581C- Diagnosing and Treating Acute Hepatic Porphyria (AHP)
Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) is a rare condition with symptoms that are similar with other more common conditions (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, endometriosis). This causes some patients to go many years before the correct diagnosis is made. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic and recurrent disorder of the GI tract usually accompanied by […]
281-Chronic Constipation: A Comprehensive Overview
Constipation is a common disorder affecting approximately 1 out of every 6-7 people worldwide, and annually leading to more than 1.5 million healthcare provider visits in the United States alone. People can experience short-term constipation as a result of medication use, dietary changes, or even travel. Updated in 2024
154-Diagnosing Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC)
To diagnose OIC, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms, the medicines you take, and more. They will also examine you. This includes an examination of your rectum, where bowel movements are stored before leaving the body. You might give a small sample of blood to test for conditions that could cause constipation.
157-Overlapping Conditions with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A comorbidity is when two or more conditions or diseases are present at the same time in a patient. Researchers have found that the more conditions a patient has, the more severe their IBS is likely to be.
Patient Story FAPS and IBS C
An illness experience story from IFFGD advocate and registered dietitian, Erin Slater. Learn about Erin’s journey from symptom onset, to diagnosis, and finally treatment.
Presented during the Nancy and Bill Norton Patient Education Series Event at the University of Michigan Food for Life Kitchen.
163 – Current Approach to the Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
In the past two decades, medical opinion has changed regarding how to diagnose IBS. The older view emphasized that IBS should be regarded primarily as a “diagnosis of exclusion;” that is, diagnosed only after diagnostic testing excludes many disorders that could possibly cause the symptoms. Fortunately, physicians can now diagnose IBS in most patients by recognizing certain symptom details, performing a physical examination, and undertaking limited diagnostic testing. This simpler approach is grounded on recent knowledge…and it leads to a reliable diagnosis in most cases. Revised and updated 2009.
304-The Etiology of Fecal Incontinence: Causes and Diagnosis
Fecal incontinence is a distressing and isolating condition whose true community prevalence is unknown. The failure to identify patients with fecal incontinence is tragic because the condition is for the most part treatable. And because proper treatment depends upon accurate diagnosis, it is important to understand the common causes of fecal incontinence.
226 – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Heartburn, Dyspepsia: What’s the Difference?
The anatomical diseases Crohn’s, peptic ulcer, and esophagitis have functional counterparts with some similar symptoms; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, and functional heartburn, but these cannot be identified by x-ray or gastroscopy. Thus, for the diagnosis of these functional disorders doctors must rely entirely upon the patient’s description of his or her symptoms.
501 – GERD Brochure
This publication provides an in-depth overview of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) including information about the nature of GERD, how to recognize the disease, and how to treat it. Written in collaboration by IFFGD and physicians noted for their knowledge about GERD. Newly revised and updated 2010.
Also available offline as a glossy color brochure (3.5″ x 8.5″). Contact IFFGD for details.
524 – Confusing or Ambiguous Upper Gut Symptoms
By choosing the appropriate test, a doctor can make a precise diagnosis of a structural upper gut disorder, such as esophagitis or peptic ulcer, by recognizing the diseased area through testing. The patient’s history provides the information that permits the doctor to choose the right test. In the case of the disorders of gastrointestinal function, such as dyspepsia or non-cardiac chest pain, there is no structural abnormality and no diagnostic test. Hence diagnosis of these disorders depends even more upon how the patient describes his or her symptoms. But many people use words to describe symptoms that are vague or misliading to a doctor. Examples are explained – such as indigestion, gas, nausea, chest pain, or vomiting.
118 – Evaluation and Treatment of Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. It afflicts approximately 1 in 6 individuals and is responsible for approximately 2.5 million physician visits each year. More than $400 million is spent annually on over-the-counter laxatives; at least 120 of these products are available. The management of constipation includes patient education about bowel function and diet, behavior modification, drug therapy, and infrequently, surgery. Revised 1/2012
105 – Functional Diarrhea – Some Answers to Often Asked Questions
Overview of functional diarrhea, including answers to the following questions: What is diarrhea? What are functional bowel disorders? Is functional diarrhea the same as irritable bowel syndrome? What is the cause of functional diarrhea? What treatments are available for functional diarrhea? Revised and updated 2009.
