Functional gastrointestinal disorders

Throughout your life, you have probably experienced various digestive problems, such as constipation, bloating, or diarrhoea. These issues irritate the digestive tract and cause unpleasant symptoms.

Some of the most common causes include:

• a low-fibre or unhealthy diet;
• lack of physical activity;
• travelling or other changes to your usual routine;
• stress and anxiety;
• delaying bowel movements;
• taking certain medications;
• hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menstruation;
• food intolerances or eating something that “didn’t agree with you.”

Treatment for functional gastrointestinal disorders usually involves lifestyle changes or avoiding triggering factors. Sometimes, the problems resolve on their own within a few days.

• In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the functioning of the intestinal muscles that move food through the digestive tract is disrupted. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, gas, and bloating. Although this condition is not usually life-threatening, it can significantly interfere with daily activities. To keep symptoms under control, it is important to adjust your diet, reduce stress levels, get enough sleep, and seek professional medical follow-up.

It is very important to understand that a functional disorder can only be diagnosed after more serious diseases have been ruled out through medical investigations. Symptoms characteristic of functional disorders can also occur in serious structural diseases.