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Learn about IFFGD on video

At IFFGD's 7th International Symposium on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in April 2007, we had the opportunity to talk to some of the international experts in functional GI disorders. Our discussions covered some of the most recent developments in this field.

Click the topic titles below to go to the video interviews!

Video Corner: Causes and TreatmentsA functional GI disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has very specific symptoms. Over the past 5�10 years we've developed an understanding that many different components contribute to these symptoms. Brain-gut interactions, changes in serotonin signaling, motility, inflammation, gut sensitivity, genetic predispositions, and bacterial flora all can contribute to varying degrees in an individual having this condition. Not only will this help with developing more effective treatments, but better understanding of the factors that underlie symptoms in each individual will enable more reliable treatments that will work earlier on rather than trying hit or miss one after another.

Functional GI disorders, such as IBS, present challenges to both the patient and the doctor or other healthcare provider. For the patient, education about their disorder is important to improving management of their condition. For the doctor, understanding the many facets involved with the condition and addressing those that are most evident in each individual is important.

Patients and many physicians alike will benefit from the recent and continuing advances, which not only further our understanding but also confirm the validity of the functional GI disorders.

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/learning-center/video-corner/causes

Video Corner: Gut Flora, Probiotics and Antibiotics
Bacteria are germs that are normally in the gut. They are often referred to as the gut flora. Most bacteria are in the large intestine (colon). Some bacteria can cause infection; these are called pathogens. Other bacteria can be helpful. These helpful (or "good") bacteria are called probiotics. Medicines that destroy bacteria are called antibiotics.

During IFFGD's 7th International Symposium on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in April 2007, we had the opportunity to interview a leading researcher, Eamonn Quigley, MD, on the topics of probiotics and antibiotics. Dr. Quigley is Professor of Medicine and Human Physiology at University College, Cork (National University of Ireland). Brooks Cash, MD adds comments about issues of safety and effectiveness of antibiotics.

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/learning-center/video-corner/gutflora

Video Corner: Inflammation

In some people with IBS a subtle inflammation persists for some time after recovery from an initial infection and obvious inflammation. This can cause increased sensation in the intestines and changes in gut motility consistent with symptoms of IBS.

Inflammation
Does inflammation have a role in generating IBS symptoms? An interview with Gary M. Mawe, PhD, Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT. Dr. Mawe is a basic scientist.

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/learning-center/video-corner/inflammation

Video Corner: Research Advances
From mechanisms at the gut level and the micro flora to the spinal cord and brain our understanding to the functional disorders has grown tremendously over the past 5 years. In these videos Emeran Mayer, MD and Lin Chang, MD, both from UCLA, and Brooks Cash, MD from Bethesda, Maryland explain some of these advances.

On one end new techniques allow us to probe the living human brain to understand its structure, activity, and receptor systems. On the other end we are just beginning to view the universe of our gut micro flora and the cross-talk taking place between it and the brain. Growing understanding of the ways in which many systems within the body interact has implications for various disorders such as pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, gastroparesis, and others. Like a jigsaw puzzle, many pieces are beginning to emerge.

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/learning-center/video-corner/research

Video Corner: Serotonin

Increasingly our understanding of IBS is that it is a heterogeneous disorder � that is, multiple factors contribute to the well defined symptoms of the disorder. One of these suspected underlying dysfunctions involves serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter or messenger to nerves. Most serotonin in the body is in cells that line the gut where it senses what is going on and through receptors signals nerves that stimulate a response. The serotonin must then be reabsorbed (a process called re-uptake) into cells. This process appears to be disrupted in people with IBS.

Serotonin and SERT
How does serotonin affect gut function? An interview with Gary M. Mawe, PhD, Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT. Dr. Mawe is a basic scientist.

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/learning-center/video-corner/serotonin

Video Corner: Overcoming Challenges There is growing recognition of the seriousness and the complexity of the functional GI disorders. Yet individuals affected by these disorders still face challenges in finding adequate care. Many physicians remain unprepared to diagnose and treat patients with functional GI disorders. Moreover, the burden of illness resulting from chronic pain or discomfort and other symptoms associated with functional GI disorders remains underappreciated by everyone it seems � except those who experience it, or those who are truly dedicated to finding solutions.

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/learning-center/video-corner/challenges

Video Corner: Kids and Teens

Many of the digestive disorders seen in adults begin in kids and teens. Providing better treatments early in life would not only help help children and their families, but would also help avoid much pain, suffering and expense later on in life. While we have seen many advances in understanding functional GI and motility disorders in kids and teens, much more remains to be done. Development of improved treatments in pediatrics is a particular challenge.

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/learning-center/video-corner/kids-and-teens

7th International Symposium on Functional GI Disorders

Report on the 7th International Symposium for Functional Gastrointestinal DisordersThe 7th International Symposium on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders was held in Milwaukee on April 12�15, 2007. The meeting was sponsored by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), in cooperation with the Functional Brain Gut Group (FBG).

This report highlights just some of the information presented at the Symposium. Nevertheless the information herein identifies several of the newer and more important research emerging in the field. Clearly many pieces of the puzzle are emerging, which will benefit patients with functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders.

http://www.aboutkidsgi.org/store/viewproduct/222

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My website on IBS is www.ibshealth.com

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