Topic: Bowel urgency
Biofeedback is a neuromuscular reeducation tool we can use to tell if certain processes in our bodies are working correctly. It is a painless process that uses a computer and a video monitor to display bodily functions that we usually are not aware of. Special sensors measure these functions, which are displayed as sounds we can hear, or as linegraphs we can see on a computer screen. A therapist helps us use this displayed information to modify or change abnormal responses to more normal patterns such as increasing a response, decreasing a response, or learning to coordinate two responses more effectively.Topics: Bowel urgency, CAM, Complementary & Alternative Treatments, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Diarrhea, loose stools, Incontinence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Pelvic floor disorders
Symptoms related to this sensitive area can be very troubling, yet many people are reluctant to discuss them. Itching (pruritis ani), painful defecation, stained underwear, spotting of blood, and offensive odor add up to embarrassment, distress, social handicap and anguish. These complaints of anal discomfort are very common. Symptoms may coexist with the irritable bowel syndrome or other functional bowel disease. Diarrhea and constipation may aggravate them. Anal symptoms are not part of these conditions as they may occur independently. They may be due to or associated with many local diseases. Whatever the association, perianal irritation can be treated. Find out how to get help and what to do about it. Reviewed and updated 2009.Topics: Anal, Rectal Disorders, Bowel urgency, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Diarrhea, loose stools, Incontinence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Fact Sheet: Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders of the Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum, and Pelvic Floor162
The gastrointestinal tract is divided into four distinct parts that are separated by sphincter muscles; these four regions have distinctly different functions to perform and different patterns of motility (contractions). Abnormal motility or abnormal sensitivity in any part of the gastrointestinal tract can cause characteristic symptoms: food sticking, pain, or heartburn in the esophagus; nausea and vomiting in the stomach; pain and bloating in the small intestine; and pain, constipation, diarrhea, and incontinence in the colon and rectum.Topics: Bowel urgency, CAM, Complementary & Alternative Treatments, Colonic motility, inertia, pseudo-obstruction, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Diarrhea, loose stools, Incontinence, Motility, Pelvic floor disorders
Fact Sheet: Difficult to Interpret Intestinal Complaints179
Disorders of gastrointestinal function such as the irritable bowel syndrome or functional constipation, diarrhea, or bloating are characterized by no structural abnormality. In these cases, diagnosis depends entirely upon the history, and diagnostic tests, if needed at all, are done to rule out inflammations, tumors and other anatomic gut disease. Accurate diagnosis depends upon how accurately the individual describes his or her symptoms, and how skillfully the doctor interprets them. Reviewed and updated 2009.Topics: Bowel urgency, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Diarrhea, loose stools, Gas, Bloating, Belching, Incontinence, Rectal Pain
The "functional" gut disorders are syndromes (groups of symptoms) believed to arise from the gastrointestinal tract, but which lack a known cause. The purpose is to update the criteria upon which the diagnoses of functional gut disorders rest.Topics: Anal, Rectal Disorders, Bowel urgency, Dyspepsia, pain in upper abdomen or chest, Esophageal Disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain
Lower bowel symptoms such as constipation and fecal incontinence are not uncommon in patients with neurologic diseases – including multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, spinal cord lesions, and Parkinson's disease – and can have a profoundly negative impact on quality of life. Understanding the causes can assist in planning effective management strategies. Revised and updated 2009.
Functional gastrointestinal (G) disorders significantly impact health related quality of life. This impact is obvious to anyone who has a disorder, or to any provider who cares for people with these disorders. In light of this finding, several medical organizations suggest that healthcare providers carefully monitor the health related quality of life of their patients in order to help guide treatment decisions. However, some studies indicate that many (but by no means all) providers do a poor job of addressing their patients' concerns, and accurately assessing the impact of functional GI disorder symptoms on their overall health status. Patients, in turn, become dissatisfied with their care. This article aims to help both provider and patient understand health related quality of life and improve patient care.Topics: Bowel urgency, Colonic motility, inertia, pseudo-obstruction, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Gas, Bloating, Belching, Gastroparesis, Heartburn, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Pelvic floor disorders, Stomach Disorders, Working with your healthcare provider
Fact Sheet: Nocebo Effects: They can Impair Health Care215
The placebo effect can enhance therapy, and promote a successful relationship between healer and patient. However, a treatment administered by a healer may also have a bad effect. Any treatment may have a predictable risk, but a nocebo effect denotes worsening beyond the known risk – the adverse effect of a failed therapeutic relationship. This can result in sub-optimal health care. An examination of its causes and ways to avoid it are discussed.Topics: Bowel urgency, Heartburn, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Pain Management, Working with your healthcare provider
Fact Sheet: Getting the Most Out of Your Medications216
All medications, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), have benefits as well as risks associated with their use. The risks may include side effects, allergic reactions, and interactions with foods, drinks, or other drugs. You can increase the potential benefits and reduce potential risks by taking medications properly. It is estimated that up to half of all people who use medications do not use them as prescribed.Topics: Bowel urgency, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, GER, GERD, Heartburn, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Stomach Disorders
Fact Sheet: Viviendo y Sobrellevando la Incontinencia301-S
Como fundadora y presidente de la Fundación Internacional para los Trastornos Funcionales Gastrointestinales, he tenido la oportunidad de hablar íntimamente con muchas personas sobre sus experiencias con la incontinencia – la pérdida de control de las evacuaciones liquidas o solidas. Quisiera compartir con ustedes algunas cosas que he aprendido sobre este trastorno.
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