Functional Dyspepsia: Treat It Before It Turns Chronic

Are you struggling with indigestion?

Hello, I am Choi Yeon-seung, the head director of Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.

I have 16 years of clinical experience and, as a graduate of Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine, I integrate classical Korean medicine with modern Korean medicine in my practice. Today, I'd like to talk about functional dyspepsia, a condition many people experience.

Is Your Dyspepsia Perhaps Chronic?

For a month now, my stomach has been aching with stabbing pains whenever I eat. I've been taking prescribed digestive medicine for over two weeks, but it's not getting better.

Functional dyspepsia is one of the most common conditions among modern people. It manifests with various symptoms such as bloating after meals, epigastric pain (a pressing pain in the pit of the stomach), and early satiety. However, if these symptoms are dismissed as minor and left untreated, they can easily progress to a chronic state.

Do You Know About Functional Dyspepsia?

Functional dyspepsia refers to the chronic occurrence of dyspeptic symptoms without any organic abnormalities. This means that despite no clear causes like inflammation or ulcers being found in the stomach or intestines, there are problems with digestive function.

The absence of symptoms does not mean the condition has disappeared. If left untreated, it can develop into chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and other issues, making accurate diagnosis and treatment of the cause crucial.

Stress and Overeating Are the Main Culprits

I used to cope with work-related stress mainly by eating. After work, I'd always get spicy food to go and have a beer with it.

Functional dyspepsia is closely related to an individual's lifestyle habits. Irregular meals, overeating, binge eating, and excessive stress are considered major causes.

Hidden Causes of Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is not solely due to poor eating habits. It can also arise when the balance of our body's autonomic nervous system is disrupted, leading to impaired gastrointestinal motility.

When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, the secretion of digestive fluids decreases, and gastrointestinal motility is reduced, which can lead to problems with digestive function. Furthermore, abnormalities in the signaling system between the brain and the gut can result in hypersensitivity to pain.

Treating Functional Dyspepsia with Korean Medicine

In Korean medicine, functional dyspepsia is diagnosed as *Biwi-gijeung-siljo* (Spleen-Stomach dysfunction), *Sikjeok* (food stagnation), *Dameum* (phlegm retention), among other patterns. Treatment is tailored to each individual's constitution and symptoms, focusing on supporting stomach and intestinal function and restoring the balance of the autonomic nervous system. We also utilize herbal medicines to relieve Gi stagnation caused by stress and promote smooth digestion.

Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic's Customized Treatment

Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic identifies and addresses the root causes of functional dyspepsia. As a graduate of Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine, I leverage my extensive clinical experience to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. Beyond mere symptom relief, we help prevent recurrence and restore gastrointestinal health. In addition to herbal medicine treatment, we also provide systematic guidance on diet and lifestyle management.

Restored Gastrointestinal Health After Treatment

The pain has definitely decreased, and combining it with dietary management, I feel like my body has finally regained its health.

Many patients who have received treatment at Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic have been freed from dyspepsia.

Lifestyle Management is Also Important Alongside Treatment

To prevent functional dyspepsia and avoid recurrence, proper eating habits and a regular lifestyle are essential. It's best to avoid picky eating, maintain nutritional balance, and eat moderate portions divided into several meals. Additionally, avoiding stress during meals and chewing sufficiently helps digestion. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and late-night snacks should also be avoided.

Chronic Dyspepsia, Don't Neglect It Any Longer

Functional dyspepsia can not only significantly diminish your quality of life but also progress to more serious conditions if left untreated. It should never be taken lightly, as it carries the risk of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and even gastric cancer in severe cases. If you are struggling with dyspepsia, we strongly recommend seeking consultation.

At Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, Choi Yeon-seung, the head director with 16 years of clinical experience and a graduate of Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine, personally provides customized treatment. Through a systematic approach that combines classical and modern Korean medicine, you can regain a healthy digestive system.