Motility Disorders

What are motility disorders?

Motility disorders are a group of conditions that can occur when food and drink do not move through the digestive tract as they should. These disorders occur when there are problems with the nerves or muscles anywhere along the upper or lower digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines or colon.

Motility disorders in children include:

• Achalasia
• Gastroparesis
• Hirschsprung's disease
• Constipation
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
• Intestinal dysmotility
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome

What are the signs and symptoms of motility disorders?

The symptoms of motility disorders can vary depending on the particular disorder. Some common symptoms of motility disorders in children can include:

• Trouble swallowing
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Distended stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

What causes motility disorders?

Motility disorders occur due to problems with the nerves or muscles that help move food and drink along the digestive tract. The causes can vary depending on which motility disorder your child has, and may include differences in your child's anatomy, genetic conditions, allergies, and problems with their metabolism.

How are motility disorders treated?

After diagnosis, there are many treatments for motility disorders, and the treatment for your child will depend on the specific type of motility disorder they have. Your care team at Arkansas Children's is experienced in all types of motility disorders in children and will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your child's specific symptoms. Some options may include:

• Medicines are usually the first-line treatment for many types of motility disorders. The type of medicine your child's doctor recommends will depend on your child's condition.
• Working with a pediatric psychologist or physical therapist may help children with behaviors that impact symptoms such as toileting skills.