Digestive Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome Dysmotility and Motility Dysfunction Disorders By Barbara Bolen, PhD twitter Barbara Bolen, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and health coach. She has written multiple books focused on living with irritable bowel syndrome. Learn about our editorial process Barbara Bolen, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Priyanka Chugh, MD on October 23, 2020 linkedin Priyanka Chugh, MD, is board-certified gastroenterologist with a background in internal medicine. She practices with Trinity Health of New England in Waterbury, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Review Board Priyanka Chugh, MD Updated on November 18, 2020 Print Dysmotility (also known as motility dysfunction) is a condition in which muscles of the digestive system do not work as they should. It can involve abnormal speed, strength, or coordination of the muscles of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and/or the large intestine. AnaBGD / iStock Photo Symptoms of Dysmotility Symptoms of a motility dysfunction will vary depending on which areas of your digestive system are affected and which type of motility problem you are having. Dysphagia (trouble swallowing) is a major symptom of dysmotility. Often, dysmotility in the upper parts of the digestive system (esophagus or stomach) causes upper abdominal pain, burning or discomfort, and possible vomiting. Dysmotility of the lower parts of the digestive tract (small or large intestine) is more likely to result in lower abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea or constipation. Rapid dysmotility usually causes diarrhea because the contents of the digestive system are propelled too quickly, resulting in loose, watery stool. When motility is too slow, constipation occurs due to a slow transit time and physiological movement of fluid that makes stool hard and difficult to pass. Causes Normally, the muscle contractions of your digestive system operate in a coordinated, orderly manner to facilitate the digestion of the foods that you eat. Dysmotility can result in slow and/or fast movement of food or chyme (partially digested food and stomach acids). Any change from normal motility can result in digestive symptoms. Dysmotility can occur as a result of dysfunction in the nerves and muscles in any region of your digestive system. A variety of illnesses can cause dysmotility, but sometimes the cause of dysmotility is unknown. Types Motility disorders are divided into major and minor, and some disorders tend to affect certain areas of the digestive system. Major motility disorders include achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, and Jackhammer Esophagus. Minor motility disorders include ineffective motility and fragmented peristalsis. The following disorders involve dysmotility in the esophagus: Achalasia Diffuse esophageal spasm (also known as distal esophageal spasm) The following disorders involve dysmotility in the stomach: Cyclic vomiting syndrome Dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying) Gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) Functional dyspepsia The following conditions are related to dysmotility in the small intestine: Intestinal pseudo-obstruction Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth The following health conditions involve dysmotility in the large intestine: Dyssynergic defecation Fecal incontinence Functional constipation (chronic idiopathic constipation) Functional diarrhea Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 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! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nicklaus Children's Hospital. Intestinal dysmotility. Updated June 21, 2019. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Motility disorders. Updated October 2, 2019. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Disorders of the stomach. Updated February 24, 2016. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Disorders of the large intestine. Updated March 24, 2016.