Digestive Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome Dysmotility and Motility Dysfunction Disorders Print By Barbara Bolen, PhD | Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician Updated January 03, 2019 AnaBGD / IStock Photo More in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes & Diagnosis Living With Nutrition Symptoms Treatment Support & Coping IBS With Constipation IBS With Diarrhea Related Conditions View All Dysmotility is a term used to describe a health problem in which the muscles of the digestive system do not work as they should. This can result in a change in the speed, strength or coordination of the muscles of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and/or the large intestine. Dysmotility is also known as motility dysfunction. Normal motility is a system of coordinated, orderly muscle contractions from the beginning to the end of your digestive system that facilitates the digestion of the foods that you eat. Dysmotility can result in poor or spastic propulsion of food through your esophagus and stomach, chyme through your small intestine, and stool through your large intestine. And any change from normal motility can result in unpleasant digestive symptoms. The Symptoms of Dysmotility Symptoms of a motility dysfunction will vary depending on where the motility problem is showing up. In other words, dysmotility in the upper parts of the digestive system (esophagus, stomach) are likely to cause upper abdominal pain, burning or discomfort, and possible vomiting. Dysmotility further along the digestive tract (small and large intestines) is more likely to result in lower abdominal pain, cramping, and bowel movement problems (e.g. diarrhea or constipation). Causes Dysmotility can occur as a result of dysfunction in the nerves and muscles in any of the various organs of your digestive system. There are a wide variety of illnesses that can cause dysmotility as a reflection of the underlying disease state. In other cases, the cause of dysmotility is unknown and is seen as the primary reason for a health problem. These health problems are called motility disorders. Motility Disorders The following are some of the primary health problems in which dysmotility is the primary problem behind the diagnosis: Esophageal Motility Disorders The following disorders involve a dysmotility in the esophagus: AchalasiaDiffuse esophageal spasmEosinophilic esophagitisGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Stomach Motility Disorders The following disorders all involve a dysmotility in the stomach: Cyclic vomiting syndromeDumping syndrome (Rapid gastric emptyingGastroparesis (Delayed gastric emptying)Functional dyspepsia Small Intestine Dysmotility Disorders The following conditions are related to dysmotility in the small intestine: Intestinal pseudo-obstructionSmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth Large Intestine Dysmotility Disorders The following health conditions involve dysmotility in the large intestine: Dyssynergic defecationFecal incontinenceFunctional constipation (Chronic idiopathic constipation)Functional diarrheaIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) When a person experiences diarrhea, motility is seen as too rapid — thus the contents of the large intestine are propelled through too quickly, resulting in loose and watery stool. When a person experiences constipation, motility is too slow. This slower transit time results in too much water being drawn from the stool. This creates a stool that is hard and more difficult to pass. Motility dysfunction and visceral hypersensitivity are considered to be the two hallmark physiological problems underlying IBS. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! One of the most challenging aspects of having IBS is trying to figure out what's safe to eat. Our recipe guide makes it easier. Sign up and get yours now! Email Address Sign Up There was an error. Please try again. Thank you, , for signing up. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources "Motility Disorders" International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders "Motility Disorders of the Stomach" International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Continue Reading