What are functional gastrointestinal disorders?

Functional disorders are those in which the gastrointestinal (GI) tract looks normal but doesn’t work properly. They are the most common problems affecting the GI tract (including the colon and rectum). Constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are two common examples.

Many factors may upset the GI tract and its motility (or ability to keep moving), including:

• Eating a diet low in fiber
• Not enough exercise
• Traveling or other changes in routine
• Eating large amounts of dairy products
• Stress
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
• Resisting the urge to have bowel movements due to pain from hemorrhoids
• Overusing laxatives (stool softeners) that, over time, weaken the bowel muscles
• Taking antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
• Taking certain medicines (especially antidepressants, iron pills, and strong pain medicines such as narcotics)
• Pregnancy

Constipation

Constipation means it is hard to have a bowel movement (or pass stools), they are infrequent (less than three times a week), or incomplete. Constipation is usually caused by inadequate “roughage” or fiber in the diet, or a disruption of the regular routine or diet.

Constipation causes a person to strain during a bowel movement. It may cause small, hard stools and sometimes anal problems such as fissures and hemorrhoids. Constipation is rarely the sign of a more serious medical condition.

You can treat your constipation by:

• Increasing the amount of fiber you eat
• Exercising regularly
• Moving your bowels when you have the urge (resisting the urge causes constipation)

If these treatment methods don’t work, laxatives are a temporary solution. Note that the overuse of laxatives can actually make symptoms of constipation worse. Always follow the instructions on the laxative medicine, as well as the advice of your doctor.