Adults
Digestive Disorders Take a Toll
Functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders are the most common GI disorders in the general population. In fact, about 1 in 4 people in the U.S. have some activity limitation of daily function due to these disorders. The conditions account for about 41% of GI problems seen by doctors and therapists. Among those most common are:
- dyspepsia
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- functional heartburn
- GERD
- chronic constipation
Suffering No One Sees
Despite how common they are, functional GI and motility disorders remain largely hidden in society. People often don’t discuss these disorders, especially if bowel symptoms are involved. They often feel embarrassment and may suffer silently experiencing daily symptoms of pain and discomfort. Leading symptoms include:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- heartburn and indigestion
- constipation
- decreased appetite
- swallowing problems
People being treated for functional GI and motility disorders have lower quality of life scores – the measure of physical, social, and emotional wellbeing – than population norms, and those with other chronic illnesses.
Yet even with the high occurrence, cost, and burden of these disorders, only a small percentage of medical research is aimed at studying these disorders.
Fight Back
Through IFFGD, you can help change that. Our own futures depend on the actions we take today. Join us in the fight for more research and better answers. Donate Now to IFFGD Go »
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