Common Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Functional gastrointestinal disorders are ones in which the GI tract appears normal, but doesn’t work properly. These are the most common disorders, affecting about 25 percent of the population at one time or another, and accounting for roughly 40 percent of GI-related doctor’s visits, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Although FGIDs account for a sizable percentage of digestive-related doctor’s visits, most people with FGID symptoms do not consult a doctor, although they may treat their illnesses with medication. Conditions like IBS are the second most common cause – following colds – of missed work due to illness.

There are three key features of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID)

1. Motility – The muscular activity in the GI tract. When you have an FGID, this muscle activity functions abnormally, and can cause painful muscle spasms.

2. Sensation – For people with FGIDs, the nerves in the digestive tract are often so sensitive that even regular contractions can cause discomfort and pain.

3. Brain-gut dysfunction – A disconnect in communication between the brain and the digestive system, disrupting the way the brain regulates gut function.

There are several factors that can contribute to these disorders, including :

• A low-fiber diet

• Too much dairy

• Stress

• Lack of exercise

• Changes in routine (including travel)

According to the University of North Carolina Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, doctors have identified more than 20 functional GI ailments. Some common functional digestive disorders include:

Let’s take a closer look at each disorder, its symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention.