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Functional dyspepsia (FD) occurs when your upper digestive tract shows symptoms of being upset, pain, or early or prolonged fullness for a month or longer. It is a chronic disorder of sensation and movement (peristalsis) in the upper digestive tract. Peristalsis is the normal downward pumping and squeezing of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, which begins after swallowing.
This condition is described as “functional” because there is nothing structurally wrong with the upper digestive area, but bothersome symptoms persist.
The cause of functional dyspepsia is unknown; however, several hypotheses could explain this condition even though none can be consistently associated with it. Excessive acid secretion, inflammation of the stomach or duodenum, food allergies, lifestyle and diet influences, psychological factors, medication side effects (e.g., from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), and Helicobacter pylori infection have all had their proponents. FD can be confused for several other gastrointestinal conditions, including:
peptic ulcer disease
gastroparesis
upper abdominal-related cancers
Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia
The symptoms of FD can vary from person to person, but you may experience:
epigastric burning (burning or pain in your upper digestive tract)
epigastric pain (pain in middle of the upper abdomen)
bloating
feeling full after eating just a small amount of food
feeling full for extensive period after eating a meal
vomiting
burping
sour taste in the mouth
weight loss
psychological distress related to the condition
Management of Functional Dyspepsia by conventional medicine
There are a wide range of treatment options for FD. There’s no known single cause of FD, and your symptoms may range quite significantly from someone else’s, so the types of treatment can differ from person to person. Your doctor may recommend several methods for relieving symptoms of FD.
Some treatment options for FD include:
over-the-counter (OTC) medications to be used for a few weeks
prescription medications for either short- or long-term use
acid-neutralizing medications called H2 receptor blockers
acid-blocking medications called proton pump inhibitors
gas-relieving medications that include the ingredient simethicone
antidepressants such as amitriptyline
esophagus-strengthening medications called prokinetic agents
stomach-emptying medications such as metoclopramide
antibiotics if you have the Helicobacter pylori bacteria in your body
psychological interventions
diet changes
reduce milk, alcohol, caffeine, fatty or fried foods, mint, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and some spices
avoid large portions
TCM theory on Functional Dyspepsia
Functional Dyspepsia is regarded as pi man 痞滿 in TCM. As a general rule, abdominal distension is due to an obstruction to the correct movement of the Spleen and the Stomach’s energy. The obstruction itself may be due to the presence of some pathogen, internal or external or due to weakness or stagnation of Qi. [Read how the digestive system is explained in Traditional Chinese medicine] The condition is often caused by
Irregular meals or improper food [Read more: When you eat is just as important as what you eat]
Excessive emotion and stress
Other chronic illnesses that weaken the general energy and the coordination of systems [Read more: 7 Habits For Managing Chronic Illness]
The Stomach and Spleen are the body’s primary control of digestion. This system is in charge of breaking down food into smaller particles, absorbing and transporting nutrients, creating Xue (blood) and Qi (vital energy) from it, then send the waste for further processing. When this system fails to function properly, the improperly digested food can give rise to stagnant Qi and build up toxins. When poorly digested food and fluids get stuck, one may experience bloating, sluggishness, decreased appetite and a puffy face and eyes. [Read more: TCM Dietary Advice] [Read more: How TCM relieves “Gluten allergy”]