Functional dyspepsia

Overview

Functional dyspepsia is a long-term condition that causes pain or discomfort in the upper part of your stomach (the epigastric area). It is called 'functional' because tests do not find a clear cause like an ulcer or infection, but the symptoms are real and affect digestion.

Yes, it is very common. Around 1 in 5 people may experience symptoms at some point.

It can affect people of any age, but it is more common in women and in people under 50.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or burning feeling in the upper belly (stomach area)
• Feeling full very quickly when eating
• Nausea or feeling sick
• Bloating or uncomfortable fullness after meals

Symptoms in children

• Children may have trouble describing the pain; they might say they have a stomach ache
• Loss of appetite or eating very little
• Vomiting or feeling like throwing up

Symptoms in older adults

• Similar symptoms as adults, but be cautious as other conditions like stomach ulcers or medication side effects are more common in older adults

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is unknown, but it may involve increased sensitivity of the stomach nerves
• Problems with how the stomach muscles contract and relax
• Inflammation after an infection (like a stomach bug)
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in some cases

Risk factors

• Stress and anxiety
• Smoking
• Eating large meals or certain foods (like fatty or spicy foods)
• Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above
• If you are losing weight without trying
• If you have difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild symptoms that bother you for more than a few weeks
• If symptoms keep coming back and affect your daily life

Diagnosis

A doctor will diagnose functional dyspepsia based on your symptoms and after ruling out other possible causes through tests.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests
• Breath test or stool test to check for H. pylori infection
• Upper endoscopy (a thin, flexible tube with a camera passed down your throat to look at your stomach)

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, eating habits, and stress levels. Tests are usually done to make sure nothing else is causing your symptoms. The process can be straightforward and most people do not need complex procedures.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and finding what triggers them. Most people improve with lifestyle changes and sometimes medication.

Self-care at home

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones
• Avoid foods that seem to trigger symptoms, such as spicy, fatty, or fried foods
• Eat slowly and chew food well
• Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Avoid lying down right after eating

Medical treatments

If lifestyle changes are not enough, a doctor may recommend medicines that reduce stomach acid, improve stomach emptying, or calm the nerves in the stomach. These include antacids, acid blockers (called H2 blockers or PPIs), and prokinetics which help move food through the stomach. Always follow your doctor's advice and do not stop or change medicines without consulting them.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually needed for functional dyspepsia. It is only considered in very rare cases when other treatments have failed and there is a clear problem that can be fixed, but this is not common.

Living with this condition

Many people with functional dyspepsia manage well by learning their triggers and making small changes to their eating habits and daily routine.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a food diary to identify which foods make symptoms worse
• Eat at regular times and avoid skipping meals
• Get enough sleep and manage stress effectively
• Stay active with gentle exercise like walking or swimming

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with smaller, frequent meals can help. Avoid high-fat, spicy, and acidic foods. Regular exercise, such as a 30-minute walk each day, can improve digestion and reduce stress.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Anxiety and depression can make symptoms of functional dyspepsia worse. It is important to look after your mental health and talk to your doctor if you are feeling stressed or down.

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent functional dyspepsia, but you can reduce your risk by eating a healthy diet, managing stress, not smoking, and limiting alcohol.

Complications

If left untreated

• Symptoms may persist and affect quality of life, including work and social activities
• Some people may develop anxiety or depression related to ongoing discomfort

Long-term outlook

The outlook for functional dyspepsia is good. Most people can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and simple treatments. It is not a life-threatening condition, and it does not lead to stomach cancer or other serious diseases.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.