Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a group of conditions that cause significant symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, altered bowel habits, and reflux, but without any visible signs of disease. These disorders can affect people of all ages, with different degrees of severity.

Common types of FGIDs include:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Functional dyspepsia
Functional abdominal pain
Functional bloating
Chronic functional constipation

IBS is the most common FGID, affecting up to one in five people at some point in their life. It is often managed using lifestyle adjustments such as diet modification, physical activity, and stress management. Some medications may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

Treatments for the other FGIDs are similar to those for IBS, though researchers and clinicians still do not understand fully the causes of these conditions. One promising area of research is the role of dietary components such as fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) in producing symptoms. Studies have shown that dietary manipulation can be helpful in reducing or even eliminating symptoms in some individuals.

While there is no single cure for FGIDs, there are a variety of steps that can be taken to manage symptoms. Some of these steps include dietary modifications, stress reduction, physical activity, and medications. Furthermore, working with a healthcare provider who specializes in gastrointestinal disorders can be a great way to find the best treatment plan to help manage symptoms.