Chronic gut symptoms can be incredibly frustrating to deal with. From bloating and gas to constipation and diarrhea, these symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life. However, many people find that when they visit their doctor seeking answers, they are often told that everything is normal, even though it's clear that something is not quite right.
What's going on?
The reason behind this dismissal of chronic gut symptoms is often due to a Disorder of Gut Brain Interaction, also known as a functional disorder. This type of disorder occurs when there is a problem with how the gut and brain interact, leading to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms.
What are Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (aka. functional disorders)?
Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction (DGBI) are conditions in which the digestive system looks normal but doesn't work properly. This means that there may not be any physical signs or abnormalities in the digestive tract, but the person still experiences debilitating symptoms.
Common DGBI's include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia (indigestion), and functional constipation. These conditions can cause a wide range of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.
Why are these disorders overlooked?
DGBI's can be challenging to diagnose because they don't show up on traditional tests like blood work or imaging studies. Additionally, most conventional/primary care doctors receive very little training in how to diagnose & treat them. As a result, they are often overlooked or dismissed as being all in the patient's head.
Additionally, because these disorders are related to how the gut and brain communicate with each other, stress and anxiety can play a significant role in exacerbating symptoms. This further complicates diagnosis and treatment since patients can be feel stigmatized when offered anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication for their gut symptoms.
What can you do?
If you've been experiencing chronic gut symptoms but have been dismissed by your doctor or told that everything is normal, it's essential to advocate for yourself. Keep track of your symptoms, triggers, and any patterns you notice so that you can provide your healthcare provider with detailed information.
You may also want to consider seeking out a practitioner (such as myself if you live in BC) who has a clinical focus in DGBI's/functional GI disorders. These individuals will have expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions like IBS and dyspepsia and may be able to offer you more personalized care.
If you're a BC resident and want to learn more about how I work with patients who have IBS, check out the IBS Relief Roadmap.
You can also learn more about what might be causing your symptoms here. Are Your Gut Symptoms Normal?
Finally, if you suspect you have IBS you can download my Is It IBS CheatSheet, which you can then take with you to your appointment with your practitioner to help advocate for yourself.
In conclusion
Chronic gut symptoms should not be ignored or dismissed. If you're struggling with ongoing gastrointestinal issues but have been told everything is normal when it clearly isn't, it may be time to explore the possibility of having a Disorder of Gut Brain Interaction such as IBS or dyspepsia. By advocating for yourself and seeking out appropriate care from knowledgeable healthcare providers, you can better manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.