The Sensitive Gut
Source: Copyright © 2008 Harvard Health Publications | Date Posted: January 1, 2008
The Sensitive Gut
Dear Reader,
Out of sight, out of mind, your digestive system is working around the clock delivering the nutrients in food to your bloodstream. As long as the system is running smoothly, you tend not to think about it. Once trouble begins, however, your gut—like a squeaky wheel—suddenly demands your attention.
For some folks, symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, cramps, heartburn, indigestion, belching, bloating, and nausea are infrequent and tolerable, but many people experience them far more often. An estimated one in four people has frequent gastrointestinal problems that can severely disrupt a normal lifestyle. Symptoms may occur on and off for months or even years at a time, leading people to undergo unpleasant and sometimes unnecessary medical tests, spend money on questionable cures, and miss countless days of work.
Although the misery that such problems inflict is real, these ailments aren't usually the product of an illness in the conventional sense. Rather, they are functional gastrointestinal disorders. That means, unlike ulcers or stomach cancer, they can't be attributed to any physical abnormality or infection. More than 20% of people who consult a gastroenterologist learn that there's no structural abnormality to explain their complaints.
Just because we doctors can't find an "organic" cause—meaning that there's no evidence of disease or a structural basis for the symptoms—doesn't mean you're imagining things. The symptoms are quite real, and if they occur frequently or last more than a month, it's advisable to seek help.
You may also be relieved to know that even if your doctor can't pinpoint the cause of your symptoms, the chances are good that you can get relief. This report focuses on a number of disorders considered to be functional: reflux, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, and excessive gas.
The good news is that our ability to treat gastrointestinal disorders continues to improve. With proper knowledge—and the support of the right combination of health professionals—you can make changes in your lifestyle, use specific medications, find other helpful therapies that will ease your discomfort, and make the right decisions about medical treatments.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Friedman, M.D. Medical Editor
Review Date: 2008-01-01
Harvard Medical School does not endorse products or services.
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