title: The management of gastrointestinal symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
abstract: The involvement of the autonomic nervous system in Parkinson's disease causes many non-motor symptoms, among which gastrointestinal complaints are prominent. Drooling, dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal pain and fecal incontinence are frequently a source of patient distress. Dysphagia is recognized as causing both discomfort and increased risk of serious complications. Although a diagnosis can often be established based on the reports of patients and/or caregivers, and additional testing is seldom required, these diagnoses are clearly under recognized in clinical practice. These symptoms respond to the same treatment measures used in the general population, although certain drugs with a potential to increase parkinsonian symptoms should be avoided. Increased and early identification of these symptoms can result in a significant improvement in the quality of life of Parkinson's disease patients.
authors.affiliation: Movement Disorders Program, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. dsalatfoix@hotmail.com
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Salat-Foix
authors.forename: Oksana
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Suchowersky
mesh_terms: D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy