Do You have Stomach Burning from Functional Dyspepsia?

Do you have stomach burning and have no idea why? You could be suffering from functional dyspepsia. This is a condition where you experience indigestion-like symptoms but there is no clear cause for them.

Functional dyspepsia can be very frustrating to live with because you never know when the next attack will come or what causes it. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it's important to see a gastroenterologist to get a diagnosis.

In this article, we will discuss possible causes and symptoms of functional dyspepsia so that you can better understand this condition.

Functional dyspepsia is a chronic condition that causes indigestion-like symptoms, such as pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, bloating and heartburn. There is no clear cause for these symptoms, though some possible factors include changes in the levels of acid in your stomach, dietary habits, stress, and bacterial overgrowth. These symptoms are also similar to peptic ulcer disease however when patients are tested, only one-third have a stomach ulcer while the remaining patients have functional dyspepsia which may be one of the most common functional disorders.

Some risk factors of functional dyspepsia include:

• A history of H. pylori infection

• Smoking

• A history of anxiety or depression

• Being female

• A history of physical or sexual abuse

• Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) naproxen (Aleve®)

If you are experiencing indigestion-like symptoms that do not seem to be going away, it's important to consult with a gastroenterologist. They will perform tests and diagnostic procedures to determine if you have functional dyspepsia or another condition that may be causing your symptoms.

To be diagnosed properly, symptoms must be present within the last three months and consistently for at least six months. One or more of these symptoms should be present:

• Pain in the upper abdomen under the ribcage

• Uncomfortable fullness especially after eating

• Burning in the stomach, bloating or excessive burping after meals

• Feeling full right away or loss of appetite

• Acid reflux

• Heartburn

• Nausea and vomiting

To diagnose if you have functional dyspepsia, a gastroenterologist will more than likely conduct a physical examination and order diagnostic tests to evaluate your symptoms. The tests may include:

• Blood tests to rule out other disorders

• Test to look for a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori which can cause stomach issues

An Endoscopy - a medical procedure that uses a thin flexible tube to be passed down your throat so that the gastroenterologist can examine the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. A small tissue sample may be collected during the procedure to check for inflammation

While there is no cure for functional dyspepsia, the good news is that there are plenty of treatment options. These may include medications to reduce stomach acid, dietary or lifestyle modifications, or anxiety-reducing treatments. The treatment is usually based on the signs and symptoms you are experiencing.

Making changes to your diet may help control some of your symptoms. Consider these changes:

Keep a food diary to track foods that may trigger your symptoms. Some foods such as fatty and spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol can trigger functional dyspepsia.

Eat smaller and more frequent meals. This is to avoid an empty stomach which can sometimes trigger functional dyspepsia. Having nothing in your stomach may make you feel sick so try having a small snack to counteract this.

Over-the-counter gas medications such as Mylanta and Gas-X may also help relieve symptoms.

Making lifestyle changes may also help reduce symptoms. Try to reduce stress by using relaxation techniques or taking time to enjoy hobbies or doing things that reduce your stress level. If necessary consider working with a counselor or therapist to help relieve stress.

If you are still experiencing indigestion-like symptoms despite trying diet and lifestyle changes, it is important to consult with a gastroenterologist for further treatment options. They may recommend medications to help manage your indigestion, such as antibiotics, antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Depending on the severity of your symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Shortness of breath

• Dark, tarry stools

• Blood in your vomit

• Pain that radiates to the jaw, neck or arm