Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is a common condition that causes discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen without any identifiable structural cause. It is sometimes referred to as indigestion with no clear medical explanation, and while not dangerous, it can significantly affect day-to-day comfort and quality of life.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we offer consultant-led assessment for persistent digestive symptoms. Where appropriate, patients can be referred for gastroscopy (OGD) to rule out more serious underlying conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, or cancer.

Please note: All endoscopic procedures require a referral from a Consultant or Private GP. You can obtain a referral by booking an appointment with one of our Consultant Endoscopists or Private GPs.

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What Is Functional Dyspepsia?

Functional dyspepsia is a disorder of gut–brain interaction, where the stomach doesn’t process or respond to food normally, despite there being no physical damage or inflammation.

Common contributing factors include:

• Stress or anxiety
• Sensitivity of the stomach lining
• Delayed gastric emptying
• A history of gastro-oesophageal reflux
• Dietary triggers (spicy, fatty, or acidic foods)

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Common Symptoms

Symptoms may come and go and can range in severity. You may experience:

• A feeling of fullness soon after eating
• Bloating in the upper abdomen
• Burning or pain in the stomach area
• Nausea without vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Mild weight loss in some cases

These symptoms often overlap with those of ulcers, reflux, or other gastrointestinal conditions — which is why a careful assessment is important.

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Diagnosis and Investigations

Because functional dyspepsia has no visible cause, diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, and the exclusion of other conditions.

Endoscopic investigation (Gastroscopy)

If your symptoms are persistent or concerning, a gastroscopy may be recommended. This allows a specialist to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a small camera to rule out:

• Gastric or duodenal ulcers
• Inflammation (gastritis)
• Coeliac disease
• Signs of malignancy

Learn More About Our Endoscopy Services

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How Is Functional Dyspepsia Managed?

While there is no single cure, symptoms can be effectively managed with the right combination of:

• Dietary changes – avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals
• Stress reduction techniques – mindfulness, CBT, relaxation therapy
• Medication – such as antacids, acid suppressants (PPIs), or prokinetic agents
• Lifestyle support – avoiding smoking, alcohol, and late-night eating

Our team can provide onward referral to appropriate specialists including nutritionists or psychological therapy services, where needed.

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When to Seek Medical Advice

You should seek further medical advice if you experience:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting (especially with blood)
• Black, tarry stools
• Anaemia or persistent fatigue
• New symptoms after age 55

These may warrant more urgent investigation to rule out structural causes.