title: Functional dyspepsia: the role of visceral hypersensitivity in its pathogenesis.
abstract: Functional, or non-ulcer, dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common reasons for referral to gastroenterologists. It is associated with significant morbidity and impaired quality of life. Many authorities believe that functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome represent part of the spectrum of the same disease process. The pathophysiology of FD remains unclear but several theories have been proposed including visceral hypersensitivity, gastric motor dysfunction, Helicobacter pylori infection and psychosocial factors. In this review, we look at the evidence, to date, for the role of visceral hypersensitivity in the aetiology of FD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Clinical Sciences Building, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Keohane
authors.forename: Eamonn M M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Quigley
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D017615:Enteric Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000294:innervation* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics