Indigestion, which causes various physical abnormalities due to problems with normal digestion, often occurs due to overeating or binge eating. However, if the symptoms of indigestion continue without these reasons, the onset of digestive diseases such as gastritis or gastric ulcer may be suspected. However, indigestion can occur without a specific disease and cause. Functional gastrointestinal disorder refers to a chronic disease in which gastrointestinal abnormalities such as heartburn, abdominal pain, and bloating persist for more than 3 months without a specific cause. It is known to occur in more than 10% of the total population of Korea. The direct cause that affects the occurrence of functional gastrointestinal disorders has not yet been clearly identified. It is presumed that a combination of disorders in the senses, movements, and absorption of the stomach, as well as past gastrointestinal infections, affect the occurrence. In addition, carbonated drinks, coffee, antibiotics, heart medications, and medications related to high blood pressure that stimulate the stomach can aggravate the symptoms, and it is reported that emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression also affect the occurrence. Now, let’s learn about the main symptoms, treatment, and prevention of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder Main Symptoms
When functional gastrointestinal disorders occur, persistent and repetitive symptoms of upper gastrointestinal abnormalities appear. Typical symptoms of indigestion such as stomach pain, bloating, and frequent belching occur mainly. In addition, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, nausea, heartburn, and abdominal distension may also appear, and lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation may occur. These related symptoms become more severe after ingestion of food. These symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorder are often overlooked as they are considered temporary symptoms of indigestion because improvement and exacerbation are repeated. Although it does not cause a fatal situation such as causing complications due to worsening of symptoms, the chronicity of major symptoms can affect normal daily life and lower the quality of life. Therefore, if symptoms occur in a continuous form, it is recommended to receive appropriate treatment after performing a detailed examination through a visit to the hospital.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder Treatment and Prevention Method
1. Examination and treatment
If gastrointestinal abnormalities appear in a continuous form, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, other gastrointestinal tests, liver function tests, and abdominal ultrasonography are performed to check for organic abnormalities. In addition, it is checked whether the drug that causes gastrointestinal disorders has been taken, and if no clear findings are observed through these various tests, it is diagnosed as functional gastrointestinal disorder. Functional gastrointestinal disorders are treated with an emphasis on alleviating and alleviating symptoms rather than eliminating the cause. Drug treatment using gastrointestinal motility stimulants, antacids, digestive agents, degassing agents, and laxatives is mainly performed. The duration of the drug is not fixed, and it is taken until symptoms improve.
2. Regular eating habits
One of the most important management habits for alleviating symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorder is the maintenance of regular eating habits. It is recommended to improve the habit of binge eating and overeating, while maintaining a constant time and amount of food intake, and chewing slowly and well in a comfortable environment. In addition, excessive consumption of wheat-based foods, processed foods, and spicy and salty foods can make symptoms worse, so you need to control your intake. In addition, it is recommended to avoid alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and carbonated drinks as they can worsen symptoms.
3. Stress Control
As various emotional factors such as excessive stress, anxiety, and depression are also presumed to be the cause of functional gastrointestinal disorders, it is good to have a management habit to properly relieve them. Regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and leisure activities are known to have beneficial effects in relieving tense and anxious nerves and relieving severe stress. Please note that a hot pack using warm water on the upper abdomen or massage can also help relieve symptoms.
