Functional Dyspepsia

Functional Dyspepsia

(AKA Non Organic Dyspepsia or Nonulcer Dyspepsia)

Persistent dyspepsia, in the absence of relevant alimentary disease or any history of peptic ulcer disease is called functional or non organic or non ulcer dyspepsia. About to two-thirds of patients belong to this group & found no obvious organic cause for their symptoms after investigation. Symptoms may be due to a complex interaction of increased visceral afferent sensitivity, gastric delayed emptying or impaired accommodation to food, or psychosocial stressors.

Clinical features:

Patients are usually young <40 years.
Women are affected twice as commonly as men.
Abdominal pain is associated with other symptoms, such as nausea & bloating after meals.
Morning symptoms are characteristic & pain or nausea may occur on waking.
Colonic dysmotility such as pellet-like stools or a sense of incomplete rectal evacuation on defecation.
Patients may appear anxious & distraught.
Many patients are self-admitted ‘worriers’ concerned about finance, employment or family appears.

Investigations:

The history will often suggest the diagnosis. To exclude organic causes relevant investigations should be performed such as-

i) Endoscopy- in elderly subject.

ii) Ultrasonogram of abdominal organs to exclude gall stone etc. & other routine tests may also be done.

Management:

Patient should be explained the condition and reassured.
Relevant psychological factors should be explored & explained.
Social factors (if any) should be resolved with appropriate counselling.
Smoking and drinking alcohol should be discouraged & sensible dietary advice may be given.
Drug treatment is not beneficial, but may try the following

Homeopathic Medicine:

Selection of homeopathic medicine is individual, so physician should make the selection according to symptoms similarity. Various repertories suggests many drugs for this condition. Few of them are- Aconite, Acid Sulph, China, Carbo veg, Chelidonium, Hydrastis, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Sulphur etc.