Gut Conditions That Are Just as Common and Just as Misunderstood as SIBO
SIBO gets a lot of attention, but millions of people have other gut conditions that are frequently misdiagnosed, undertreated, or confused with each other. This cluster covers functional dyspepsia, bile acid malabsorption, GERD, gastroparesis, and chronic constipation with the same evidence-based approach we take to SIBO.
Current Consensus
- Functional dyspepsia affects 10-20% of the global population and is frequently underdiagnosed or misattributed to GERD.
- Up to 30% of patients diagnosed with IBS-D may actually have bile acid malabsorption, which responds to different treatment.
- Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) accounts for up to 70% of GERD presentations and does not always respond to PPIs.
- Gastroparesis diagnosis requires documented delayed gastric emptying, not just symptoms of nausea and early satiety.
- Chronic constipation has at least three distinct subtypes (slow-transit, dyssynergic defecation, and normal-transit) that require different treatments.
Open Questions
- Whether functional dyspepsia and IBS represent a spectrum of the same disorder or distinct conditions with overlapping symptoms.
- Why bile acid malabsorption testing (SeHCAT) is widely available in Europe but rarely used in the United States.
- The role of esophageal hypersensitivity in patients with reflux symptoms who do not respond to acid suppression.
- Optimal diagnostic criteria for distinguishing gastroparesis from functional dyspepsia with delayed emptying.
- Whether biofeedback therapy for dyssynergic defecation should be offered earlier in the treatment pathway.
Articles on Common Gut Conditions Beyond SIBO and SIBO
Each article includes cited sources, a medical review placeholder, and a clear distinction between what is established and what is still being studied.
Constipation: A Surprisingly Complex Problem with More Causes Than You'd Expect
Chronic constipation is not a single condition. Slow-transit, outlet obstruction, and normal-transit subtypes each have different causes and treatments. Here is why fiber fails for many people and what the evidence says about biofeedback.
Functional Dyspepsia: The 'Other' Stomach Problem Nobody Talks About
Functional dyspepsia affects 10 to 20 percent of the population but rarely gets the attention it deserves. Learn about its two subtypes, what causes it, and which evidence-based treatments actually work.
Gastroparesis: When Your Stomach Won't Empty
Gastroparesis is more common than most people realize, and social media dietary advice often contradicts the actual evidence. Here is what we know about ICC dysfunction, real prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment.
GERD Beyond the Burn: Why Acid Reflux Is More Complicated Than You Think
GERD is not just heartburn, and PPIs do not work for everyone. From NERD to Barrett's esophagus, reflux hypersensitivity to functional heartburn, here is the full spectrum of acid reflux and why a one-size approach fails.
IBS-D vs. Bile Acid Malabsorption: Are You Treating the Wrong Diagnosis?
Up to 30 percent of people diagnosed with IBS-D may actually have bile acid malabsorption. The symptoms overlap almost completely, but the treatment is entirely different. Here is how to tell them apart.
Medical Disclaimer: The content in this section is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health regimen. GLP1Gut is a tracking tool, not a medical device.