Functional disorders are those in which the gastrointestinal tract does not work properly but looks normal. They are one of the commonest problems affecting the gastrointestinal tract. People can experience a variety of symptoms that include vomiting, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, etc.
\nThese disorders are characterized by persistence and recurring GI symptoms. They can affect the esophagus, bile duct, intestines, and stomach. Since they are not structural or biochemical abnormalities many routine tests fail to diagnose them.<\/p>\n
There are three primary features of functional GI disorders.
\nMotility: In FGIDs, the motility is abnormal. Motility is the muscular activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
\nSensation: Sensation is how the GI nerves respond to the stimuli. In functional gastrointestinal disorders, the nerves of the GI tract are so sensitive that even normal contractions can bring pain or some sort of discomfort.
\nBrain-gut dysfunction: The conduit between gut and brain function is impaired in functional GI disorders.<\/p>\n
Many factors may affect the gastrointestinal tract and its mobility. Some of the major causes include:
\n\u2022 Not getting enough exercise
\n\u2022 Regular changes in routine
\n\u2022 Eating a low fiber diet
\n\u2022 Stress
\n\u2022 Overuse of laxatives
\n\u2022 Having antacid medication that contains aluminum and calcium
\n\u2022 Pregnancy
\n\u2022 Having dairy products in large quantities
\n\u2022 Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
\n\u2022 Taking antidepressants, iron pills, etc.
\n\u2022 Insufficient intake of water<\/p>\n
Though more than 20 functional GI disorders have been identified, the most common type of functional GI disorder is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Irritable Bowel Disease is a chronic, long-term gastrointestinal disorder. It causes bloating, abdominal pain, mucus in stools, irregular bowel habits, and alternating constipation and diarrhea.
\nPeople having IBS suffer from persistent discomfort but most of them do not experience severe complications. IBS can be of four types:
\n\u2022 IBS-C: This is IBS with constipation
\n\u2022 IBS-D: This is IBS with diarrhea
\n\u2022 IBS-M: Some people can have an alternating pattern of diarrhea and constipation
\n\u2022 IBS-U: Those who do not fit into any of the other categories are called unsubtyped IBS.<\/p>\n
The mental and emotional state of a person has a huge impact. People who have had a traumatic experience have a higher risk of suffering from IBS. Hormonal changes also play a part. For example, at the time of menstruation, the symptoms are more severe in women. Infections can also trigger IBS. Other factors that are involved in IBS include
\n\u2022 Genetic factors
\n\u2022 Hormones
\n\u2022 An unusual response to infection
\n\u2022 An inability of the Central Nervous System to control the digestive system
\n\u2022 Digestive organs being sensitive to pain
\n\u2022 A malfunction in the muscles that move food through the body
\n\u2022 Stress<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
People suffering from IBS can have symptoms that include:
\n\u2022 Diarrhea
\n\u2022 A lot of bloating or gas
\n\u2022 Thin or Hard stools
\n\u2022 Swelling of the abdomen
\n\u2022 Constipation
\n\u2022 Belly cramps in the lower half
\n\u2022 Mucus in the stool<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The treatment for GI disorders is possible and is generally uncomplicated. If you are in Delhi you can get the best gastro doctor in Delhi for your treatment. Once it is known what exactly is causing your symptoms a customized plan can be made to treat your disorder. The treatment usually includes the following:<\/p>\n
Medications<\/b>
\nMany medicines are available that can treat some functional GI problems. These medications can reduce acid production, regulate the motility of the digestive tract, ease internal spasms or treat pain. Antidepressants can be given to decrease chronic GI pain. Antispasmodics can help decrease spasms in the GI tract. Pro-motility agents help accelerate the motility of the GI tract. Anti-diarrheals and laxatives can be given to cure diarrhea. These medications can be given to patients depending on their symptoms. A gastro doctor can match you with the medication that is best suited to you.<\/p>\n
Stress Management<\/b>
\nStress can be a terrible thing and can worsen many digestive symptoms. Therefore, stress management and lifestyle optimization techniques are undertaken for overall wellness. Therapies can be done to reduce stress, promote relaxation and ultimately relieving your symptoms.<\/p>\n
Self-care<\/b>
\nEating a high fiber diet, doing physical exercise and improving mental health can reduce the symptoms drastically. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation also help.<\/p>\n
Dietician Counseling<\/b>
\nA gastroenterologist or a dietician can work out a diet containing food that helps you and informs you about food that you should avoid.<\/p>\n
Therapies<\/b>
\nCognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and psychotherapy can be taken up that focuses on specific goals.<\/p>\n
Specialists<\/b>
\nCounseling sessions from Gastroenterologist and Primary Care Provider (PCP) can be taken up by patients suffering from GI disorders.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What are the functional gastrointestinal disorders? Functional disorders are those in which the gastrointestinal tract does not work properly but looks normal. They are one of the commonest problems affecting the gastrointestinal tract. People can experience a variety of symptoms that include vomiting, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, etc. These disorders are characterized by persistence and recurring […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1282,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1281","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n