What is it?
Gastroparesis is a medical condition in which the muscles in the stomach wall malfunction, leading to delayed emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine. This condition interferes with normal digestion, and can cause a variety of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, feelings of fullness, and weight loss.
Causes:
- Idiopathic: The cause is often unknown.
- Diabetes: High levels of blood glucose can damage the vagus nerve, affecting stomach muscle contractions.
- Surgery: Post-surgical complications may include gastroparesis.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as anticholinergics and narcotics, can slow gastric emptying.
- Neurological conditions: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis can also contribute to gastroparesis.
Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Malnutrition
- Unintended weight loss
Diagnosis:
- Gastric Emptying Study: The most common diagnostic test where a patient eats a meal containing a radioactive substance, and imaging shows how quickly food leaves the stomach.
- Endoscopy: Used to rule out obstruction.
- Ultrasound: To check the anatomy and detect any other underlying conditions.
Treatment:
- Dietary Changes: Low-fat, low-fiber foods and smaller, more frequent meals.
- Medication: Prokinetic agents like metoclopramide (Reglan) can help improve gastric emptying.
- Surgery: In extreme cases, feeding tubes or gastric stimulators may be implanted.
References:
- NIH – NIDDKD – National Instiute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Mayo Clinic
- Camilleri M, Chedid V, Ford AC, Haruma K, Horowitz M, Jones KL, Low PA, Park SY, Parkman HP, Stanghellini V. Gastroparesis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018 Nov 1;4(1):41. doi: 10.1038/s41572-018-0038-z. PMID: 30385743.
- Waseem S, Moshiree B, Draganov PV. Gastroparesis: current diagnostic challenges and management considerations. World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Jan 7;15(1):25-37. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.25. PMID: 19115465; PMCID: PMC2653292.