Digestive disorder known as functional dyspepsia: Understanding symptoms, potential reasons, available treatments, and further insights

Digestive disorder known as functional dyspepsia: Symptoms, reasons, treatments, and additional information explained

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common condition characterized by chronic indigestion with no known structural cause. People with FD may experience a range of symptoms, including upper abdominal pain, burning sensation in the abdomen, early satiety, bloating, appetite loss, excessive burping, feeling sick, and epigastric pain.

Diagnosing Functional Dyspepsia

A doctor may diagnose FD if an individual experiences symptoms at least once per week for three months or longer, and has begun experiencing symptoms at least six months before the diagnosis. To rule out conditions that cause similar symptoms, a doctor may conduct a blood test, endoscopy testing, and a biopsy in some cases.

Risk Factors and Triggers

Several factors can increase a person's risk of FD, including a psychological condition like depression or anxiety, a medical history of acute gastroenteritis, smoking, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and being assigned female at birth. Certain foods, such as beverages containing alcohol and caffeine, citrus fruits, fatty or fried foods, milk, mint, certain spices, and tomatoes, have been reported to trigger FD symptoms by some individuals. Avoiding these triggers, as well as quitting smoking, may help reduce symptoms.

Treatments for Functional Dyspepsia

Treatments for FD can include medication, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and psychological therapy. Medications, such as antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor agonists, and tricyclic antidepressants, may help reduce FD symptoms. A doctor may also recommend contacting a registered dietitian to discuss eating plans.

Dietary recommendations generally include eating small and frequent meals and avoiding excessively fatty meals that may trigger pain. However, there is no strict low-fat diet unless maldigestion is present, and the specific frequency of restrictions depends on individual tolerance and symptoms. Certain dietary changes may be beneficial for people with FD, including reducing fat and fiber intake, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, and eating smaller, more frequent meals.

Getting enough regular exercise or physical activity might support symptom control. A 2021 randomized controlled trial found that five 30-minute sessions per week of aerobic exercise significantly reduced FD symptoms after six weeks, but more research is necessary.

Psychological Treatment for Functional Dyspepsia

Psychotherapy may help people with FD manage the emotional aspect of their condition. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy, may help people with FD navigate life with their symptoms.

The Causes of Functional Dyspepsia

The causes of FD are not clear, but may relate to communication problems between the brain and the gut. Food reactions are highly individual, so people can try keeping a food diary to monitor which foods trigger indigestion symptoms.

In summary, functional dyspepsia is a common condition that can affect quality of life. While the causes are not fully understood, various treatments, including medication, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and psychological therapy, can help manage symptoms. If you are experiencing persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms and potential treatments.