What You Need To Know About Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs)
In the past patients who suffer from the many types of functional gastrointestinal disorders were dismissed by their doctors without proper care because their diagnostic test shows negative for any causes of their symptoms. It was more likely for people with FGIDs to get misdiagnosed or suffer in silence because there was a lack of knowledge when it comes to these disorders.
Today, thanks to modern medicine and attentive medical professionals, FGIDs is now recognized as a serious group of disorders. Although there has been progress in acceptance, diagnosis, and even treatment patients still have a lot of questions. Here are some basic facts about functional gastrointestinal disorders that will help the average person understand the disorder on a deeper level:
What Is FGIDs?
In the most basic of sense, FGIDs is a group of disorders that affect the GI tract but do not show any signs of external disturbance. This means that a battery of test results given to a person with FGID will show negative. Despite the lack of possible causes for the symptoms, the pain and discomfort of a person with FGID is very real and should never be ignored.
Who Is Affected By This Disorder?
Since it is hard to diagnose a person with FGID it is equally hard to determine the exact number of the population affected by the disorder. However, since there are over 20 types of FGID and the number can grow and studies more forward it is safe to say that the disorder is very common.
It is estimated that 1 in every 4 adults in the US have some form of the disorder and that does not include those who have not yet been diagnosed.
Can Children Have FGIDs?
Yes, children and infants can also have symptoms of the disorder. In fact, FGID in toddlers and infants is very common that they have their own classification. There are some types of disorders that are considered normal such as infant regurgitation, whereas others such as cyclic vomiting syndrome that are rare and may need medical intervention.
Parents should also note that other types of infant and child FGID can continue into a patient’s adolescent years while some only last until the preschool years. As long as your child is happy, healthy, and comfortable, there is no cause for immediate alarm. However, when the disorders begin to disrupt everyday life, it is time to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Is Treatment For FGID Available?
Today, the medical community is still working on a cure for the various types of FGIDs. Usually, after a diagnosis is made, doctors recommend patients with FGID to see a nutritionist as well as a psychologist for a custom-made treatment plan. Treatment will usually involve therapy to help manage the symptoms as well as a strict diet plan to help patients reduce pain and avoid irritating their GI tract.
What Does The Future Hold?
There is great promise in the future of FGIDs as the disorders are being taken seriously today. While progress is slow when it comes to a cure, there is hope that one day better treatment options for the disorder will be made available to the public.
Diagnosing functional gastrointestinal disorders can be a challenge even for experienced clinicians. However, self-diagnosis is more dangerous, so if you are having GI issues, consult a doctor today.