Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders may occur as the result of the digestive tract not operating properly. Functional gastrointestinal disorders can also be referred to as Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction (DGBIs). These disorders impair the body’s movement of the intestines, sensitivity of nerves of the intestines, or the way the brain controls some of these functions. This group of conditions displays characteristics that include:
There are a number of factors, including environmental, psychological and biological, that contribute to symptoms relating to functional gastrointestinal disorders. Certain foods and prior infections can also trigger symptoms.
It is important to seek evaluation from a skilled gastroenterologist to get the appropriate diagnosis. Functional GI disorders can have complex symptoms so it’s important they are treated by a trained specialist. A gastroenterologist can work with you to formulate a specific treatment plan to meet your needs. Options include medications, dietary interventions, and mental health resources such as cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy. Physical therapists that specialize in disorders of the pelvic floor may also be recommended.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the colon or lower bowel area characterized by abdominal pain associated with defecation, in addition to altered bowel habits, including change in form or frequency of bowel movements. The change in bowel movements may be classified as constipation or diarrhea, or a mix between the two. IBS does not have a singular cause, but many factors trigger symptoms, including certain foods, medicines or emotional stress.
Symptoms
Symptoms of IBS can occur continuously or recurrently and can be similar to other disorders, like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Here is a chart to help you navigate your symptoms.
| IBS vs. IBD Symptoms | |
|---|---|
| IBS | IBD |
| Bloating | Blood in stool |
| Cramps or abdominal pain, improves with bowel movements | Cramp and abdominal pain |
| Diarrhea or constipation – sometimes alternating | Diarrhea |
| Gas | Fatigue |
| Mucus in stool | Mouth sores |
| Reduced appetite and weight-loss | |
Diagnosis
The evaluation of IBS requires a thoughtful and skilled gastroenterologist’s evaluation. Depending on symptoms, evaluation might include diagnostic testing such as bloodwork, colonoscopy, breath testing, and close and frequent follow-up.
Treatment
Our Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Program addresses the challenges patients face with sometimes-lifelong gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS. Our specially trained gastroenterologists can help manage your symptoms by:
Changes to diet and activity may help, but treatments vary for everyone. It can be helpful to document what foods you consume in order to figure out which might trigger IBS symptoms.
Indigestion, also known as Functional dyspepsia, is diagnosed by ruling out gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Functional dyspepsia may be caused by factors including excessive alcohol intake, chronic vomiting, stress or use of certain medications; although in many cases, the cause is unknown.
Symptoms
While symptoms can vary, the most common include:
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, review your medical and family history as well as perform a physical exam. Since the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is one of exclusion, a number of tests may be necessary before arriving at the appropriate diagnosis. Often a trial of acid suppressive medication is needed; endoscopy (EGD), and manometry and pH testing are often recommended too.
Treatment
Therapies that target the parts of your brain that have to do with pain and discomfort may help to relieve the most bothersome symptoms. Our Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Program addresses symptoms by:
Bowel movement form and frequency vary from person to person. Constipation occurs when bowel movements are less frequent or stool becomes hard or difficult to pass. Constipation may exist as part of a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Changes in diet or routine often affect bowel movements. If bowel movements become difficult or painful or there has been an extended period of time since your last bowel movement, your constipation should be treated by a gastroenterologist.
Symptoms
Some signs of constipation may include:
Common causes
Constipation can be caused by many different factors and is not the same for everyone. It is important to note that constipation can occur from infancy to geriatric age groups, but may get worse due to pregnancy, when taking certain medications or by having a digestive disorder. Typical causes are:
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing issues with bowel movements or have pain, talk to your doctor. They will ask about your medical history, routine, diet and bowel movement history. A physical examination that includes a thorough rectal examination may be done to see if there are any underlying causes. Your doctor will review any current medications or supplements you are taking to see if the dosage or medication needs to be changed. Other tests such as diagnostic lab testing, imaging including X-rays or MRI defecography as well as anorectal manometry may be performed.
Treatment
In some cases, constipation is manageable at home with proper eating and drinking habits, including the appropriate amount of fiber in your diet. There are a number of over the counter and prescription medications available to treat constipation. If certain causes of constipation are found, like pelvic floor dyssynergia, working with our advanced practice providers and physical therapists for biofeedback and pelvic floor retraining will be helpful.
Diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose and/or watery stools. This condition can be either acute or chronic and can be classified as a subgroup of those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Many underlying causes contribute to diarrhea.
Diarrhea can lead to serious complications if it is very severe or becomes chronic, including:
Symptoms
You should contact your gastroenterologist if you are experiencing diarrhea along with symptoms such as:
Diagnosis
Your doctor will evaluate your medical and family history, including medications and dietary habits, and perform a physical examination, which includes a thorough rectal examination. Keeping a careful record of what you eat can help track foods that may be leading to diarrhea. Blood tests and stool analysis may be ordered along with diagnostic procedures, such as endoscopy or colonoscopy. This combination of testing will allow the physician to examine the first part of the small intestine and colon to help exclude other causes of chronic diarrhea, such as infections or inflammation of the small intestine and colon.
Treatment
Treatments are aimed at avoiding triggers for diarrhea, healing inflammation and relieving symptoms of diarrhea. The treatment may be different depending on different causes of diarrhea. For mild cases of diarrhea, over-the-counter medication may be helpful along with dietary modifications. If your diarrhea is chronic and/or caused by underlying conditions or infection, specific therapies may be needed to better treat symptoms.
