About us
The Motility Disorders Program at Primary Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric program in the Intermountain West offering diagnostic testing and comprehensive care of children with motility disorders. This includes manometry studies, which measure the squeeze of the digestive tract. In conjunction with the Colorectal Center, CHARM Clinic, and the Bowel Management Program, our team offers a broad spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for children struggling with motility disorders.
Motility refers to the normal movement of foods and liquids through the digestive tract. When motility is working appropriately, nutrients and fluids move through the digestive tract and are absorbed, while waste is eliminated as poop. Abnormalities in motility can occur at any point in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the stomach, small intestines, colon, or anus. These abnormalities may be due to problems with the muscles, nerves, or tissue, and can result in difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, chronic abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation.
We also treat patients with DGBIs (disorders of the gut-brain interaction). DGBIs are a multifactorial process involving hypersensitivity of the nerves of the intestinal track, amplified pain perception, spasms of the intestinal muscles, malabsorbed sugars or other dietary components, and potentially underlying anxiety or depression. Examples of DGBIs include Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, functional nausea, and functional abdominal pain.