The possible presence of these five diseases should be considered in the diagnosis of a functional GI disorder. Not only can some of the symptoms associated with these diseases be found in functional GI disorders, but some of these diseases can coexist with, or be confused with, a functional GI disorder. These diseases do have distinguishing characteristics that, upon investigation, differentiate them from functional GI disorders. Identifying Dietary Factors Keeping a diary for 2 to 3 weeks can help identify possible connections between specific foods and symptom onset. If dietary factors seem to trigger symptoms, a health care professional should be consulted.
Diagnosis begins with a detailed dietary history.
If a specific food can be identified as a cause of symptoms, elimination of that food may be recommended. Care should be taken with any elimination diet. Many individuals with functional GI disorders believe that specific foods are responsible for their symptoms, yet no clear resolution of symptoms occurs when the offending foods are eliminated. Unnecessary elimination diets can limit an individual's quality of life. Unmonitored elimination diets can produce malnutrition.