Functional Dyspepsia – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors assess functional dyspepsia by first asking about recent symptoms like ongoing stomach pain, bloating, or a feeling of fullness after meals.
A physical checkup helps spot signs of other conditions. Often, the process includes basic tests to rule out other health issues that can mimic dyspepsia.
Testing methods:
- Blood Tests: These help exclude other possible causes of upper stomach pain or discomfort.
- H. pylori Checks: Since Helicobacter pylori can trigger similar signs, doctors may use breath, stool, or tissue samples to find it.
- Upper Endoscopy: Doctors use a thin tube with a camera to look for unusual changes or infections in the upper stomach. Sometimes, they take tissue samples.
At times, doctors order additional tests—like checking how quickly the stomach empties—if symptoms persist or if pain is severe.
This approach helps confirm if someone has functional dyspepsia or another type, such as postprandial distress syndrome or epigastric pain syndrome.
Treatment
Medication Choices
People with functional dyspepsia may take different medicines to reduce symptoms. Some over-the-counter products, like simethicone, can help lessen feeling bloated or having gas.
| Medicine Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Gas Remedies | Relieve gas and bloating |
| H-2 Blockers | Decrease stomach acid |
| Proton Pump Inhibitors | Suppress acid |
| Antibiotics | Kill bacteria |
| Antidepressants | Change pain signals |
| Prokinetics | Help stomach empty faster |
| Anti-emetics | Lessen nausea |
Doctors often recommend medicines that lower stomach acid. H-2 blockers effectively decrease the production of stomach acid. Some of these are available without a prescription, but stronger doses might need a doctor’s order.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work by shutting down the stomach’s acid-producing pumps. Both over-the-counter and prescription strengths are available for these medicines.
If a test shows the person has Helicobacter pylori infection, doctors may suggest a mix of antibiotics with acid-blocking treatment. Eliminating this bacteria can sometimes improve symptoms.
Doctors may also prescribe low doses of tricyclic antidepressants or SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Though designed for mood problems, these drugs can help manage stomach pain by changing how pain signals move in the body.
Prokinetic agents help move food through the stomach faster and can lessen upper belly discomfort. Some people may also need medicines known as anti-emetics if nausea is a problem.
Therapy for Coping
Those whose symptoms do not improve with medicine might try speaking with a counselor or therapist.
Therapy sessions can teach relaxation tactics or new ways to manage stress. These skills can help lower anxiety about symptoms and may help with pain or discomfort.
Learning to relax and manage worries might be especially useful for people who notice their symptoms get worse during stressful times.
Ways to Adjust Everyday Habits
Change Your Eating Patterns
Eating habits can impact stomach discomfort, including symptoms like nausea, heartburn, bloating, early fullness, and post-meal heaviness.
| Tip | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Eat smaller portions. | Have more frequent, smaller meals during the day. |
| Avoid certain foods. | Limit greasy, spicy foods, sodas, caffeine, and alcohol. |
| Chew slowly. | Take your time eating and chew your food well. |
Skipping meals or overeating might make symptoms like postprandial fullness or early satiety worse.
A balanced diet and regular mealtimes may support a better quality of life, especially for people with functional dyspepsia or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Lower Everyday Tension
Stress reduction may ease upset stomach and related issues.
- Try activities such as reading, drawing, or listening to music.
- Spend time outdoors or enjoy light exercise.
- Engage in hobbies.
Simple daily relaxation can help manage digestive symptoms and support well-being.
Alternative Medicine
People use different alternative treatments to try and manage functional dyspepsia symptoms. Several herbal blends, such as Iberogast, contain a mix of nine plant extracts.
Iberogast may help decrease stomach spasms and support better movement of food through the digestive system. Another herbal option is a mix of peppermint and caraway oils.
Studies show this combination can ease pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen. Rikkunshito, a Japanese herbal blend, and artichoke leaf extract have also been used, with some people reporting improvements in bloating, heartburn, and stomach pain.
Other alternative methods focus on the mind and body. Relaxation techniques, like meditation or controlled breathing, could reduce stress that often makes symptoms worse. Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, may also support better digestion.
Some people try acupuncture for relief. Though more studies are needed, a few have suggested acupuncture might improve certain symptoms in some individuals.
Below is a list of some approaches used for functional dyspepsia:
- Herbal Products: Iberogast, peppermint and caraway oil, rikkunshito, artichoke leaf extract
- Mind-Body Techniques: Meditation, gentle exercise, breathing practices
- Other Methods: Acupuncture
Talking with a healthcare professional before starting any alternative treatment is important.
Getting Ready for Your Medical Visit
Steps to Take Before Your Appointment
Patients should find out if there are any special instructions to follow before seeing the doctor, like fasting before certain tests.
It helps to make a list before the visit. Include all symptoms, even those that seem unrelated. Write down any major stresses, recent changes in life, and family health history.
List every medication, vitamin, or supplement being used, with the amounts for each. Prepare a set of questions for the doctor, such as:
- What might be causing these symptoms?
- What tests will be needed?
- Should a specialist be consulted?
- Are there options besides the main treatment suggested?
Bringing a trusted person can help remember details during the appointment. Keeping these records organized makes it easier to share important information. Using a table keeps notes neat:
| Things to Bring | Examples |
|---|---|
| List of symptoms | Pain, nausea, bloating |
| Medicines & supplements | Dosage and schedule for each one |
| Health history | Family illnesses, recent stress |
| Questions to ask | See suggested list above |
Questions the Doctor Might Ask
The doctor will likely ask for details about the symptoms:
- When did they start?
- Are they constant or do they come and go?
- How strong are the symptoms?
- What actions or foods help or make things worse?
Answering with clear and honest details will help make the diagnosis more accurate. Doctors may also want to know how the symptoms affect daily life.
Actions to Take While You Wait
Before the appointment, avoid anything that makes the symptoms worse. Track symptoms in a notebook or on a phone, noting when they happen and what might be causing them.
Do not self-treat with over-the-counter drugs unless a doctor advises it.
