Gastroparesis is a disease diagnosed and treated by the GI Division of Premier Medical Group.
Gastroparesis is also referred to as “delayed gastric emptying”. It is a disease of the muscles of the stomach, or the nerves which control those muscles, which results in the stomach muscles not working properly. The stomach no longer grinds the food which results in reduced passage of food into your intestines. Simply put, the stomach takes too long to empty.
The most common cause of gastroparesis is diabetes. People with diabetes have high blood glucose, also called blood sugar, which in turn causes chemical changes in nerves and damages the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. The high blood glucose can damage the vagus nerve over time, and a damaged vagus nerve stops the muscles in the stomach and intestine from working, preventing food from moving through the digestive system correctly. Not all patients with gastropparesis have diabetes. Other causes may include:
Eating solid foods, high-fiber foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, fatty foods, or drinks high in fat or carbonation may add to these symptoms in susceptible individuals.
Signs and symptoms of gastroparesis are
Eating solid foods, high-fiber foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, fatty foods, or drinks high in fat or carbonation may contribute to these symptoms.
The symptoms of gastroparesis may be mild or severe, depending on the person. Symptoms can happen frequently in some people and less often in others. Many people with gastroparesis experience a wide range of symptoms, and sometimes the disorder is difficult for the physician to diagnose.
The first step in making the correct diagnosis is for the patient to have full physical exam and give their medical history to the doctor. A blood test will show chemical and electrolyte levels and your blood count.
The following is a list of other tests your doctor may order:
The treatment for gastroparesis will depend on the severity of the symptoms. Gastoparesis is a chronic, long-lasting condition. Generally treatment does not cure gastroparesis, it just treats the symptoms so you are comfortable.
There are several medications that are commonly used for the treatment of gastroparesis, and they are listed below. (Your health care provider may also try a combination of medications.)
Modifying your diet is the best way to help control the symptoms of gastroparesis.
Working with your doctor or a nutritionist may help. Here are some helpful tips:
The most important goal for people who have gastroparesis related to diabetes is to increase stomach emptying and reclaim control of blood glucose levels This includes the use of insulin, oral medications, and dietary alterations. In more serious cases the feeding tube may become an option. Dietary changes would include eating 6 smaller meals a day instead of the regular 3 larger ones. You doctor may even suggest that you eat a liquid or pureed diet until your blood sugar levels become stable. If blood sugar levels are not being controlled with diet, your doctor may suggest using insulin until your levels are back to normal.
Some helpful tips about insulin: