Can functional dyspepsia be treated?

Doctor's Answers 2

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan
Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

The term "functional dyspepsia" generally refers to symptoms with no structural abnormality found. This is similar to conditions such as migraine headache, irritable bowel syndrome and menstrual cramps where scans and blood tests are not able to clinch the diagnosis.

Contrary to common belief, functional dyspepsia can be effectively treated. If no other conditions are found relating to the symptoms, functional dyspepsia is deemed as a benign condition with no known risk of degenerating into something more sinister.

Having said that, it will be prudent to watch the discomfort over time with treatment to monitor the response. This is because other more sinister conditions such as growth in the gallbladder, bile duct or pancreas may present very similarly at the beginning and at times impossible to tell a part from functional dyspepsia based on symptoms and scope findings.

- Dr Quan

Photo of Dr Andrea Rajnakova
Dr Andrea Rajnakova

Gastroenterologist

You should consult your doctor if:

  • your indigestion symptoms persist for more than two weeks, especially if this is a new symptom, do not respond to over the counter medication, interfere with work, leisure and/or sleep
  • over 40 years old
  • have a family history of digestive or colon problems or cancer
  • drink alcohol or smoke
  • take aspirin or pain killers regularly

You should consult your doctor urgently if you experience:

  • prolonged or severe pain
  • recurrent vomiting
  • red or altered blood (like coffee grounds) in vomit
  • black ‘tarry’ stools
  • loss of appetite or weight loss
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • low hemoglobin (low blood count/anemia)
  • yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

Similar Questions

Could persistent burping and belching pose a serious health risk?

Belching or burping is a normal body response to get rid of excessive gaseous material in the upper digestive tract. This works somewhat similar to the pressure-relief-valve found on pressure cookers to let go of excessive pressure build-up. In general, belching helps to reduce discomfort from gaseous distension. However, if this happens too frequently, it can result in disturbing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, painful or difficult swallowing, complications from acid burns might have developed in your oesophagus.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

When should I see a doctor regarding rectum bleeding if I’m worried about colon cancer?

If you truly have reasons to worry about having colon cancer, please do not delay any longer. It is a well-known fact that survival is best when colon cancers are detected early. If you are 50yr and above or having a significant family history of colon cancer or you have a past history of colon polyps, you automatically fall into a higher risk group for having colon cancer. So many have made the mistake of assuming a benign cause of bleeding just because one has a past history of haemorrhoids. Such assumptions may result in unnecessary delay in making the right diagnosis.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

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