What is functional dyspepsia?

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, typically associated with disturbed gastrointestinal function. It is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, affecting an estimated 20-30% of the general population.

FD can cause a wide range of symptoms, from abdominal pain to a feeling like you are full after eating very little in the way of food. It may include bloating and excessive belching, burning sensations around the chest area, nausea and vomiting, early satiety (the sensation that you’ve eaten enough even if not much has been consumed), weight loss and reduced appetite.

The exact cause for this condition isn't completely understood but it’s thought to be related to abnormal function in your digestive tract — either slow stomach emptying or problems with movement through your small intestine — along with psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.

Treatment for FD may focus on lifestyle changes including dietary modifications like avoiding fatty foods or large meals late at night. Medication may also be used depending on the severity of symptoms which could include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers or antidepressants if psychological factors are at play. Probiotics have recently become popular for managing digestive issues as well due their ability to help restore balance between beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiota that plays an important role in overall health outcomes too!