Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

FD – Functional Dyspepsia: Causes and Treatment

FD (Functional Dyspepsia) is a chronic stomach disorder causing symptoms like bloating, nausea, and upper abdominal pain without an identifiable organic cause.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "FD"

FD (Functional Dyspepsia) is a chronic stomach disorder causing symptoms like bloating, nausea, and upper abdominal pain without an identifiable organic cause.

What is FD (Functional Dyspepsia)?

FD stands for Functional Dyspepsia – a common functional gastrointestinal disorder in which patients experience recurring upper abdominal discomfort without any identifiable organic cause such as a peptic ulcer or inflammation. It is estimated to affect 10–30% of the global population and significantly impacts quality of life.

Causes

The exact causes of Functional Dyspepsia are not yet fully understood. Key contributing factors include:

Impaired gastric motility: Delayed gastric emptying can cause bloating and nausea.
Visceral hypersensitivity: Heightened sensitivity of the stomach nerves to normal stimuli.
Helicobacter pylori infection: A bacterial infection detected in a subset of patients.
Psychosocial factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Disrupted gut-brain axis: Altered communication between the gut and the brain plays a significant role.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia vary and are classified into two main patterns:

Postprandial Distress Syndrome (PDS)

Persistent fullness after eating
Early satiation during meals
Nausea and occasional vomiting

Epigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS)

Pain or burning in the upper abdomen
Symptoms not necessarily related to meals

Diagnosis

Functional Dyspepsia is diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria, requiring symptoms present for at least three months with onset at least six months prior. Organic causes must be ruled out through:

Upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD)
Abdominal ultrasound
Laboratory tests (e.g., Helicobacter pylori testing)
Gastric emptying scintigraphy if indicated

Treatment

Because Functional Dyspepsia lacks a clear organic cause, treatment is individualized and symptom-focused:

General Measures

Dietary adjustments: smaller, easily digestible meals and avoidance of trigger foods
Stress reduction and relaxation techniques
Regular physical activity

Pharmacological Therapy

Prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide): promote gastric emptying
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): reduce gastric acid production
H2 blockers: an alternative for acid reduction
Helicobacter pylori eradication: recommended when infection is confirmed
Low-dose antidepressants: used in refractory cases with a psychosomatic component

Psychotherapeutic Approaches

Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychosomatic support can be beneficial in persistent cases where psychosocial factors are involved.

References

Stanghellini V. et al. – Gastroduodenal Disorders. Gastroenterology 2016; 150(6): 1380–1392. (Rome IV Criteria)
World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) – Practice Guideline: Dyspepsia (2018). Available at: https://www.worldgastroenterology.org
Moayyedi P. et al. – The Efficacy of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Nonulcer Dyspepsia. Gastroenterology 2004; 127(5): 1329–1337.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.

Most read entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category