Overview
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is chronic upper abdominal discomfort — pain, burning, early fullness, or bloating after eating — with no structural cause found on endoscopy or imaging. It affects up to 20% of adults worldwide. While not dangerous, FD can significantly impair daily life and is often confused with GERD or ulcers.
Symptoms
Uncomfortable fullness after eating a normal-sized meal
Early satiation — feeling full after just a few bites
Burning or pain in the upper abdomen (epigastric)
Bloating in the upper abdomen
Nausea
Belching
Common Causes
Impaired stomach relaxation after meals
Delayed gastric emptying
Increased sensitivity to normal fullness (visceral hypersensitivity)
H. pylori infection (in some patients)
Psychological stress and anxiety
Altered gut-brain signaling
Self-Care Tips
Eat smaller, more frequent meals — avoid large portions
Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
Avoid fatty, spicy, and acidic foods
Limit caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
Manage stress — mind-gut connection is strong in FD
If H. pylori positive, complete eradication therapy — it helps in 1 in 10 patients
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if symptoms are new and you are over 45, if you have unintended weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, or if symptoms are not improving with lifestyle changes. Endoscopy is needed to rule out ulcer, GERD, or cancer before a diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is made.
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