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Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where an excess number of native and nonnative gut bacteria cause symptoms due to increased fermentation, inflammation, or malabsorption. This and other malabsorptive and nutritional deficiencies are also covered here including pancreatic insufficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, lactase deficiency, and lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D).

Specific GI infections encompass a broad range of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms which are often not considered normal flora. Many of these infections are seen in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals within the USA and abroad. This chapter will focus on specific pharmacotherapies, indication of treatment, and alternative drug regimens in resistant or recurrent infection.

Motility disorders of the GI tract involve the smooth muscle and/or neurological component necessary for successful peristalsis. These disorders often complicate chronic medical diseases or surgical interventions, and can lead to significant morbidity, and chronic malabsorption. This chapter reviews the current recommended medications for various motility disorders.

Pancreatitis is a common etiology of emergency department evaluation and hospital admission. Pancreatitis is a common condition often induced by obstruction of the hepatobiliary tree, toxins, or metabolic causes. Recurrent episodes can lead to chronic inflammation, ductal abnormalities, and exocrine/endocrine insufficiency. This chapter will outline the pharmacological management in the acute setting, and discuss further treatment options regarding pain and malabsorption secondary to chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic insufficiency.

This chapter encompasses general GI motility disorders which are common entities, and for which there are many possible etiologies. Many are considered to be functional. Because of the lack of knowledge relating to the underlying mechanisms, much of the treatment is directed towards symptomatic relief. This chapter will review pharmacological therapies recommended for their treatment, and assumes that specific treatable causes have been excluded.

GI infections are common and are often due to obstruction, translocation, or peroration of the GI tract. This chapter will outline some of the guidelines for antibiotic and/or alternative therapies.