title: Therapy of gastrointestinal motility disorders: moving in the right direction.
abstract: Coordinated motility of the gastrointestinal tract is responsible for the orderly movement of food and digesta from the mouth to the rectum. This complex series of events results from the integrated activity of enteric nerves, extrinsic nerves, circulating hormones, and smooth muscle. Abnormalities in any of these components or in their integration can result in dysmotility. The important distinction between motility and the transit of luminal contents is emphasized by the recognition that disordered motility may manifest as increased or decreased transit or even as nonpropulsive activity. Similarly, altered motility or transit may or may not be accompanied by alterations in sensation. Ideally, treatment of motility disorders is directed at correction of the underlying pathophysiological defect. Although many of these disorders have been associated with characteristic patterns of abnormal motility, the pathological etiologies involved are poorly understood. Therapy in these cases must then be directed toward amelioration of clinical features and symptoms. The present therapeutic recommendations summarize current modalities in the medical treatment of motility disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. Emphasis is given to recent advances in our understanding of motility and to the use of the newer agents in our pharmacological armamentarium.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298-0711.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Kuemmerle
mesh_terms: D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents