(Delayed Gastric Emptying)
Definition
Definition
Gastroparesis is a disorder that affects the digestive system. During normal digestion, the stomach breaks down food and then contracts to push food down to the small intestine. With gastroparesis, there is delayed emptying of the stomach. Food either moves slowly through the digestive tract or does not move at all. This can pose problems since the food can harden causing blockage, nausea, and vomiting. Bacteria can also start to grow. Gastroparesis is a potentially serious condition. It requires care from your doctor.
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Causes
Causes
Movement of food in the digestive system is controlled by the vagus nerve. Gastroparesis occurs when this nerve is damaged and the muscles of the stomach do not work properly.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
The main risk factor is diabetes. Diabetes can damage the vagus nerve, which may lead to gastroparesis. High blood sugar can also damage blood vessels that carry nutrients and oxygen to the vagus nerve, preventing it from working properly. Other risk factors include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Surgery that involves the stomach or vagus nerve
- Taking certain medications, such as anticholinergics or narcotics
- Infection from a virus
- Diseases affecting the nerves, muscles, or hormones
- Diseases affecting metabolism (body’s ability to make and use energy)
- Chronic disease
- Anorexia or bulimia
- Radiation or chemotherapy
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
Symptoms
Symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to gastroparesis. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
- Feeling full early during a meal
- No appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Pain in your abdomen or esophagus (the muscular tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach)
- Heartburn
- Weight loss
The following may worsen symptoms:
- High-fiber foods, like raw vegetables and fruits
- Fatty foods
- Carbonated drinks
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. The doctor may do:
- Blood tests
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Tests to measure:
- Stomach volume before and after a meal
- The rate at which the stomach empties
- The ability of the muscles in the stomach and small intestine to contract and relax
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Imaging tests can assess the stomach and surrounding structures:
- Ultrasound
- Barium x-ray or CT scan
- Gastric emptying study— may also be done by MRI scan
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Other procedures
- Upper endoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
- SmartPill—a pill-sized device that is swallowed to capture information on the digestive system
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Diet
Managing what you eat can help control gastroparesis. You may work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to create a meal plan that is right for you. This may include:
- Eating small meals several times throughout the day
- Following a liquid diet
- Limiting high-fat and high-fiber foods
Alternative Nutrition
In severe cases, you may need to have nutrients delivered directly to your intestines (skipping the stomach) or directly to your bloodstream. Feeding tubes may be inserted down your throat or through your abdomen and into your intestines to help deliver food. Nutrients may also be given through a thin tube that is placed in one of your veins.
Medications
You may be given medications that treat your symptoms and help your stomach empty. These medications work by stimulating the stomach muscles to contract. Examples include:
- Metoclopramide
- Erythromycin
Other medications may be prescribed to reduce nausea.
Surgery
In severe cases, your doctor may consider surgery. This may include removing part of the stomach.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance gastroparesis:
- Control diabetes—Since diabetes is a common risk factor for gastroparesis, it is important that you follow treatment plans from your doctor if you have diabetes.
- Avoid medications that delay gastric emptying—Some medications may keep your stomach from emptying properly. These include narcotic pain medications, calcium channel blockers, and some antidepressants. Keep a list of all the medications you are taking and share this list with your doctor. Make sure you talk to your doctor before stopping any medications.
RESOURCES:
The American College of Gastroenterology http://patients.gi.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated November 29, 2010. Accessed April 4, 2011.
Gastroparesis. The American College of Gastroenterology website. Available at:
http://patients.gi.org/topics/gastroparesis
Accessed April 4, 2011.
Gastroparesis. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/gastroparesis/Pages/facts.aspx
Updated July 2007. Accessed April 4, 2011.
Shakil A, Church RJ, et al. Gastrointestinal complications of diabetes. Am Fam Physician. 2008;77(12):1697-1702.
Soykan I, Sivri B, et al. Demography, clinical characteristics, psychological and abuse profiles, treatment, and long-term follow-up of patients with gastroparesis. Dig Dis Sci. 1998;43(11):2398-2404.
Last Updated: 6/3/2013