Functional intestinal disorders are very common. They affect up to 2 out of 10 people. They can be treated effectively.

I SUFFER FROM FUNCTIONAL INTESTINAL DISORDERS. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE WITH FUNCTIONAL COLOPATHY?

Functional intestinal disorders (or FID) and functional colopathy describe the same disease. It is a disease that affects the motility of the colon, also called the "large intestine". It is also called irritable colon. These disorders are characterized by a disruption of the motility and sensitivity of your digestive tract.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS DISEASE?

The most common are:

Abdominal pain (either diffuse or localized).
Bloating, especially after meals or in the evening.
Alternating diarrhea and constipation.
The presence of blood, mucus or pus in your stools will lead your doctor to look for a condition other than functional intestinal disorders.

ARE THE CAUSES KNOWN?

The causes are not really known. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the origin of this disease: either visceral hypersensitivity (of the viscera), or digestive motility disorders (nervous and muscular functions of the stomach and intestines). Or an imbalance linked to diet.

HOW DOES THIS DISEASE DEVELOP?

In the short term, these disorders generally develop favorably and disappear in a few days. From time to time, flare-ups (crises) may reappear and last from a few days to a few weeks. In no case do these disorders predispose you to colorectal cancer.

ARE THERE FACTORS THAT TRIGGER ATTACKS?

Yes. There are many factors that can trigger attacks and they are of different natures:

Psychological factors (stress, anxiety, etc.).
Dietary factors (intolerance to certain foods, etc.).
Factors related to the functioning of cells (so-called histological factors).
Heredity is also an important factor.

Adopt good dietary hygiene, promoting a varied and balanced diet. Avoid certain foods that ferment a lot.

List the foods to favor and those that you tolerate less, this will become your shopping list: you can print "Your gourmet diary", at the bottom of the document, or use it as inspiration to create your own.

HOW IS THIS DISEASE TREATED?

Generally, different treatments are combined: treatments to relieve pain (antispasmodics to combat painful muscle spasms), medications to treat intestinal disorders (antidiarrheals or anticonstipation). Clay-based intestinal dressings or activated charcoal-based adsorbents to combat bloating may also be offered to you.

A good diet and playing sports can also reduce your functional intestinal disorders.

ARE THERE ANY EXAMINATIONS TO BE DONE?

The examinations are intended to exclude any other condition. A colonoscopy (colon examination) is prescribed if the symptoms are recent and the subject is elderly. It consists of sliding a flexible probe through the anus into the intestine. A biopsy (small tissue sample) may be taken. The examination is carried out on an empty stomach under general anesthesia after a purge the day before. Before the examination, a pre-anesthetic consultation is necessary. It allows the doctor to take note of all the medical information concerning the person, in order to safely perform the anesthesia and answer all questions. But it is not necessary to do this type of examination, nor to repeat it if it has been done a first time. A stool culture (examination of the stool) may be requested to confirm the diagnosis. It is not necessary to repeat it too often.

SHOULD YOU FOLLOW A SPECIAL DIET?

Above all, you must have good dietary hygiene, promoting a varied and balanced diet. There is no diet that suits everyone. You have to find the one that suits you best. Some vegetables are rather not recommended, such as beans, cabbage, salsify, broccoli, peas, artichokes, cucumbers, meats in sauce, cold cuts and dried fruits. These foods ferment more than others and produce gas. You should also think about hydrating yourself properly: neither too much nor too little, avoiding carbonated drinks and stimulants (alcohol, coffee, tea). You should think about eating slowly, calmly and avoid drinking during meals. Regular physical or relaxing activity (yoga, walking, swimming, cycling, etc.) is also recommended.
Fibers (green vegetables, rye bread, bran, etc.) that promote intestinal transit can cause abdominal pain and bloating. It is not necessary to consume them in large quantities, it is better to consume them in small quantities and mixed with other foods.