What Are the Symptoms of Gastric Functional Dyspepsia?
Apr 18, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Zhengxin
Introduction
What are the symptoms of functional dyspepsia?
1. Gastrointestinal symptoms: These include gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain, early satiety, hiccups, upper abdominal distension, and belching. Constipation and loose stools may also occur.
2. Systemic symptoms: These include fever, headache, anorexia, fatigue, and weight loss.
3. Psychological symptoms: These include depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Functional dyspepsia is typically caused by a combination of factors, including bacterial or viral infections, psychological stressors, or underlying organic diseases. Generally, symptoms persist for more than one month or recur for a cumulative total of 12 weeks within the past 12 months. So, what are the symptoms of functional dyspepsia? Let’s explore them below.
What Are the Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia?
1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Functional dyspepsia presents with a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms, primarily including abdominal pain, early satiety, belching, upper abdominal bloating, eructation (burping), and acid reflux. Early satiety—the sensation of fullness after consuming only a small amount of food—is the most characteristic gastrointestinal symptom, often leading to markedly reduced food intake. Upper abdominal pain is commonly described as dull or distending in nature. Upper abdominal bloating and belching typically occur postprandially or worsen progressively after meals. Nausea and vomiting are relatively uncommon; however, delayed gastric emptying—where gastric contents fail to move downward efficiently—may lead to constipation or loose stools.
2. Systemic Symptoms
Functional dyspepsia may also produce systemic manifestations, such as low-grade fever, headache, anorexia, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss. These symptoms frequently result from chronic functional dyspepsia and associated nutritional deficiencies.
3. Psychological Symptoms
Patients with functional dyspepsia may experience psychological symptoms—including depression, anxiety, and insomnia—often secondary to prolonged discomfort and distress caused by persistent digestive symptoms.
The above outlines the common symptoms of functional dyspepsia. However, patients aged 45 years or older presenting with “alarm symptoms”—such as unexplained anemia, weight loss, altered bowel habits, nausea, vomiting, or melena—or those with a first-degree relative having a history of malignancy should be evaluated carefully for possible gastrointestinal tumors. Recommended objective investigations include upper endoscopy (gastroscopy), colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, tumor markers, fecal occult blood testing, and complete blood count. We hope this information is helpful to you.
