Risk factors for functional bowel disorders
There is a long held recognition of the associated between function gastrointestinal symptoms and life stressors and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Therefore some of the main risk factors for developing functional bowel disorders include:
- chronic stress
- anxiety
- depression.
Functional bowel disorders and irritable bowel syndrome are also recognised as motility disorders (affects the contraction of the muscles of the gastrointestinal GI tract), while visceral hypersensitivity (pain within the inner organs) and issues with intestinal barrier dysfunction also play a role.
Diagnosing functional bowel disorders
Diagnosis of functional bowel disorders have evolved over the years, as symptoms and presentation of functional bowel disorders can vary greatly.
For doctors, the Rome IV criteria is currently widely accepted as one of the diagnostic tools.
Treatment
Treatment for functional bowel disorders is multi-dimensional and can be difficult at times.
Treatment can include:
- dietary interventions such as low FODMAPs diet)
- probiotics
- cognitive behavioural therapy
- neuromodulators.
Medications may also be prescribed to manage symptoms.
