Description

Functional dyspepsia is a term used to describe a persistent upset stomach that does not have an obvious cause. Functional dyspepsia (dis-PEP-see-uh), also called nonulcer dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia is common. It is a constant state, but the symptoms do not happen all the time. The symptoms are like those of an ulcer. These include pain or discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen, abdominal bloating, belching, and nausea.

Symptoms

The symptoms of functional dyspepsia may include:

  • Pain or burning in the stomach, bloating, excessive belching, or nausea after eating.
  • An early feeling of fullness when eating. The sense of fullness, which is also called the satiety.
  • Stomach pain that happen without a relationship with meals, or that goes away when you eat.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a health care professional if you experience constant of the symptoms that worry you.

Seek medical attention right away if you experience:

  • Blood in the vomit.
  • Dark, tarry stools.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Pain in the jaw, neck, or arm.
  • Unexplained weight loss.

Causes

No one knows what causes the functional dyspepsia. Medical professionals consider it a functional disorder. That means you can't be explained by a medical condition, so that the routine testing may not show any type of problems or causes. As a result, the diagnosis is based on symptoms.

Risk factors

Some factors may increase the risk of functional dyspepsia. They include:

  • The fact of being a woman.
  • The use of certain pain relievers that are available without a prescription. These include aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), which can cause stomach problems.
  • The habit of smoking.
  • The anxiety or the depression.
  • The history of childhood physical or sexual abuse.
  • The infection by Helicobacter pylori.

Diagnosis

A health professional is more likely is that the review of the symptoms and a physical examination. Several tests can help find the cause of the discomfort and to rule out other disorders. These may include:

  • Blood tests. Blood tests may help rule out other diseases that can cause symptoms similar to those of functional dyspepsia.
  • Tests by a bacterium. A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori can cause stomach problems. H. pylori testing may include a stool sample, the breath or samples of stomach tissue taken during the endoscopy.
  • Endoscopy. An upper endoscopy uses a tiny camera on the end of a flexible tube to visually examine your upper digestive system. This allows a medical professional to collect a sample of tissue to see if there is infection or inflammation.

In some cases, other tests may be done to see how the stomach empties its contents.

Treatment

Functional dyspepsia which cannot be managed with lifestyle changes may need to be treated. The treatment depends on the symptoms. You can combine medication and behavioral therapy.

Medications

Some medications can help control the symptoms of functional dyspepsia. They include:

  • Gas resources that are available without a prescription. An ingredient called simethicone may provide some relief for the reduction of intestinal gas. Examples of gas-relief remedies include Mylanta and Gas-X.
  • Medications to reduce acid production. These medications are called H-2-receptor blockers and are available without a prescription. They include cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and nizatidine (Axid AR). Stronger versions of these medications are also available with prescription.
  • Medications that block acid "pumps."Medications are called inhibitors of the proton pump to shut down the acid "pumps" within acid-secreting stomach cells. Proton pump inhibitors available without a prescription include lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR), omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), and esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR). Proton pump inhibitors are also available with prescription.
  • Antibiotics. If the tests find the H. pylori in the stomach, antibiotics may be prescribed along with the acid of the suppression of the medicine.
  • Low-dose antidepressants. Low doses of antidepressants tricyclic antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be recommended. These drugs can block the activity of neurons that control intestinal pain.
  • Prokinetics. These drugs help the stomach empty faster and tighten the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. This helps to reduce the upper part of the abdomen pain.
  • Medications to relieve nausea. These drugs are called anti-emetics. If you feel like vomiting after eating, antiemetics can help. These include promethazine, prochlorperazine, and meclizine.

Medications that block acid "pumps." Medications are called inhibitors of the proton pump to shut down the acid "pumps" within acid-secreting stomach cells.

Proton pump inhibitors available without a prescription include lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR), omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), and esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR). Proton pump inhibitors are also available with prescription.

Behavior therapy

Working with a counselor or therapist can alleviate the symptoms that are not helped by medication. A counselor or therapist can show you relaxation techniques to help you deal with your symptoms. You can also learn ways to reduce stress to help manage their symptoms.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Some lifestyle changes can help control the functional dyspepsia.

Make changes to your diet

Changes in what you eat and how you eat can help control your symptoms. Try:

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals.Have an empty stomach, sometimes contributes to the functional dyspepsia. Nothing, but of acid in your stomach can make you feel sick. Try eating a small snack like a cookie or a piece of fruit. Try not to skip meals. Avoid large meals and eat in excess. Eating smaller meals more often.
  • Stay away from trigger foods. Some foods may trigger functional dyspepsia. These can include fatty and spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol.
  • Chew your food slowly and completely. Allow time to enjoy your meals.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Have an empty stomach, sometimes contributes to the functional dyspepsia. Nothing, but of acid in your stomach can make you feel sick. Try eating a small snack like a cookie or a piece of fruit.

Try not to skip meals. Avoid large meals and eat in excess. Eating smaller meals more often.

Reduce the stress in your daily life

Techniques of stress reduction or relaxation therapy can help you manage your symptoms. To reduce the stress, take the time to hobbies, sports and other things.

Alternative medicine

People with functional dyspepsia often turn to complementary and alternative medicines to help cope. More studies are needed before complementary and alternative medicines may be recommended. But it may provide some relief of symptoms when used with other approaches suggested by a health care professional.

If you are interested in complementary and alternative treatments, talk with your health care team about:

  • Herbal supplements.A combination of the mint and cumin oils can offer some type of benefit for functional dyspepsia. Together, that relieves the symptoms of pain in a one-week trial. Iberogast contains extracts of nine herbs. Can relieve gastrointestinal spasm and improve the intestine's ability to move food. A Japanese herbal remedy called rikkunshito may also be useful. The researchers found an improvement, stomach pain, heartburn and swelling better than the placebo. A placebo is a treatment with no therapeutic effect that looks the same, and is given in the same way as, medicine, or treatment which is being tested in a study. Artichoke leaf extract can relieve the symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
  • Relaxation techniques. Relaxing activities can help you to deal with the symptoms. Meditation, exercise, or other activities can help you manage your stress.

Herbal supplements. A combination of the mint and cumin oils can offer some type of benefit for functional dyspepsia. Together, that relieves the symptoms of pain in a one-week trial. Iberogast contains extracts of nine herbs. Can relieve gastrointestinal spasm and improve the intestine's ability to move food.

A Japanese herbal remedy called rikkunshito may also be useful. The researchers found an improvement, stomach pain, heartburn and swelling better than the placebo. A placebo is a treatment with no therapeutic effect that looks the same, and is given in the same way as, medicine, or treatment which is being tested in a study. Artichoke leaf extract can relieve the symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

Preparing for your appointment

You can start by watching someone in their team of primary health care. Or you may be referred immediately to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines, called a gastroenterologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as fasting before a specific test. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
  • Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking, including the dosage.
  • Questions during your appointment.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

For functional dyspepsia, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • Other that the most likely cause, what are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

You'll likely be asked a few questions, such as:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

Avoid doing anything that seems to make your symptoms worse.

Symptoms and treatment of Functional dyspepsia