The month of August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month, sponsored by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD). August is aimed at “focusing attention on important health messages about gastroparesis diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues.”
What is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a chronic conditionwhere the stomach empties too slowly and no block is evident. In most people, muscular contractions push food through the digestive tract. In people with gastroparesis, this event is either moving too slowly or not at all.
What are the Symptoms of Gastroparesis?
Symptoms usually appear during and after eating. The most common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry heaving
- Stomach fullness after a normal sized meal
- Early fullness – unable to finish a meal
- Stomach pain and discomfort
- Bloating
- Heartburn
What Causes Gastroparesis?
The exact cause of gastroparesis is unknown. It is thought that several things may contribute to the condition, including:
- A viral infection
- Diabetes
- Some surgeries
- Medications
- Other illnesses
- Cellular changes
What is the Treatment for Gastroparesis?
Because gastroparesis is a chronic condition, treatment is aimed at managing symptoms. Mild cases of gastroparesis can often be managed with lifestyle or dietary changes, including:
- Eating smaller meals more frequently
- Chewing food thoroughly
- Gentle exercise after eating
- Avoiding carbonation, alcohol, and smoking
- Working with a dietitian to establish a list of foods that work best for your body
Moderate and severe symptoms may need lifestyle changes as well as medications or procedures. Common medications used to treat the symptoms of gastroparesis include:
- Prokinetic agents
- Used to stimulate stomach muscles and speed-up digestion
- g., Reglan and erythromycin
- Antiemetic agents
- Used to treat nausea and vomiting
- g., Benadryl, Zofran, and Compro
Current research is being conducted to find new medications and therapies to treat gastroparesis.
Can Gastroparesis be Prevented?
While gastroparesis cannot be 100% prevented, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing the condition.
- Exercise regularly, as you are able
- Eat well for your body
- This can mean working with a registered dietician (RD) to figure out what foods meet your individual needs
- Avoid or reduce use of alcohol and tobacco
- If you have diabetes, maintain good glucose control
- Stay hydrated
For more information on gastroparesis, visit https://aboutgastroparesis.org/.
