The term functional gastrointestinal disorders or FGID is still considered new to the medical world. Some doctors are still skeptical about the disorder because there it is difficult to diagnose. In most cases, there is no physical evidence that there is something wrong with the GI tract which leads to doctors hesitating on a final diagnosis. This leads to misdiagnosis, or worse patients being ignored instead of getting treatment.

Patients who are tired of not being taken seriously want their doctors to listen. If you want your voice to be heard during your next checkup, ask these questions related to functional gastrointestinal disorders:

Question #1: Have You Treated Other Patients With FGIDs?

This is a very important question to ask out of the gate. Doctors and other medical practitioners who have no or lack the experience with handling patients that report symptoms of FGID tend to misdiagnose their patients more often. Dealing with a disorder as new and as complicated as FGID can be frustrating for a medical professional. Unless they have prior training and knowledge about the disorder, they will not be able to come up with an accurate diagnosis.

Question #2: How Do You Diagnose FGIDs?

It is very normal for doctors to order a long list of diagnostics tests such as blood, urine, and stool tests. Others will even go as far as requesting a full MRI scan just to have all the information necessary for a diagnosis. However, if a doctor only relies on medical testing to diagnose you, this can be complicated.

Since it is clear that FGIDs occur on patients have a normal-looking GI tract, these tests will not help with an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor should and must take the time to note all of your symptoms, otherwise, their diagnosis will not be accurate.

Question #3: What Are The Possible Treatment Plans?

Doctors who know and have experience with diagnosing and treating FGIDs will present one or all of the following treatment options: nutrition counseling, medication, and therapy. So far when it comes to treating the disorder a combination of all three has proven to be the most effective. Your doctor will offer these options as a possible treatment for FGID management and all three are worth exploring.

Question #4: Are FGIDs Common?

It might not sound like a related question, but for many patients, the answer gives them a lot of comfort. More and more patients are being diagnosed with the disorder meaning you are not alone and should not be afraid to demand for proper medical treatment.

Question #5: Is There A Cure?

Asking this question will help you set your expectations when it comes to recovery and disorder management. Your doctor should be honest and say that as of right now there is no cure for FGIDs. Medical studies have only reached conclusions that the disorder can be managed, not cured.

Visit your doctor today and learn more about FGIDs and how you can manage them. Once you start with treatment, life will become a little less stressful and the disorder will no longer have control over you.

If you suspect you have functional gastrointestinal disorders, do not ignore the signs and symptoms. Consult an expert today to avoid more health-related issues and consequences.