Epigastric distress syndrome

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

• The term 'non-ulcer dyspepsia' is broadly defined, encompassing various gastrointestinal symptoms.
• A need exists for a more precise subclassification of dyspeptic symptoms.
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders are common in outpatient care, with 'gastritis' being a frequent diagnosis for unexplained upper abdominal complaints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and delineate a specific patient category experiencing chronic or recurrent epigastric pain.
• To differentiate this condition from the ambiguous diagnosis of non-ulcer dyspepsia.
• To propose a new diagnostic term, 'Epigastric Distress Syndrome'.

Main Methods:

• Delineation of patients with chronic/recurrent epigastric pain.
• Exclusion of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
• Exclusion of anatomical correlates and organic diseases through strict diagnostic criteria.

Main Results:

• The proposed 'Epigastric Distress Syndrome' designation aids in distinguishing a specific patient group.
• Organic diseases are found to be negligible when strict diagnostic criteria are applied.
• Psychological factors appear crucial in the etiology, while gastric acid involvement is unlikely.

Conclusions:

• 'Epigastric Distress Syndrome' offers a more defined alternative to non-ulcer dyspepsia.
• The condition is characterized by epigastric pain with a likely functional, psychologically influenced etiology.
• Precise diagnostic criteria are essential for accurately identifying and managing this functional gastrointestinal disorder.