FAQ
Neurogastroenterology
Q: What is neurogastroenterology?
A: Neurogastroenterology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the study of the nervous system and its interactions with the digestive system. It involves diagnosing and treating disorders that affect the function and motility of the gastrointestinal tract.
Q: What is gastroparesis?
A: Gastroparesis is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents into the small intestine. It can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Q: What is digestive health?
A: Digestive health refers to the overall health and well-being of the digestive system, which includes the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Good digestive health is important for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as the elimination of waste.
Q: What is gut health?
A: Gut health refers to the overall health and well-being of the gut microbiome, which includes the trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. Good gut health is important for a healthy immune system, proper digestion, and the prevention of diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Q: What is irritable bowel syndrome?
A: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms of IBS can include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of factors, including diet, stress, and abnormalities in the gut-brain axis.
Q: What is the FODMAP diet?
A: The FODMAP diet is a dietary approach that is used to manage symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as IBS. FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the gut, and can cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain in people with sensitive digestive systems. The FODMAP diet involves avoiding high-FODMAP foods and gradually reintroducing them to identify which ones trigger symptoms.
Q: What are functional gastrointestinal disorders?
A: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are a group of digestive disorders that are characterized by symptoms related to the function of the gut, rather than structural abnormalities. Examples of functional gastrointestinal disorders include IBS, functional dyspepsia, and functional constipation.
Q: What causes abdominal pain?
A: Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, inflammation, injury, and structural abnormalities. In some cases, it can also be a symptom of functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as IBS and functional dyspepsia.
Q: What is bloating?
A: Bloating is a common symptom of functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS. It is characterized by a feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen, often accompanied by visible swelling or distension.
Q: What is constipation?
A: Constipation is a common digestive disorder that is characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, dehydration, and certain medications.
Q: What is functional dyspepsia?
A: Functional dyspepsia is a disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract that causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and early satiety. It is thought to be caused by abnormalities in gut motility and sensitivity.
Q: What is colonic inertia?
A: Colonic inertia is a disorder in which the colon fails to contract and move stool through the digestive system. It can lead to symptoms such as constipation and abdominal pain. This is also known as slow transit constipation.
Q: What is dysphagia?
A: Dysphagia is a medical term that refers to difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological disorders, muscular disorders, and structural abnormalities.
Q: What is achalasia?
A: Achalasia is a disorder of the oesophagus in which the muscles fail to relax and allow food to pass into the stomach. It can lead to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and chest pain.
