Overview
Gastroparesis is a condition affecting stomach motility, where the normal movement of muscles that push food through the digestive tract is impaired. This results in delayed or incomplete emptying of the stomach, leading to various digestive complications.
Types of Gastroparesis
- Idiopathic Gastroparesis: The most common type where the cause is unknown.
- Diabetic Gastroparesis: Occurs as a complication of diabetes, affecting nerve function in the stomach.
- Post-Surgical Gastroparesis: Can develop after stomach or vagus nerve surgery.
- Medication-Induced Gastroparesis: Certain medications can slow gastric emptying, worsening existing gastroparesis symptoms.
Causes of Gastroparesis
- Diabetes: Damages nerves that control stomach muscles.
- Post-Surgical Changes: Disruption of stomach nerves during surgery.
- Medications: Opioids, antidepressants, and high blood pressure drugs can impair stomach motility.
- Viral Infections: Can damage stomach nerves and lead to gastroparesis.
Risk Factors of Gastroparesis
- Diabetes: Increases risk due to nerve damage.
- Abdominal Surgeries: Especially those involving the stomach or vagus nerve.
- Medications: Opioids and certain antidepressants.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Can affect nerve function in the stomach.
Symptoms of Gastroparesis
1. Nausea: Persistent feeling of queasiness.
2. Nausea or vomiting: Often undigested food.
3. Abdominal Pain: Aching or sharp pains in the stomach.
4. Feeling Full Quickly: After eating small amounts.
5. HeartBurning: Acid reflux due to delayed digestion.
6. Fluctuations in Blood Sugar: Difficulty controlling blood sugar levels.
7. Malnutrition: Due to inadequate nutrient absorption.
Preventions of Gastroparesis
Managing underlying conditions like diabetes effectively can help prevent or delay the onset of gastroparesis. Avoiding medications that slow stomach motility unless absolutely necessary is also advisable.
Diagnosis of Gastroparesis
- Medical History: Including symptoms and previous surgeries.
- Physical Examination: Checking for abdominal tenderness or masses.
- Gastric Emptying Study: Measures how quickly food leaves the stomach.
- Endoscopy: To rule out other digestive disorders.
- Blood Tests: To check for diabetes or thyroid disorders.
Treatment for Gastroparesis
- Dietary Modifications: Small, frequent meals low in fiber and fat.
- Medications: Prokinetic agents to improve stomach motility.
- Nutritional Support: Supplements to prevent malnutrition.
- Surgical Options: In severe cases not responding to other treatments.
- Gastric Electrical Stimulation: To improve stomach motility.
When to seek medical attention ?
Seek medical advice if you experience persistent nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, especially after eating. Managing gastroparesis early can prevent complications and improve quality of life.