Aug 6, 2024 GI Issues

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) are a group of disorders characterized by chronic gastrointestinal symptoms without an identifiable structural or biochemical cause. Here is a list of common FGIDs:

Esophageal Disorders

Esophageal Disorders are a subset of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders that primarily affect the esophagus and manifest through various symptoms. These include:

Functional Heartburn: A condition characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, often mistaken for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), without any observable abnormalities in the esophagus.
Functional Chest Pain of Presumed Esophageal Origin: This involves recurring chest pain attributed to esophageal dysfunction, with no evident physical cause, leading to significant discomfort and anxiety for the affected individuals.
Functional Dysphagia refers to swallowing difficulties that cannot be attributed to any underlying anatomical or pathological condition. It causes distress and eating difficulties for those affected.

Gastroduodenal Disorders

Gastroduodenal Disorders are another category of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) that affect the stomach and the initial part of the small intestine. These disorders can cause various symptoms that significantly impact a person's quality of life.

Functional Dyspepsia: This condition is characterized by persistent or recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, often associated with symptoms such as bloating, early satiety, and nausea. Despite the chronic symptoms, no identifiable structural or biochemical abnormalities are present.
Postprandial Distress Syndrome (PDS): PDS is a subtype of functional dyspepsia marked by feelings of fullness and discomfort after eating, often leading to significant changes in eating patterns and habits to avoid symptoms.
Epigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS): This disorder presents as recurrent epigastric pain or discomfort, often mistaken for other gastrointestinal conditions. Like other FGIDs, EPS lacks identifiable organic pathology.

Bowel Disorders

Bowel Disorders encompass a variety of functional gastrointestinal disorders that primarily influence the colon and rectum, leading to a spectrum of symptoms ranging from discomfort to altered bowel habits. Many of these can be labeled as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but we can now subclass them and better understand the issues.

IBS with Constipation (IBS-C): This subtype involves predominant constipation, marked by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty in passing stools, often accompanied by abdominal discomfort and pain.
IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D): In this type, diarrhea is the primary symptom, characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools, which can lead to urgency and societal embarrassment.
Mixed IBS (IBS-M): Individuals with IBS-M experience alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea, making management more challenging due to the fluctuation of symptoms.
Unclassified IBS (IBS-U): This classification is used when the symptoms do not fit into the specific categories of IBS-C, IBS-D, or IBS-M, leading to ambiguity in diagnosis and treatment.
Functional Constipation: This condition is defined by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools without any identifiable structural or biochemical abnormalities. It can cause discomfort and may lead to secondary issues like hemorrhoids.
Functional Diarrhea: This condition is characterized by frequent but not necessarily watery stools without an identifiable organic cause and can significantly disrupt everyday activities and quality of life.
Functional Abdominal Bloating/Distension: Many individuals experience a sensation of fullness or swelling in the abdomen that is not linked to a specific anatomical abnormality, leading to considerable discomfort and concern.

Centrally Mediated Disorders of Gastrointestinal Pain

Centrally Mediated Disorders of Gastrointestinal Pain represent a category of functional gastrointestinal disorders where the pain experienced is not due to any evident physical abnormality but is instead linked to central nervous system processing discrepancies.

Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome (FAPS): This condition is characterized by chronic abdominal pain that is not associated with any identifiable medical condition. Patients often experience significant discomfort that can impact their daily lives, and the pain is typically not linked to eating, bowel movements, or menstrual cycles. The underlying mechanisms may involve a complex interaction between psychological and physiological factors, leading to heightened pain perception and distress.
Functional Chest Pain of Presumed Esophageal Origin: This disorder manifests as chest pain that patients attribute to esophageal issues, but comprehensive investigations reveal no detectable esophageal pathology. The symptoms can resemble those of cardiac problems, causing considerable anxiety and confusion among patients. Triggered by various factors, including stress or specific food ingestions, this condition underscores the role of the central nervous system in modulating gastrointestinal pain experiences.

These disorders are usually diagnosed based on symptom patterns and the exclusion of other causes. They often overlap and can be chronic, significantly affecting quality of life. Treatment typically focuses on symptom management.

If you are looking for options for living with Functional Conditions, contact the GI Associates to schedule an appointment.