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Gastroparesis

WHAT IS GASTROPARESIS?

Gastroparesis is a condition in which your stomach takes a long time to empty. This can happen when either the stomach muscles or the nerves of the stomach are not working properly.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of gastroparesis may include:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Feeling full only after a few bites of a meal

  • Bloating

  • Prolonged fullness/abdominal distention

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort

  • Gastroesophageal reflux or heart burn

 

It is important you see your health care provider if your symptoms worsen.

CAUSES

There are many possible causes of gastroparesis. Your healthcare provider will help determine the potential cause in you.

In persons with type I or type II diabetes, gastroparesis can change over time especially if blood sugar levels are not well controlled. Poor blood sugar control may cause unorganized or slower stomach contractions causing gastroparesis. Good blood sugar control is important in managing symptoms and it is crucial to work closely with your diabetes specialist.

Gastroparesis may occur after certain types of surgeries. These surgeries may change the way the nerves communicate and affect the way the digestive tract works.

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Obstructive gastroparesis refers to a blockage in the stomach not allowing the contents to move out. Examples include a tumor, chronic peptic ulcers, and inflammation. Sometimes, the end of the stomach called the pylorus closes too soon and does not allow stomach contents to empty into the small intestine. 

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Certain other systemic illnesses such as connective tissue disorders, neurologic conditions, certain infections, etc. can also cause alterations in stomach function.

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Idiopathic gastroparesis is when there is no known cause for the condition. It can sometimes happen after an infection and when the causes listed previously are not present.

TREATMENT

Your treatment will be guided by the potential cause of your gastroparesis.

 

Obstructive-type gastroparesis is reversible because the obstruction may be removed.

 

Patients with diabetes should have good blood sugar control to manage their gastroparesis symptoms and working closely with your diabetes specialist is very important.

 

There are different medications your healthcare provider may prescribe to manage your symptoms. There are medications to help control nausea and vomiting, improve stomach contractions, or help the stomach relax.

 

It is important to work with your healthcare provider to determine what treatment options are available to best manage your symptoms.

LIVING WITH GASTROPARESIS

Dietary modification and working with various healthcare providers are central to managing gastroparesis symptoms.​

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  • Eat small frequent meals. Eat 6 small meals a day instead of 3 large meals

  • Maintain a low fat, low fiber, and low residue diet as these foods take longer to digest.

  • Limit red meats and fresh, raw vegetables. These foods require a lot of work for the stomach to breakdown. Pulpy foods can promote the formation of bezoars, which are hard mass formations that can block the stomach.

  • Cook your vegetables well and if needed, use a blender to make them easier to digest

  • Soluble fiber such as Metamucil, Benefiber, or Fiber4, can slow stomach emptying. It may bind together and  potentially cause stomach blockage.

  • Avoid foods that are hard to chew. Examples are: broccoli​, corn, popcorn, nuts, seeds​

  • Chew your food well before swallowing

  • Take sips of fluids between each bite

  • Sit upright or walk after your meals

  • Do not lie down for at least 2 hours after eating

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​There are medications that can slow stomach emptying, worsen your gastroparesis symptoms, and should be avoided. Examples include: narcotic (pain) medications, bulk-forming agents (Metamucil, Benefiber), etc.   It is important to review medications with your health care practitioner to determine which medications can affect your stomach and if there are alternatives to their use.

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