Gastroparesis
What is Gastroparesis?
As defined by the Mayo Clinic, Gastroparesis is a “condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach”. In essence, Gastroparesis is the paralyzation of the stomach leaving one unable to eat, absorb, or digest nutrients.
What are the symptoms of Gastroparesis?
• Vomiting
•Nausea
• A feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites
• Vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier
• Acid reflux
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss and malnutrition
How is one diagnosed with Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is very difficult to diagnose. According to Mayo Clinic, most people are diagnosed with Gastroparesis after undergoing either a gastric emptying study, upper GI endoscopy, or an upper GI series. The majority of patients are diagnosed with Gastroparesis after undergoing a gastric emptying study. This study involves eating a light meal, such as eggs and toast, that contains a small amount of radioactive material. A scanner that detects the movement of the radioactive material is placed over your abdomen to monitor the rate at which food leaves your stomach.
What causes Gastroparesis?
The exact cause of Gastroparesis is unfortunately not known at this time. Some people develop Gastroparesis out of the blue (idiopathic) while others develop it as a result of diabetes.
How many people have Gastroparesis?
Since Gastroparesis is difficult to diagnose, there isn’t an exact number of patients who are known to suffer with Gastroparesis. According to G-PACT, five million Americans are currently battling Gastroparesis. However, G-PACT believes that there are even more people who have Gastroparesis that don't even know it. According to Mayo clinic, there are less than 200,000 cases per year.
How is Gastroparesis treated?
There are several treatments options available for patients who are diagnosed with Gastroparesis. Since maintaining adequate nutrition is the most important goal in the treatment of Gastroparesis, one should monitor/change their dietary intake. In addition, there are various medications that can stimulate stomach muscles (Reglan & Erythromycin) and control nausea/vomiting (Zofran). Some people with Gastroparesis may be unable to tolerate any food or liquids. In these situations, doctors may recommend a feeding tube (jejunostomy tube) in order to gain nutrients. Lastly, a gastric stimulator may be an option for some patients as well. A gastric stimulator is basically a pacemaker for your stomach that provides electrical stimulation to stimulate stomach muscles to move food more efficiently. Unfortunately, the success rates of the stimulator vary from patient to patient.
Is there a cure for Gastroparesis?
At this time, there is unfortunately no cure for Gastroparesis.
Sources: Mayo Clinic & G-PACT
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