Treatment for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) may experience a variety of gastrointestinal difficulties. Poor motility can cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating, and other problems with gastrointestinal function. Chronic symptoms can cause additional emotional and physical distress.
1) Because of the influence of gut microbes on brain-gut interactions, probiotic treatments have been found to be useful in treating abdominal bloating, indigestion, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The homeostasis maintained by gut microbes is disrupted in people with IBS or related FGIDs; probiotics then help to restore this equilibrium. In other words, probiotics are supplements that aid in the maintenance of a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in the intestinal system. Some probiotics that have shown promise in clinical trials include Lactobacillus GG, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12.
2) Prokinetic agents are commonly prescribed for adults with gastroparesis. These agents not only improve motility but also relieve all of the symptoms associated with delayed gastric emptying. The specific prokinetic agents used to treat FD have their own set of side effects. While domperidone and metoclopramide can improve gastric motility, they can also cause fatigue, agitation, and drowsiness. Erythromycin is an effective prokinetic agent in small doses; increasing the dosage reduces gastric accommodation. Early fullness after eating or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen are symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
3) Antidepressants, specifically tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for pain and mirtazapine or olanzapine for nausea and vomiting, can be prescribed to patients suffering from FGIDs. They are useful because they have an effect on both the central and peripheral nervous systems. When you prescribe antidepressants, the patients are likely to feel better psychologically because one of their main functions is to regulate the person’s mood.
4) Nutrition therapy has a direct impact on the patient’s stomach and digestive system. The right nutritional support can help alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. Fiber softens stools, which is beneficial for constipation. A fiber-rich diet may also help people with milder IBS who are constipated to some extent. The low-fructose diet is another nutrition therapy diet that can be used. Fructose is widely available on the market today, and it can be found in juice, candies, and sodas. Increased fructose consumption can result in gastrointestinal symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. Finally, a low FODMAP diet can help people with IBS who have diarrhea.
