Functional Bowel Disease: All you need to know

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common disorders characterized by persistent and recurring Gl symptoms. Many of them suffer because they do not get relief with standard prescriptions. It is estimated that more than 40% patients coming to GI OPD are diagnosed to have FGID.

Dr. Naresh Bhat

Consultant Bengaluru - Gastroenterology

Why does FGID occur?

The symptoms origin in the GI tract, but no structural or biochemical abnormalities are seen. Hence, all medical tests such as x-rays, CT scans, blood tests and endoscopic exams are normal. They are seen in many age groups - in children, toddlers and young adults and affect both men and women. The key word used to describe them is visceral hypersensitivity and Gut Brain Axis disorders. This is because though symptoms originate in the gut they are greatly modulated by signals sent from the brain to the nerves in the gut. There is an interplay of the gut motility, gut microbiome, nerve transmitters in the GI tract and perception in the brain. Therefore, the problem can start due to dietary factors or changes in the microbiome or even stressful events.

There are more than 20 functional GI disorders that can affect any part of the GI tract like esophagus, stomach, bile duct or intestines. Two of the most common types of FGIDs are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Dyspepsia (FD).