GASTRO GIRL

Functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders are the most common GI disorders in the general population. In fact, about 1 in 4 people in the U.S. have some activity limitation of daily function due to these disorders. The conditions account for about 41% of GI problems seen by doctors and therapists. The term “functional” is generally applied to disorders where the body’s normal activities in terms of the movement of the intestines, the sensitivity of the nerves of the intest... ines, or the way in which the brain controls some of these functions is impaired. However, there are no structural abnormalities that can be seen by endoscopy, x-ray, or blood tests. Thus it is identified by the characteristics of the symptoms and infrequently, when needed, limited tests. The Rome diagnostic criteria categorize the functional gastrointestinal disorders and define symptom based diagnostic criteria for each category. Few health conditions require such a collaborative partnership between patient and patient-caregiver as Functional GI. It requires patient self-monitoring and reporting, knowledge of diet and exercise, awareness of the connections between the mind and body, accessible and understandable information about the latest drug and complementary therapy options, and access to a network of support so the patient knows they are not alone and can survive and thrive despite living with the sometimes life-altering and often daily challenges of living with a FGID.More