Functional dyspepsia refers to indigestion, pain and upset stomach. The problem does not have any apparent cause while doing an endoscopy, as you expect in the case of ulcer. Rather, functional dyspepsia causes functional abnormalities, where the nerves and muscles responsible to control various digestive organs fail to work properly.
Because of this, a person experiences burning sensation or pain in the upper area of the abdomen. Simultaneously, a functional dyspepsia patient suffers from bloating, nausea, belching and vomiting after having meals.(1)
How Common Is Functional Dyspepsia Or Is It A Rare Disease?
Functional dyspepsia is a common type of digestive problem. Also, the condition may sometimes become long-lasting and it causes varieties of signs and symptoms, few of which resemble those of ulcers. Especially, functional dyspepsia patients deal with pain and another type of discomfort in their upper abdominal region accompanied usually by nausea, belching and bloating problems.(3)
Based on the aforementioned facts, two things are clear that functional dyspepsia is a common problem and its symptoms are manageable. Thus, if you want to manage your functional dyspepsia condition, you have to-
Make Certain Changes in the Daily Diet: Strictly avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy or fatty foods, as each of them may cause the problem of functional dyspepsia in some people. Moreover, to stay safe, you should prepare a list of food items to eat and to avoid according to your underlying symptoms.
Take Steps To Boost Your Mental Health: Stress, depression, and anxiety may cause various symptoms in many functional dyspepsia patients. In this situation, one has to learn various ways to manage mental health and in turn to reduce symptoms.(4)
Signs And Symptoms Of Functional Dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia has a few of the common symptoms, which include the following-
- Upset stomach or stomach disorder
- Pain or discomfort feeling in the abdomen or belly area
- Bloating and belching problems
- Feeling full even after having food in small amounts
Other than this, a few people suffering from functional dyspepsia experience weight loss, appetite loss, vomiting, and nausea. However, symptoms mentioned here have a resemblance to various other digestive problems. Hence, if your symptoms last for 3 months or more, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.(2)
When Functional Dyspepsia Patients Should Look For Help?
If you experience any of the mentioned problems, you should call your doctor immediately-
- Vomiting, which does not stop
- Presence of blood while vomiting
- Zero appetites combined with unexpected weight loss
- Dark-colored, bloody and tarry bowel movements
- Difficulty in swallowing food and pain in the abdomen(2)
Physical Examination To Identify Functional Dyspepsia
To determine whether you have functional dyspepsia symptoms or other than that, your doctor will ask a few of the questions and conduct a physical examination. Accordingly, he will ask the following essential questions-
- Does your pain gnaw or becomes worse while you feel hungry?
- Does your pain increase while moving in specific ways or pressing on specific areas of your abdomen?
- Do you often need to intake pain medicines, like ibuprofen and aspirin or naproxen?
- Do you have an ulcer in the past?
- Are you suffer from heartburn problem i.e. burning sensation in ascending order below the breastbone?
- Do you experience intense pain in the middle or upper right of your abdomen?
- Do you have pain in your shoulder blades and back area, which take place periodically combined with a feeling of restlessness, sweating and vomiting?
- Have you ever noticed any change in your bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation?
- Do you experience unusual weight loss, repeated vomiting or swallowing difficulty?
- Do you have any family history related to stomach cancer?(2)
Conclusion
To conclude, we should say that functional dyspepsia is a common digestive problem and it causes varieties of problems, including mild to severe abdominal pain and bloating issues. However, one has to take steps to change the diet and involve therapies to deal with anxiety and stress effectively.
- https://www.nyp.org/digestive/services/functional-gastrointestinal-disorders/functional-dyspepsia
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/upset-stomach-functional-dyspepsia-in-adults-beyond-the-basics#H2
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/functional-dyspepsia/symptoms-causes/syc-20375709
- https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-functional-dyspepsia
Also Read:
- What Is The Prognosis For Functional Dyspepsia?
- How Dangerous Is Functional Dyspepsia & Does It Spread?
- Home Remedies For Functional Dyspepsia & Can You Die From It?
- Coping Methods For Functional Dyspepsia
- What Is The Best Treatment For Functional Dyspepsia?
- How To Diagnose Functional Dyspepsia & What Is The Best Medicine For It?