GI motility is defined by the movements of the digestive system, and the transit of the contents within it. When nerves or muscles in any portion of the digestive tract do not function with their normal strength and coordination, a person develops symptoms related to motility problems.
There are a variety of motility disorders that can affect the GI tract from the very top (esophagus) to the very bottom (colon and rectum).
Each part of the GI tract – esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine – has a unique function to perform in digestion, and each has a distinct type of motility and sensation. When motility or sensations are not appropriate for performing this function, symptoms occur.
Examples of GI Motility Disorders that Affect
The Esophagus
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Dysphagia
Achalasia
Functional Chest Pain
The Stomach
Delayed Gastric Emptying (Gastroparesis)
Rapid Gastric Emptying (Dumping Syndrome)
Functional Dyspepsia
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)
The Small Intestine
Intestinal Dysmotility, Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth
The Large Intestine (Colon)
Constipation
Diarrhea
Hirschsprung’s Disease
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The Anorectum and Pelvic Floor
Fecal Incontinence
Hirschsprung’s Disease
Outlet Obstruction Type Constipation (Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia)
