Characterized by delayed stomach emptying, gastroparesis is a chronic digestive disorder, which can lead to a host of debilitating symptoms. Research suggests it potentially affects the lives of millions worldwide. Despite its impact, it is thought that many cases of gastroparesis may be undiagnosed, and many people remain unaware of this condition and its effects on daily life.
In honor of Gastroparesis Awareness Month, this blog explores the symptoms and causes of gastroparesis, discusses treatment options, and provides ways to get involved in raising awareness. Understanding gastroparesis is the first step towards helping patients and their families better manage this challenging condition and supporting those who live with it every day.
What is Gastroparesis Awareness Month?
Every August, Gastroparesis Awareness Month shines a spotlight on gastroparesis. The month-long awareness initiative, created by IFFGD, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, aims to educate the public about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of gastroparesis, highlighting the impact it has on the quality of life for those affected. Promoting awareness is the best way to ensure that those with gastroparesis are able to recognize signs and symptoms of the condition and seek treatment early, preventing further complications.
Understanding Gastroparesis
When the stomach is properly functioning, gastric contractions move food through the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroparesis involves a delay in this gastric emptying, where the stomach takes too long to move its contents into the small intestine. This delayed movement of food can lead to a range of digestive symptoms that significantly affect a person’s overall health.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of gastroparesis can vary in severity and may include:
Nausea and Vomiting: Patients often experience frequent nausea and vomiting due to the slow movement of food.
Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Persistent abdominal bloating and discomfort are common, caused by food remaining in the stomach longer than usual.
Feeling Full Quickly: A feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food is a hallmark symptom.
Weight Loss and Malnutrition: The inability to consume adequate nutrients can lead to unintended weight loss and malnutrition.
Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels: Gastroparesis can cause unpredictable blood sugar levels, complicating diabetes management.
What Causes Gastroparesis?
There are several factors that may contribute to the development of gastroparesis, though the exact cause is often unknown. Gastroparesis occurs when the vagus nerve is damaged or stops working. The vagus nerve is the main nerve that communicates with the digestive tract, and injury to the vagus nerve can interrupt impulses that control the involuntary muscles which stimulate secretions and contractions in the stomach, gallbladder, and intestines. Factors that may contribute to gastroparesis include:
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscles, leading to gastroparesis.
Viral Infections: Certain viral infections can result in gastroparesis by affecting the stomach muscles or nerves.
Surgery: Procedures involving the stomach or other parts of the digestive tract can damage nerves and lead to this condition.
Medications: Some medications, such as narcotics and certain antidepressants, can slow gastric emptying.
Other Conditions: Conditions that affect the nervous system, like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, can also contribute to gastroparesis.
Treatments and Solutions for Gastroparesis
Managing gastroparesis often requires a combination of dietary changes, medications, and other interventions to help alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Dietary adjustments that can provide relief include eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding high-fat and high-fiber foods, and opting for easily digestible foods that can help manage symptoms. Medications may also help. Prokinetic agents that stimulate stomach muscle contractions and antiemetic drugs to reduce nausea and vomiting are commonly prescribed. In severe cases, feeding tubes may be necessary to ensure proper nutrition.
Gastric electrical stimulation may also be considered. This is a surgical procedure that involves placing a device in the abdomen to send electrical pulses to the stomach muscles, helping improve gastric emptying.
How to Participate in Gastroparesis Awareness Month
There are several ways to get involved in Gastroparesis Awareness Month and help spread the word about this condition:
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about gastroparesis and share information with friends, family, and colleagues to increase awareness.
Participate in Events: Join or organize local events, webinars, or social media campaigns to support gastroparesis awareness.
Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations like the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders that work towards improving the lives of those with gastroparesis.
Advocate: Reach out to policymakers to promote better healthcare policies and funding for gastroparesis research and treatment.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you experience persistent symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and intervention can help manage symptoms more effectively and prevent complications when it comes to gastroparesis. A healthcare professional can perform tests to determine if you have gastroparesis and recommend appropriate treatments tailored to your condition. At Allied Digestive Health, our healthcare providers work collaboratively for your well-being. Contact an ADH Care Center today to find out more about gastroparesis.
This article was written for WHN by Allied Digestive Health, an integrated group of gastroenterology practices in the northeast, Allied Digestive Health is focused on delivering a positive experience across all care centers. Together with over 200 gastroenterologists, pathologists, anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, ADH values consistency and quality, and prides itself on the high level of support provided.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
Gastroparesis – Gastrointestinal Care of Long Island (gicli.com)
