Functional dyspepsia is a term used to describe a lingering upset stomach that has no obvious cause. Functional dyspepsia (dis-PEP-see-uh) also is called nonulcer dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia is common. It is a constant condition, but symptoms don't happen all the time. Symptoms are like those of an ulcer. They include pain or discomfort in the upper belly, bloating, belching and nausea.

Symptoms of functional dyspepsia may include:

• Pain or burning in the stomach, bloating, excessive belching or nausea after eating.
• An early feeling of fullness when eating. The feeling of fullness also is called satiety.
• Stomach pain that happens unrelated to meals or goes away when eating.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you experience constant symptoms that worry you.

Seek medical attention right away if you experience:

• Bloody vomit.
• Dark, tarry stools.
• Shortness of breath.
• Pain in your jaw, neck or arm.
• Unexplained weight loss.

No one knows what causes functional dyspepsia. Medical professionals consider it a functional disorder. That means it can't be explained by a medical condition, so routine testing may not show any problems or causes. As a result, the diagnosis is based on symptoms.

Some factors can increase the risk of functional dyspepsia. They include:

• Being female.
• Using certain pain relievers that are available without a prescription. These include aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), which can cause stomach problems.
• Smoking.
• Anxiety or depression.
• History of childhood physical or sexual abuse.
• Helicobacter pylori infection.

Functional dyspepsia that can't be managed with lifestyle changes may need treatment. Treatment depends on symptoms. It may combine medicines and behavior therapy.

Medicines

Some medicines may help manage symptoms of functional dyspepsia. They include:

• Gas remedies that are available without a prescription. An ingredient called simethicone may provide some relief by reducing intestinal gas. Examples of gas-relieving remedies include Mylanta and Gas-X.
• Medicines to reduce acid production. These medicines are called H-2-receptor blockers and are available without a prescription. They include cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC) and nizatidine (Axid AR). Stronger versions of these medicines also are available by prescription.

• Medicines that block acid "pumps." Medicines called proton pump inhibitors shut down the acid "pumps" within acid-secreting stomach cells.

  Proton pump inhibitors available without a prescription include lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR), omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) and esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR). Proton pump inhibitors also are available by prescription.

• Antibiotics. If tests find H. pylori in the stomach, antibiotics may be prescribed along with acid-suppressing medicine.
• Low-dose antidepressants. Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants and antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be recommended. These medicines may block the activity of neurons that control intestinal pain.
• Prokinetics. These medicines help the stomach empty faster and tighten the valve between the stomach and esophagus. This helps to reduce upper belly pain.
• Medicines to relieve nausea. These medicines are called anti-emetics. If you feel like throwing up after eating, anti-emetics may help. These include promethazine, prochlorperazine and meclizine.

Behavior therapy

Working with a counselor or therapist may relieve symptoms that aren't helped by medicines. A counselor or therapist can show you relaxation techniques to help you cope with your symptoms. You also may learn ways to reduce stress to help manage your symptoms.

Some lifestyle changes may help control functional dyspepsia.

Make changes to your diet

Changes to what you eat and how you eat might help control your symptoms. Try to:

• Eat smaller, more-frequent meals. Having an empty stomach sometimes contributes to functional dyspepsia. Nothing but acid in your stomach may make you feel sick. Try eating a small snack such as a cracker or a piece of fruit.

  Try not to skip meals. Avoid large meals and overeating. Eat smaller meals more often.

• Stay away from trigger foods. Some foods may trigger functional dyspepsia. These may include fatty and spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Chew your food slowly and completely. Allow time to enjoy your meals.

Reduce stress in your daily life

Stress-reduction techniques or relaxation therapy may help you manage your symptoms. To reduce stress, spend time doing hobbies, sports and other things you enjoy.

People with functional dyspepsia often turn to complementary and alternative medicines to help them cope. Further studies are needed before complementary and alternative medicines can be recommended. But they may provide some symptom relief when used with other approaches suggested by a healthcare professional.

If you're interested in complementary and alternative treatments, talk to your healthcare team about:

• Herbal supplements. A combination of peppermint and caraway oils may offer some benefit for functional dyspepsia. Together, they relieved pain symptoms in a one-week trial. Iberogast contains extracts of nine herbs. It may relieve gastrointestinal spasms and improve the intestine's ability to move food.

  A Japanese herbal remedy called rikkunshito also may be helpful. Researchers found it improved belly pain, heartburn and bloating better than placebo. A placebo is a treatment with no therapeutic effect that looks the same as, and is given the same way as, the medicine or treatment being tested in a study. Artichoke leaf extract may ease symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

• Relaxation techniques. Relaxing activities may help you cope with symptoms. Meditation, exercise or other activities may help manage your stress.

You may start by seeing someone on your primary healthcare team. Or you may be referred right away to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines, called a gastroenterologist.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
• Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
• All medicines, vitamins or supplements you take, including the doses.
• Questions to ask during your appointment.

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For functional dyspepsia, some basic questions to ask include:

• What's likely causing my symptoms?
• Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What's the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there restrictions that I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

You'll likely be asked a few questions, such as:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

Avoid doing anything that seems to worsen your symptoms.