problems for some individuals. If you have concerns about H. pylori, it's important to discuss this with your doctor.

Understanding Upper Endoscopy for Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is a type of stomach pain that doesn't have a clear cause. Doctors use a procedure called an upper endoscopy to look for problems in the upper part of your digestive system.

During an upper endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end is carefully guided down your throat, through your esophagus, and into your stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (the duodenum). This lets the doctor see the inside of these organs. Before the procedure, a doctor will likely ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam.

This procedure isn't the only way to find out what's causing your stomach discomfort. Doctors may also use other tests to help figure things out:

• Blood Tests: These can help rule out other medical conditions that might be causing similar symptoms to functional dyspepsia.

• Tests for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): This bacteria can sometimes cause stomach problems. To check for H. pylori, doctors might look at a stool sample, a breath sample, or take a small tissue sample (biopsy) during the endoscopy.

• Additional Endoscopy: The endoscopy itself can help find problems like infections or inflammation in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A doctor can take small tissue samples (biopsies) during the procedure to check for these issues.

• Stomach Emptying Tests: In some cases, doctors may also want to check how quickly your stomach empties its contents. These additional tests can provide more information and help determine the best treatment plan.

If you're experiencing functional dyspepsia, a team of experts at Mayo Clinic can provide comprehensive care and support. They'll work with you to understand the cause of your discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan.

If everyday lifestyle changes aren't enough to manage functional dyspepsia (a condition causing stomach discomfort), medical treatment might be needed. The best treatment approach depends on the specific symptoms. It often involves a combination of medications and therapies.

Several medications can help with functional dyspepsia symptoms:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) gas remedies: These often contain simethicone, a substance that helps reduce gas in the intestines. Examples include Mylanta and Gas-X. These can provide some relief.

• OTC acid reducers (H2 blockers): These medicines reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Some common examples include cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and nizatidine (Axid AR). Stronger versions of these are available with a prescription. By reducing acid, they can ease discomfort.

• Prescription-strength acid reducers (proton pump inhibitors - PPIs): These medications stop the production of stomach acid by targeting the "pumps" responsible for making it. Some examples available over-the-counter include lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR), omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), and esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR). Many stronger PPIs require a prescription. These are very effective for reducing stomach acid.

• Prokinetics: These medications help your stomach empty faster and strengthen the valve between your stomach and esophagus. This can help reduce upper belly pain.

• Anti-nausea medications (anti-emetics): If you experience nausea or vomiting after eating, these medications can help. Examples include promethazine, prochlorperazine, and meclizine. These are useful for preventing or managing nausea.

Sometimes, talking to a counselor or therapist can help manage symptoms that aren't relieved by medication. A therapist can teach you relaxation techniques and ways to manage stress, both of which can affect digestive issues. This can provide additional support and coping mechanisms.