Pathogenesis of dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a highly prevalent and heterogeneous disorder. Although recent studies have investigated various pathophysiological mechanisms, the pathogenesis of FD remains obscure. Pathophysiological mechanisms currently proposed to be involved in FD symptom generation include delayed gastric emptying, impaired gastric accommodation to a meal, hypersensitivity to gastric distention, altered duodenal sensitivity to lipids or acid, abnormal duodenojejunal motility, and others. Pathogenetic factors implicated in the occurrence of FD include genetic susceptibility, Helicobacter pylori status, acute gastrointestinal infections and psychosocial factors. The present article provides an overview of pathogenetic factors, pathophysiologic mechanisms and their potential roles in FD. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.