Gastrointestinal (GI) Problems Often Seen in hEDS

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobility
Written By Lauren Gould

Many people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) experience gastrointestinal (GI) problems, which can include:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort

  • Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food

  • Changes in bowel movements

  • Bloating or constipation 

  • Reflux esophagitis or heartburn

  • Fecal incontinence

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Inflammation of stomach lining

  • Persistent sense of feeling full

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Esophageal dysmotility

  • Sensitivity to dairy or gluten

  • Delayed or accelerated gastric emptying or colonic transit

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction 

  • Hiatal hernia

GI issues seen in those with hEDS can significantly impact daily life. They are a common but often overlooked part of hEDS for many people.

PMID: 26376608; PMID: 32489735; PMID: 39268060; PMID: 37597175; PMID: 30672816; PMID: 39205953; Venezia et al. (2023)

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as behavioral health or medical advice. It is not intended or implied to supplement or replace treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis from your own qualified healthcare provider. 

Lauren Gould
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