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Dumping syndrome

Diseases and Conditions Dumping syndrome
Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment
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Overview

Dumping syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by rapid gastric emptying, where food, especially high-sugar meals, moves too quickly from the stomach into the small bowel. It commonly occurs after certain surgeries involving the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastric bypass or gastrectomy.

Types of Dumping syndrome

  1. Early Dumping Syndrome:
    • Occurs within the first hour after a meal.
    • Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and flushing.
    • Mechanisms involve osmotic effects, peptide hormone release, and autonomic neural responses.
  2. Late Dumping Syndrome:
    • Develops about 3 hours after eating.
    • Symptoms include sweating, hunger, weakness, rapid heart rate, and low blood sugar.
    • Associated with excessive insulin release.

Causes of Dumping syndrome

Dumping syndrome results from surgical alterations in gastric anatomy and innervation:

  • Gastric bypass surgery (for weight loss)
  • Gastrectomy (partial or complete stomach removal)
  • Esophagectomy (removal of part of the esophagus).

Risk Factors of Dumping syndrome

Individuals who have undergone the above surgeries are at higher risk. Rapid consumption of high-sugar foods exacerbates the condition.

Symptoms of Dumping syndrome

1. Early Dumping Symptoms: Abdominal cramps Diarrhea Nausea Flushing Rapid heart rate
2. Late Dumping Symptoms: Sweating Hunger Low blood sugar Fatigue Weakness.

Preventions of Dumping syndrome

  • Eat smaller, frequent meals.
  • Avoid fluids during meals.
  • Choose protein-rich and complex carbohydrate foods.
  • Chew food thoroughly.
  • Sit upright while eating.
  • Consume adequate vitamins, iron, and calcium.

Diagnosis of Dumping syndrome

  • Modified oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is useful for diagnosis.
  • Early dumping: Increase in hematocrit >3% or pulse rate >10 bpm 30 min after glucose intake.
  • Late dumping: Nadir hypoglycemia level <50 mg/dL.
  • Evaluate quality of life impact.

Treatment for Dumping syndrome

  1. Dietary Adjustments:
    • First-line treatment.
    • Smaller, frequent meals.
    • Avoid high-sugar foods.
  2. Medications:
    • Acarbose for late dumping symptoms.
    • Somatostatin analogs for non-responsive cases.
  3. Surgical Options:
    • Reconstructive surgery if conservative treatments fail.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you experience new, severe, or persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.