ABSTRACT
Emotions and relationships with others are intimately linked with gastrointestinal function from birth. One feature of dying most feared, particularly with gastrointestinal patients, is the possibility of losing eliminatory control. Constipation may be due to organic obstruction, neurological disorder, motility problems including diverticular disease and the atony of old age and little exercise. After selective vagotomy for peptic ulcer there is a 21 per cent failure rate: one-third has recurrent ulceration; one-third develops a post gastrectomy syndrome as disabling as their original condition; and the remainder have ongoing neurotic problems. Disturbed family relationships or stresses from changes at school are commonly found, and in those children who are emotionally insecure may set off gastrointestinal symptoms, perhaps through gastric hyperaemia or increased gut motility. Bloating, heartburn, flatulence and right upper quadrant pain after meals may result from functionally disordered gastrointestinal motility. Alcohol excess is associated with disorders in every bodily system, but essentially and most intimately the gastrointestinal apparatus.
