A Case Report on Functional Dyspepsia in a Fibromyalgia Patient with a History of Long-Term Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Use

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to report the effectiveness of Korean medicine in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in a fibromyalgia patient with a history of long-term NSAIDs use. Methods The patient was diagnosed as a Soeumin, one of the four constitution types in Korean medicine, and treated with herbal medicines such as Seungyangikgibuja-tang and Pyeongjinsunjeom-san. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment were also performed. The severity of symptoms was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) of epigastric pain, daily oral intake changes, the Korean Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (KGSRS), the Gastrointestinal Symptom Score (GIS), and the Functional Dyspepsia-Quality of Life (FD-QOL) score. Results After treatment for 48 days, the severity of epigastric pain decreased from NRS 8 to NRS 0, and daily oral intake was increased. The KGSRS score decreased from 55 to 43, the GIS score was reduced from 18 to 10, and the FD-QOL score also decreased from 69 to 55. Conclusions This study suggests that Korean medical treatment could be an effective option for treating functional dyspepsia in fibromyalgia patients with a history of long-term NSAIDs use. Keywords: functional dyspepsia, NSAIDs, fibromyalgia, Seungyangikgibuja-tang, Pyeongjinsunjeom-san