Brochures, Fact Sheets & Articles

Topic: Motility

1. Fact Sheet: Physiological Testing of the Colon, Rectum and Anus

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   By: Bruce A. Orkin, MD

   Often a diagnosis of a functional GI disorder can be made based on a history and physical examination. Sometimes exxtensive testing may be needed to find a cause. A review of tests used to examine bowel structure and function.

   Topics: Bowel urgency, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Incontinence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Motility, Tests, lower GI tract
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

2. Fact Sheet: Gut Motility: In Health and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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   By: John E. Kellow, MD

   What are normal movements (motility) of the digestive tract? How may altered motility lead to symptoms? Disorders affecting the motility of the digestive tract may be self-limiting, occurring only for a brief period as in acute infection of the digestive tract causing diarrhea. They can also be more longstanding and persistent as in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is associated with a variety of symptoms, particularly abdominal pain and an irregular bowel habit.

   Topics: Digestive System, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Motility
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

3. Fact Sheet: Constipation, Colonic Inertia, and Colonic Marker Studies

   159

   By: Eli D. Ehrenpreis, MD

   Constipation is a common symptom. Treatment for constipation often includes lifestyle modifications such as increasing fluid intake, consuming more fiber, and exercising regularly. At times, the symptom of constipation can represent serious medical illnesses such as hypothyroidism or diabetes. Structural abnormalities of the colon, like colonic strictures or other diseases of the colon or rectum, may also cause constipation. It is therefore advisable to report constipation to your physician if it is persistent or difficult to manage. Tests and treatment are described.

   Topics: Colonic motility, inertia, pseudo-obstruction, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Motility
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

4. Fact Sheet: Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders of the Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum, and Pelvic Floor

   162

   By: William E. Whitehead, PhD

   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
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

5. Fact Sheet: Your Digestive System and How It Works

   190

   By: Information Adapted from the National Diseases Information Clearinghouse NIH

   The digestive system is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. A description of why digestion is important, how food is digested, how food moves through the digestive system, nutrients, and how the process is controlled. 

   Topics: Digestive System, Digestive System, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Motility, Other Disorders/Symptoms
   Non-Member Price: FREE

6. Brochure, Fact Sheet: Chronic Constipation: From Evaluation to Treatment

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   By: Robert D. Madoff, MD, FACS

   Constipation is a common symptom that affects virtually everyone at some point in their life. Occasional constipaion will generally respond to simple lifestyle measures. But constipation that is chronic or recurrent may indicate the need to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment. The term constipation includes a complex of symptoms related to slow, impaired, difficult, or painful defecation. An in-depth review of causes, diagnosis, and treatments.

   Also available offline as a glossy color brochure (3.5" x 8.5"). Contact IFFGD for details.

   Topics: Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Motility
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

7. Fact Sheet: A Guide to Managing the Benefits and Risks of Medicines

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   By: Information Adapted from FDA Publication FDA

   For many people, taking medication is a regular part of the daily routine, and these medicines are relied upon to treat disease and improve health. Although medicines can make you feel better and help you get well, it's important to know that all medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, have risks as well as benefits.

   Topics: Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Diarrhea, loose stools, IFFGD, General Interest, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Motility, Other Disorders/Symptoms, Pain Management
   Non-Member Price: FREE

8. Fact Sheet: How to Prepare for Tests

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   By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC

   In many cases, doctors can make a diagnosis of a functional gastrointestinal disorder after a careful history and examination. Often, however, there is a structural disease that must be excluded by tests that probe the gastrointestinal tract. This fact sheet reviews preparation for common tests, including sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
   Topics: Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Motility, Pelvic floor disorders, Stomach Disorders, Tests, lower GI tract, Tests, upper GI tract
   Non-Member Price: FREE

9. Fact Sheet: The Medical History: How to Help Your Doctor Help You

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   By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC

   The most important interaction between patient and doctor is the medical history. Through listening to the story of the patient’s illness and asking relevant questions, a physician may often make a diagnosis, or at least begin to understand the nature and location of the complaint. A few easy steps can help make this process more efficient leading to prompt, more precise diagnosis and treatment.

   Topics: Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Diarrhea, loose stools, Incontinence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Motility, Stomach Disorders, Working with your healthcare provider
   Non-Member Price: FREE

10. Fact Sheet: How Can I Determine if I Received a Thorough Colonoscopy?

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    By: Thomas Puetz, MD

    Colonoscopy is currently our most effective means of reducing the incidence of colon cancer, but only slightly over one-third of eligible persons elect to have a colonoscopy. With the inconvenience and expense of colonoscopy incurred, one should expect and receive a thorough examination. This article outlines some way to ensure that your colonoscopy is performed correctly and thoroughly.

    Topics: Clinical Corner, colonoscopy, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, diagnosis, Diarrhea, loose stools, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Motility, Other Disorders/Symptoms, Tests, lower GI tract, Working with your healthcare provider
    Non-Member Price: $0.99

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