Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID)

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID), also known as Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction, are a group of chronic digestive system disorders in which the gastrointestinal tract seems normal on examination but doesn't work properly. FGIDs are common over the world, affecting 4 out of every 10 persons to varying degrees.

There are a wide range of functional gastrointestinal problems that can affect both children and adults. Irritable bowel syndrome, functional bloating, functional constipation, and functional dyspepsia are among the most widely addressed FGIDs.
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders are caused by a variety of factors that doctors don’t know exactly what causes. Motility disturbance, visceral hypersensitivity, changed mucosal and immunological function, altered gut microbiota, and altered central nervous system processing are all possible causes of FGIDs. Psychological comorbidity is prevalent; yet, it's unknown if it comes before or after symptoms.

The symptoms vary in conditions and in person-to-person. A relentless group of experts worked collaboratively to create a set of criteria called the Rome criteria for the diagnosis of FGIDs. It continues to undergo modifications as more information on the disorder becomes available. The fourth version is the most recent, and it is widely used in clinical practise.

With many concerns remain unanswered, healthcare professionals from several professions are striving to understand the cause of functional gastrointestinal diseases in order to better identify and treat patients. As of now, the diagnosis is based on ruling out of other medical conditions. The process is tedious as doctor may do multiple consultations, unfruitful investigations and procedures to rule out all kinds of illnesses. Nonetheless, the good news is that it is not cancer or any other life-threatening conditions. Before the diagnosis may be confirmed, a series of Rome IV-based criteria must be achieved.

The goal of management is to gain better control over symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life, rather than to completely eliminate symptoms or return the patient's life to normal. Treatment options can be provided holistically based on a bio-psycho-social model. To help alleviate your symptoms, your doctor may advise you to make lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as prescribe medication. It's important to remember, however, that the efficacy of a treatment plan differs from person to person. Therefore, a bilateral communication between doctor and patient is critical in personalising plan to provide the greatest possible benefit to you.

In conclusion, functional gastrointestinal disorders are challenging to diagnose due to their complexity. Sense of loneliness may be one of the emotions you experience at times. Feeling as if you are the only one who is going through this. Functional gastrointestinal problems have a real stigma attached to them. It is important to voice out and speak to your loved ones and seek help from healthcare professionals.

As a doctor, establishing a good relationship with the patient is the way forward. Educate the patient, create realistic treatment goals for them, and include them in the management of the functional gastrointestinal disorders.

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