Review article: epidemiology and quality of life in functional gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract

SUMMARYThe epidemiology and health-related quality of life associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders are reviewed, with particular emphasis on irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. The literature supports the significant world-wide prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia and chronic constipation. An increased female prevalence has been demonstrated in most studies in patients with IBS and chronic constipation, but not functional dyspepsia. The female to male ratio appears to be greater in the health care-seeking population than in community populations. However, some differences in the reported general prevalence and gender-related prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders may be due to cultural factors and study methodology. A significant health care burden is associated with IBS, with increased out-patient services, abdominal and pelvic surgeries, and gastrointestinal-and non-gastrointestinal-related physician visits and health care costs.

The role of diet in the overlap between gastroesophageal reflux disease and functional dyspepsia

“…Functional digestive disorders are considered to represent up to 50% of medical consultations in gastroenterology (3,4), and epidemiological studies suggest that there is a considerable overlap between these disorders (5).…”

Dietary patterns, digestive symptoms, and health-related quality of life in women reporting minor digestive symptoms

“…Significantly higher absolute intakes of beta-carotene were seen in Healthy, while 219 fibre intakes were very similar in Healthy and Convenience. Additional analysis investigating 220 nutrient intake per 1000 kcal revealed that higher intakes were seen in Healthy, significantly soM A N U S C R I P T 9 for protein, fibre, vitamin A, beta-carotene, niacin, vitamin B 6 , folate, vitamin B 12 , vitamin E, 222 iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium and vitamin C, supporting the characterization that this 223 cluster was the healthier cluster with a more nutrient dense dietary intake (data not shown). 224…”

Effect of Flavonoid Rich Root Extract Of Glycyrrhizaglabra on Gastric Emptying and Gastrointestinal Transit in Albino Wistar Rats

“…In addition, direct and indirect economic stress due to FD was found to be high and also has considerable impact on productivity. The health related quality of life is impacted significantly in patients with FD when compared to general healthy population [6,7]. A disturbance in gastric emptying has been reported to be a major pathophysiological mechanism of FD [1].…”