Connective tissue disorders and the gut

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory connective tissue disorders and can involve any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus. Dysphagia, gastro-oesophageal reflux, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and changes in bowel habit are common symptoms and usually arise from GI dysmotility and altered visceral sensitivity. In scleroderma, sensorimotor dysfunction is pronounced and can result in complications such as Barrett's oesophagus, gastroparesis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, malabsorption and malnutrition, with an associated reduction in survival.
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: New advances Source Type: research