This occurs when the muscle of the stomach becomes affected and as the result, the stomach cannot empty the contents properly. Normally, the strong muscular activity controls the movement of food through the digestive tract and when the stomach’s motility functions poorly, the food cannot properly be emptied. This is a long-term condition that results from the problems of the nerves and the muscles of the stomach. It can also affect the normal process of digestion and develop various related symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Causes
In most of the cases, the cause of this condition is not known and is called as idiopathic gastroparesis. It commonly develops as the result of nerve damage that controls the muscles of the stomach. However, it can also result from poorly controlled type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as a result of surgical complications such as weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery), taking certain medications and various diseases such as parkinsons.
Symptoms
The symptoms of gastroparesis can be mild or severe depending on the cases. The most common symptoms include nausea, feeling full after consuming a small amount of food and vomiting undigested food. Additional symptoms can include abdominal discomfort, heartburn, loss of appetite, bloating and weight loss. It is important to get medical help to prevent the development of various complications such as malnutrition, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dehydration.
Diagnosis
This condition can be diagnosed based on the symptoms, evaluation of the individual’s medical history and various tests. An endoscopy can help examine the stomach lining, barium X-ray involves swallowing a liquid containing a certain chemical that highlights the digestive system and an ultrasound may also be required. The gastric emptying scintigraphy tests involve consuming a small portion of the meal that contains radioactive material which helps measure the rate of gastric emptying after certain duration. A breath test may also be necessary that involves drinking sugary water and measuring the gas produced by the body in the breath.
Treatment
This is based on the severity of the symptoms. The treatment cannot cure the condition which is usually long lasting. The treatment for diabetes-related gastroparesis is based on the management of the blood glucose and includes medications, insulin and dietary changes. As this is a relapsing condition, the treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and in helping the individual life an active life. Changes in the diet can also help control gastroparesis and a dietician can assist in improving the symptoms. Depending on the severity of the condition, the affected individual may be required to try liquid meals or can be given medications that can help with the digestion. In some cases, a feeding tube known as jejunostomy is inserted directly into the small intestine that bypasses the stomach altogether. This can be particularly useful in ensuring the medications and nutrients reach the small intestine, are digested and reach the blood stream. However, this is only a temporary solution when the condition is severe.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/basics/treatment/con-20023971
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gastroparesis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastroparesis
