Functional dyspepsia: a common yet under-recognised gut issue

Clara Ali Ghalib

Consultant to Athena

Many people suffer continuously, typically after eating. Your GP may refer you to a gastroenterologist for further investigation. The common finding of FD is that endoscopic investigation does not identify anything sinister.

Bothersome symptoms of functional dyspepsia

These symptoms¹ include:

Upper belly (abdominal) pain that ranges from mild to severe and might feel like burning
Feeling sick (nausea)
Belching (burping)
Bloating
An uncomfortable feeling of being full after eating regular-sized meals

A surprisingly common condition

A study of over 2,200 patients attending an Irish gastroenterology clinic found that around 21% of those with functional digestive disorders were diagnosed with FD.²

Although not life-threatening, FD can interfere significantly with daily life and work. Often, sufferers feel isolated and frustrated in finding solutions that provide relief. The condition is highly variable between individuals and requires medical advice to develop a plan to manage.

FD is more common in adults
and slightly more common in women.

Causes and treatment

The exact cause is unknown, but several factors may contribute, such as a sensitive digestive system; stress or anxiety; and lifestyle factors (eg. smoking or heavy meals). FD is more common in adults and slightly more common in women.

Treatment is typically a combination of lifestyle and medical management. Many sufferers benefit from small changes, such as:

Eating smaller meals more often
Avoiding late-night eating and rich foods
Reducing alcohol and caffeine
Managing stress and sleep

Newer medical treatments have recently become available. If you’re suffering from FD, talk to your doctor. With the right support, many people find effective ways to manage this condition and improve their quality of life.

[1] Guts UK Charity. Functional Dyspepsia.
[2] Kelly, P. 2024. Irish Pharmacist. The complexities of gut health.