Upper gastrointestinal motility disorders
Upper Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders are medical conditions that affect the movement of food and liquid through the upper GI tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Symptoms of the disorders can range from mild to severe and may include pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment depends on the specific disorder and may include medications, dietary changes, or surgery.
Types of Upper Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
The following are the most common types of upper gastrointestinal motility disorders:
- Esophageal motility disorders, such as achalasia and scleroderma
- Gastroparesis, an inability of the stomach to move food through the digestive tract
- Duodenal disorders, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and dumping syndrome
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that occurs when stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus
- Gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining
- Visceral hypersensitivity, a condition in which the GI tract is overly sensitive to normal sensations
Causes of Upper Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Upper gastrointestinal motility disorders may be caused by a variety of factors, such as infection, inflammation, injury, or congenital defects.
Diagnosis of Upper Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Upper gastrointestinal motility disorders can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be nonspecific and vary depending on the individual and the disorder. Diagnosis may involve a combination of physical exam, labs, imaging, and/or endoscopy (an internal camera that looks inside the GI tract).
Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Treatment for upper gastrointestinal motility disorders is aimed at controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. Treatment may include medications for pain relief, such as proton pump inhibitors or antacids; dietary changes, such as a low-fiber diet; and/or lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain food triggers.
In some cases, surgical treatments, such as endoscopic procedures orbotulinum toxin injections, may be necessary to improve symptoms. If you have an upper gastrointestinal motility disorder, it is important to work with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you.