What is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties food more slowly than normal, even though there is no physical blockage. This can affect digestion and cause ongoing upper digestive symptoms.
Causes
In many people, the exact cause is not known. Known causes include diabetes, injury to stomach nerves after surgery, some viral infections, certain neurological or autoimmune conditions, and some medicines that slow stomach emptying.
Prevalence
Gastroparesis is considered uncommon, but it may be underdiagnosed. Reviews have found prevalence estimates ranging from about 13.8 to 267.7 per 100,000 adults, and it appears to be more common in women and with older age.
Symptoms/Complications
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, feeling full quickly, feeling full long after eating, upper abdominal pain, heartburn, and poor appetite. Complications can include dehydration, malnutrition, blood sugar changes, and in some cases a hardened mass of undigested food called a bezoar.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose gastroparesis using your medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and tests. These may include an upper endoscopy, imaging to rule out blockage, and tests that measure how fast the stomach empties, such as a gastric emptying scan or breath test.
Management
Treatment focuses on improving symptoms and nutrition. Management may include diet changes, better blood sugar control if diabetes is present, medicines to help the stomach empty better or reduce nausea, and in more severe cases feeding support or other procedures.
Outlook
Gastroparesis is often a long-term condition. There is no cure in many cases, but many people can manage symptoms with the right treatment plan, diet changes, and follow-up care.