Organic causes of dyspepsia, and discriminating functional from organic dyspepsia

A wide variety of disorders affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract, as well as systemic disorders, are associated with symptoms of dyspepsia. The more important of these conditions are considered in this chapter, with particular reference to their symptom patterns on presentation. The differentiation, on clinical grounds, between these organic causes of dyspepsia and functional dyspepsia remains an important area of research. Those aspects of the history and physical examination most relevant to this distinction are also considered.