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What is Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a rare condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying. The cause of gastroparesis is thought to have something to do with disrupted nerve signals in the stomach. The vagus nerve, controls the movement of food through the digestive tract, becomes damaged and causes food to be digested slowly or not at all.
There are fewer than 200,000 US cases per year. There are treatments that can help, but this condition does not yet have a cure. It is diagnosed by a medical provider through lab tests, imaging and other testing.
Surgeries that involve the stomach or other digestive organs can also damage the vagus nerve. Also a common cause of damage to the vagus nerve is diabetes. High levels of blood sugar changes the way the vagus nerve gets its nutrients.
Symptoms
The symptoms of gastroparesis can range from mild to severe. The symptoms of gastroparesis can include:
- Pain areas: in the abdomen
- Belching
- Indigestion
- Regurgitation, or vomiting
- Feeling full sooner than normal
- Loss of appetite
- Upper abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Excess gas
- Bloating
- Changes in your blood sugar levels
- Malnutrition
- Unintended weight loss
- Swollen abdomen
Treatments
- Self-care
- Adjusting diet to reduce triggers causing disease or address dietary deficiencies.
- Medications
- Gut motility stimulator
- Helps speed the movement of food through the stomach and intestines.
- Common drugs
- Specialists
- Primary care provider (PCP)
- Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases.
- Gastroenterologist
- Focuses on the digestive system and its disorders.
- Nutritionist
- Specializes in food and diet.
- Consult a doctor for medical advice
- Sources: Mayo Clinic and others.
