On this page, you will find everything you need to know about Gastroparesis.
What is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the nerves and muscles of the stomach. When these muscles and nerves cannot function properly, the stomach is unable to process food or empty itself as it should, which disrupts the digestive process.
What are the symptoms of Gastroparesis?
Symptoms include:
- Indigestion.
- Feeling full very quickly and/or for a prolonged period.
- Pain in the upper abdomen.
- and vomiting.
- Vomiting whole pieces of undigested food.
- Acid reflux and heartburn.
- Fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
- .
What are the causes of Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis may occur due to:
- , both type 1 and type 2.
- Stomach-related surgeries.
- Viral or bacterial infections.
- Certain types of medications.
Less common causes include:
- Neurological diseases such as
- Endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease.
How is Gastroparesis diagnosed?
The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Additional tests may be required, such as:
- Complete blood test.
- Gastric emptying study: measuring the time it takes for the stomach to empty food.
- Endoscopy: a thin flexible tube passed through the mouth into the intestines.
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series with contrast: an X-ray study commonly used to diagnose gastroparesis.
How is Gastroparesis treated?
Treatment may involve several approaches depending on the case, including:
- Medications.
- Nutritional therapy.
- Low-fiber diet.
- Eating 4–6 small meals a day instead of 3 large meals.
- Liquid diet (e.g., soups or blended meals).
- In advanced cases, a feeding tube may be recommended by a dietitian.
- Surgery.
- Treating underlying conditions causing gastroparesis.
How can Gastroparesis be prevented?
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Exercising regularly.
- Following a balanced diet.
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking.
- keep blood sugar levels within the normal range if you have .
- Before surgery, ask your doctor or surgeon about the potential risks versus benefits.
What are the complications of Gastroparesis?
Possible complications include:
- .
- .
- Acid reflux.
- Difficulty managing blood glucose levels.
When should you see a doctor?
It is recommended to consult a doctor if you:
- Feel full quickly after eating.
- Experience nausea or vomiting after meals.
- Have chronic or recurrent abdominal pain.
- Experience persistent heartburn lasting 3 weeks or more.
- Feel bloated for 3 weeks or more.
- Regularly experience bloating (more than 12 times per month).
- Notice swelling or a lump in your abdomen.
Frequently Asked Question:
Does gastroparesis affect bowel movements (stool)?
Gastroparesis slows the entire digestive process, which may delay bowel movements. It can also deliver large undigested food pieces to the intestines, which are difficult to pass. While gastroparesis does not directly affect the muscle movements of the intestines, some underlying conditions that cause it may do so. As a result, some people with gastroparesis also experience constipation.
