Name of the Condition

• Functional Dyspepsia (FD), also known as non-ulcer dyspepsia or indigestion.

Summary

• Functional dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen without an identifiable medical cause through standard diagnostic methods. It is often classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning that the stomach and intestines appear normal but do not function properly.

Causes

• The exact cause of functional dyspepsia is not well understood. It may involve a combination of factors such as motility issues in the upper gastrointestinal tract, increased sensitivity to stomach distension, lifestyle factors, psychological stress, and altered gut-brain interaction.

Risk Factors

• Stress and psychological factors, including anxiety and depression.
• Consumption of certain foods and beverages, like fatty or spicy foods.
• Use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Infection with Helicobacter pylori, although its role is controversial.

Symptoms

• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Bloating and feeling of fullness during or after meals.
• Nausea and occasional vomiting.
• Belching and heartburn.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis primarily involves exclusion of other causes for dyspeptic symptoms through:
  • Endoscopy to rule out ulcers or malignancy.
  • Tests for Helicobacter pylori infection.
  • Blood tests and imaging as needed for further evaluation.

Treatment Options

• Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and stress management.
• Medications like proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists, or prokinetics to reduce stomach acid and improve motility.
• Tricyclic antidepressants to help with pain management.
• Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to address stress.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis for functional dyspepsia is variable. While some patients improve with treatment, others may experience persistent symptoms. Regular follow-ups may be necessary to adjust treatments and monitor symptom progression.

Complications

• While FD is not life-threatening, untreated or poorly managed symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to unnecessary surgical interventions or chronic use of medications with potential side effects.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals.
• Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
• Stress management techniques like mindfulness or yoga.
• Smoking cessation and reduced alcohol consumption.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent or severe stomach pain.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Difficulty swallowing or persistent vomiting.
• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as black or bloody stools.

Additional Resources

• American College of Gastroenterology
  • gi.org
• International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • iffgd.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Carefully distinguish between functional dyspepsia (K30) and other conditions with similar symptoms.
• Verify that symptoms align with FD criteria and are not due to structural pathology before coding.
• Be cautious not to confuse functional dyspepsia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease.