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• Adults: - Select a topic - Anal, Rectal DisordersBacteria, gut floraBowel urgencyBrain-GutCAM, Complementary & Alternative TreatmentsColonic motility, inertia, pseudo-obstructionConstipation, difficult to pass stoolsCVSDiarrhea, loose stoolsDiet, FoodsDigestive SystemDiverticular diseaseDyspepsia, pain in upper abdomen or chestEsophageal DisordersFood intolerance, MalabsorptionGas, Bloating, BelchingGastroparesisGenderGER, GERDHeartburnHypnosisIncontinenceInflammationIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic PainNausea, vomitingOdor controlOther Disorders/SymptomsPain ManagementPelvic floor disordersRectal PainrelaxationStomach DisordersStressSwallowingTests, lower GI tractTests, upper GI tractWorking with your healthcare provider
• Kids & Teens: - Select a topic - Anal, Rectal DisordersColonic inertia, Pseudo-obstructionConstipation, difficult to pass stoolsCVSDiarrheaDigestive SystemDyspepsia, pain in upper abdomen or chestFecal soiling, incontinenceGas, Bloating, BelchingGastroparesisGER, GERDHeartburnHirschsprung's DiseaseIncontinenceInflammationIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic PainNausea, vomitingOther Disorders/SymptomsPainPain ManagementStomach DisordersStressSwallowingTests, lower GI tractTests, upper GI tract
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Topic: Constipation, difficult to pass stools

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

   192

   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

2. Brochure, Fact Sheet: Bowel Problems Associated with Neurologic Diseases

   198

   By: Arnold Wald, MD, MACG

   Lower bowel symptoms such as constipation and fecal incontinence are not uncommon in patients with neurologic diseases – including multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, spinal cord lesions, and Parkinson's disease – and can have a profoundly negative impact on quality of life. Understanding the causes can assist in planning effective management strategies.

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

   Topics: Bowel urgency, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Incontinence
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

3. Brochure, Fact Sheet: Bowel Incontinence and Aging

   313

   By: William F. Norton, Publications Editor, IFFGD; Jeanette Tries, PhD, OTR

   Easy Read Format. Many things happen as we age that makes a loss of bowel control more likely. Illness, injury, changes in bowel habits and other factors affect the ability to stay in control. Loss of bowel control is surprisingly common. It happens to a lot of people. There are a number of ways to be helped. This pamphlet will help you understand what is wrong and what you can do about it.

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

   Topics: Bowel urgency, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Diarrhea, loose stools, Incontinence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Other Disorders/Symptoms, Pelvic floor disorders
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

4. Fact Sheet: Disorders Related to Excessive Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension

   109

   By: Jeanette Tries, PhD, OTR

   Disorders which have excessive pelvic floor muscle activity as their primary feature are often not recognized and diagnosed by physicians. However, millions of people suffer from such disorders and associated symptoms of disabling pain and disruptions in bowel and bladder control. Unfortunately, individuals with these disorders frequently seek help for many years before receiving any explanation for, or relief from their disturbing symptoms. The purpose of this article is to briefly explain the role of the pelvic floor muscles and some symptoms related to the presence of elevated tension in these muscles, and to describe various treatment options available.

   Topics: Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Pain Management, Pelvic floor disorders
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

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

   111

   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

6. Fact Sheet: Biofeedback & Bowel Disorders: Teaching Yourself to Live without the Problem

   112

   By: Mary K. Plummer, OTR, BCIA-PMBD; Jeanette Tries, PhD, OTR

   Biofeedback is a neuromuscular reeducation tool we can use to tell if certain processes in our bodies are working correctly. It is a painless process that uses a computer and a video monitor to display bodily functions that we usually are not aware of. Special sensors measure these functions, which are displayed as sounds we can hear, or as linegraphs we can see on a computer screen. A therapist helps us use this displayed information to modify or change abnormal responses to more normal patterns such as increasing a response, decreasing a response, or learning to coordinate two responses more effectively.

   Topics: Bowel urgency, CAM, Complementary & Alternative Treatments, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Diarrhea, loose stools, Incontinence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Pelvic floor disorders
   Non-Member Price: FREE

7. Fact Sheet: Evaluation and Treatment of Constipation

   118

   By: M. Scott Harris, MD

   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.

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

8. Fact Sheet: Visceral Sensations and Brain-Gut Mechanisms

   127

   By: Emeran A. Mayer, MD

   Over the past several years, different mechanisms located within the gut, or gut wall have been implicated as possible pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the characteristic IBS symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort. The list ranges from altered transit of intestinal gas, alterations in the colonic flora, immune cell activation in the gut mucosa, and alterations in serotonin containing enterochromaffin cells lining the gut. For those investigators with a good memory, these novel mechanisms can be added to an older list of proposed pathomechanisms, including altered gut motility ("spastic colitis") and alterations in mucus secretion.

   Topics: Brain-Gut, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Diarrhea, loose stools, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

9. Fact Sheet: Functional Abdominal Bloating

   128

   By: David Maxton, MD

   Bloating is a common symptom in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly in women, although mostly it is a nuisance rather than the most severe aspect of the disease. However, bloating may be the only symptom for some people. A discussion of bloating and tips on managing the condition.

   Topics: Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Gas, Bloating, Belching, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

10. Fact Sheet: What you can do after. (Anal discomfort and how to deal with it)

    137

    By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC

    Symptoms related to this sensitive area can be very troubling, yet many people are reluctant to discuss them. Itching (pruritis ani), painful defecation, stained underwear, spotting of blood, and offensive odor add up to embarrassment, distress, social handicap and anguish. These complaints of anal discomfort are very common. Symptoms may coexist with the irritable bowel syndrome or other functional bowel disease. Diarrhea and constipation may aggravate them. Anal symptoms are not part of these conditions as they may occur independently. They may be due to or associated with many local diseases. Whatever the association, perianal irritation can be treated. Find out how to get help and what to do about it.

    Topics: Anal, Rectal Disorders, Bowel urgency, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Diarrhea, loose stools, Incontinence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    Non-Member Price: $0.99