Here are answers to some common questions about bellyaches How can I tell if my child is faking a bellyache?Assume the bellyache is real. How is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder different from a disease?In this context, pain associated with disease is caused by anatomic abnormalities, inflammation, and/or tissue destruction. Functional pains are caused by […]
Gastroparesis (GP) is a disorder in which the stomach empties very slowly. The delay in stomach emptying can result in bothersome symptoms that interfere with a patient’s life. GP most often occurs when the nerves to the stomach are damaged or don’t work properly. In most people diagnosed with GP a cause of the condition […]
What does our large intestine do? The primary functions of the large intestine (colon) are to store food residues and to absorb water. Between what we drink and what is secreted into the stomach and intestine to help with food absorption, about 5 gallons of fluid is dumped into the large intestine every day. Most […]
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Heartburn, the primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a fairly consistent problem for about 15% of the global population.[1] An occasional bout of heartburn is generally nothing to worry about, but if heartburn occurs two or more times per week, a more serious medical condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease, may be […]
Functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders are long-term conditions that can impair quality of life and well-being. Symptoms that change over time and are hard to talk about add to the challenge of living with one of these conditions. Living with a functional GI disorder or motility disorder affects not only the child who has […]
Question from Aerophagia patient: “My 3-year old child has abdominal distention every day. He starts the day with a flat belly, but each time he eats it gets bigger until the evening, when it sticks way out. He feels so full that he doesn’t eat a good dinner. He has terrible gas all night long. […]
“Incontinence” is the word used to describe loss of control over when and where we go to the bathroom. Bowel incontinence occurs when the loss of control of gas, liquid stool, or solid stool is enough to cause discomfort or distress. Incontinence is a sign that something is wrong – some part of the bowel […]
IFFGD, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, is a Public Charity designated under the U.S. IRS code 501(c)(3). We are a registered nonprofit education and research organization. Our Mission Our mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. IFFGD was founded in 1991 by one person struggling with the challenges imposed by […]
IFFGD, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, is a Public Charity designated under the U.S. IRS code 501(c)(3). We are a registered nonprofit education and research organization. Our Mission Our mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. IFFGD was founded in 1991 by one person struggling with the challenges imposed by […]
On July 12, 2016 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) introduced this statement for the record on behalf of the millions of Americans affected by gastroparesis recognizing August as Gastroparesis Awareness Month. Below are her remarks. Statement for the Record Senator Tammy Baldwin July 12, 2016 Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I would like to bring attention […]
On August 23, 2018 U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) submitted an extension of remarks on behalf of the millions of Americans affected by gastroparesis recognizing August as Gastroparesis Awareness Month. Below are her remarks. Statement for the Record Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) August 23, 2018 Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I would like to call attention […]
What is Hirschsprung’s Disease Children with Hirschsprung’s disease are missing the nerve cells (“ganglion cells”) within the wall of their colon or rectum. These cells are responsible for the normal wave-like motion of the bowel (peristalsis), and when they are missing the stool stops and an obstruction occurs. The length of affected bowel varies, but […]