Apepsia nervosa, also known as nervous indigestion or functional dyspepsia, is a medical condition characterized by chronic, frequent, or recurrent indigestion symptoms without any detectable organic cause. It is a term commonly used to describe a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.
Individuals with apepsia nervosa often experience a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, belching, early satiety, nausea, and an overall feeling of fullness or heaviness in the stomach. These symptoms can be persistent or episodic and may vary in severity.
The exact cause of apepsia nervosa is not fully understood, but it is believed to arise from various factors, including abnormalities in the function of the stomach and intestines, impaired motility, heightened sensitivity to stomach acid, stress, and psychological factors. It is commonly associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Diagnosis of apepsia nervosa involves careful assessment of symptoms, ruling out organic causes through physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and gastroscopy. Treatment for apepsia nervosa aims to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. It often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining lifestyle modifications (such as dietary changes, minimizing stress, regular exercise), medications (such as proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, and antacids), and psychological interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Follow-up visits and monitoring are usually necessary to manage and adjust treatment as needed.
