Investigating functional dyspepsia in Asia

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

• Functional dyspepsia (FD) diagnosis relies on heterogeneous symptoms, posing challenges.
• Rome III criteria for FD lack full validation in diverse Asian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic challenges of functional dyspepsia in Asia.
• To assess the utility of investigations and physiological tests in FD diagnosis within the Asian context.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and expert consensus on FD diagnosis in Asia.
• Evaluation of symptom-based criteria, alarm features, Helicobacter pylori testing, and physiological tests.

Main Results:

• FD diagnosis is complicated by cultural and linguistic diversity in Asia.
• Helicobacter pylori testing and alarm feature investigation are recommended.
• Physiological tests like gastric accommodation and chemical hypersensitivity are underutilized but can be clinically indicated.

Conclusions:

• Functional dyspepsia diagnosis remains challenging in Asia.
• Despite limitations, physiological tests for FD should be considered when clinically indicated.