Gut–brain axis disorders

Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) — previously called functional gastrointestinal diseases — is the umbrella term for conditions where GI symptoms are linked to disturbed communication between the brain and the enteric nervous system. The international Rome V criteria group them by anatomy: oesophagus, gastroduodenal, bowel, centrally mediated abdominal pain, gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi, and anorectal. See also our overview of irritable bowel syndrome.

This article series walks through each group and explains how modern work-up and treatment rely on a positive, symptom-based clinical diagnosis combined with the investigations that are relevant in the individual case. Alarm features such as bleeding, weight loss or new-onset difficulty swallowing call for prompt medical assessment, and whether colonoscopy or gastroscopy is relevant is decided individually.