| Definition |
A condition in which digestion (the process in which food is moved through the gastrointestinal tract by repeating contractions called peristalsis) is abnormal because peristalsis does not work properly. It may be caused by problems with the muscles or nerves in the intestine, or by a problem with the hormones that tell the intestines when to contract. Gastrointestinal motility disorder may cause peristalsis to stop or be too fast or too slow, which causes bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, gas, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting. It may be the result of a genetic disorder, a disease (such as diabetes), or no known cause. Examples of gastrointestinal motility disorder include irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease. |