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Introducing gastroparesis -

Gastroparesis, which is sometimes referred to as stomach paralysis, is a chronic condition where the stomach is not as active as it is supposed to be.

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The problem -

People who suffer from gastroparesis have stomachs that do not empty in the usual way, which means that food passes through them slower than normal.

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Common symptoms -

Awareness about the condition is low, not least because its symptoms are easily confused with those caused by other gastrointestinal conditions.

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Numerous symptoms -

The symptoms of gastroparesis include feeling very full very quickly when eating, nausea and/or vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, abdominal pain, and heartburn.

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When to see a doctor -

These symptoms vary in severity, and people often find that they come and go. However, if you experience symptoms of gastroparesis, it is important that you see a doctor.

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Potential complications -

It is important that you seek medical attention if you have symptoms, because if it goes untreated gastroparesis can lead to some quite serious complications.

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Dehydration and GORD -

These complications include dehydration (from repeated vomiting) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GORD), where stomach acid leaks out of your stomach and into your food pipe (esophagus).

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Malnutrition and blood sugar problems -

Further possible complications include malnutrition (where your body is not getting enough nutrients) and unpredictable blood sugar levels.

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Gastroparesis and diabetes -

The risk of developing unpredictable sugar levels as a result of complications from gastroparesis is more of a risk in patients with diabetes.

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What causes gastroparesis? -

In many cases of gastroparesis, there is no obvious cause. This is known as idiopathic gastroparesis. There are, however, some known causes of the condition.

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Causes -

The known causes are poorly controlled diabetes (type 1 or 2) and complications from certain surgeries, such as gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach). There are also some possible causes of gastroparesis. These include certain medicines, such as opioid painkillers and some antidepressants.

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Causes -

Parkinson’s disease, too, is thought to be a potential cause of gastroparesis, as is scleroderma, an uncommon disease that results in hard, thickened patches of skin.

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Causes -

Last but not least, gastroparesis has been linked with amyloidosis, a group of rare but serious diseases caused by deposits of abnormal protein in the body’s tissue and organs.

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Diagnosing gastroparesis -

If your doctor suspects you may have gastroparesis, they will usually ask you about your symptoms and medical history and then arrange a blood test.

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Further tests -

You may then be referred to a hospital to take further tests, which might include a barium X-ray, a gastric emptying scan, a wireless capsule test, or an endoscopy.

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Treatment -

There is unfortunately no cure for gastroparesis, but people with this condition can control it with dietary changes and medical treatment.

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Dietary changes -

Dietary tips for gastroparesis sufferers include eating smaller and more frequent meals, rather than the standard three meals per day.

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Dietary changes -

If there is less food in your stomach, it will pass easier through your system. It is also better to eat soft and liquid foods, chew well before swallowing, and drink a non-fizzy liquid with each meal.

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Dietary changes -

It may also be helpful to avoid certain foods that are hard to digest. High-fiber and high-fat foods, for example, can both slow down digestion.

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Medication -

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medicine to help alleviate the symptoms of gastroparesis. Possible medications include domperidone, erythromycin, and anti-emetics.

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Medication -

However, evidence for the effectiveness of these medications is relatively limited, and they can cause side effects. You should discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

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Electrical stimulation -

There are also other treatments for gastroparesis, such as electrical simulation, which involves surgically implanting a battery-operated device under the skin of the stomach.

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Electrical stimulation -

The effectiveness of this treatment varies and there is a small chance of complications. For that reason, electrical stimulation is not for everyone.

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Injections -

More severe cases of the condition may be treated by injecting botulinum toxin into the valve between your stomach and small intestine.

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Injections -

This relaxes the valve and keeps it open for longer, allowing for food to pass through. Just like electrical stimulation, these injections are a relatively new treatment and are not recommended by all doctors.

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Feeding tube -

Finally, in very severe cases that are not improved by dietary changes or medicine, a feeding tube may be recommended.

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Feeding tube -

There are many different types of temporary and permanent feeding tubes available, and patients should speak to their doctor about what is right for them.

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All in all -

So there you have some facts about gastroparesis. It is not a pleasant condition, but, with the right treatment, patients are usually able to manage their symptoms.

Sources: (NHS) (National Today)

See also: Learn more about Parkinson's disease

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