Functional Dyspepsia

Digestive Diseases

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Doctors at NewYork-Presbyterian who specialize in digestive diseases can help patients with functional dyspepsia, usually by prescribing medications that suppress stomach acid production or relax the stomach's smooth muscles. They may also work with other clinicians at the hospital to find methods to help patients manage stress or quit smoking – factors that contribute to functional dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia is indigestion or an upset stomach that does not have an obvious cause, such as an ulcer, but rather is caused by a functional abnormality, meaning that the muscles or nerves that control gastrointestinal organs are not working properly.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dyspepsia include a pain or burning feeling in the upper abdominal area, belching, nausea, and bloating, and sometimes vomiting. These symptoms often come after eating.

Diagnosis

Physicians have the option of using several tests to discover if the gastrointestinal tract is functioning properly, such as gastric-emptying tests or motility studies. Because certain medications may case dyspepsia as a side effect, it is important to report all medication you are taking when consulting a physician.

Treatment

Treatments include medications that suppress stomach acid production (H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors), smooth-muscle relaxants, low-doses of certain antidepressants, and stress-management techniques such as yoga, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and biofeedback. Quitting smoking is also recommended.