Gastroparesis can result from several factors, including:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscles.
• Surgery: Operations on the stomach or vagus nerve can lead to gastroparesis.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as narcotics and antidepressants, can slow gastric emptying.
• Neurological disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis can affect stomach nerves.
• Viral infections: Some viral illnesses can cause temporary or chronic gastroparesis.
• Idiopathic: In many cases, the exact cause of gastroparesis is unknown.

Gastroparesis may present with the following symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting: Especially after eating.
• Feeling full quickly: Even after eating small amounts of food.
• Bloating: Abdominal distension and discomfort.
• Abdominal pain: Cramping or discomfort in the stomach area.
• Weight loss: Due to poor appetite and difficulty eating.
• Malnutrition: Resulting from inadequate nutrient absorption.
• Acid reflux: Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Diagnosing gastroparesis typically involves:

• Medical history and physical exam: Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination.
• Gastric emptying study: A test where you eat a small, radioactive meal, and a scanner tracks how quickly the food leaves your stomach.
• Upper endoscopy: A procedure using a flexible tube with a camera to view the stomach and rule out other conditions.
• Ultrasound: To check for any structural abnormalities in the digestive system.
• Blood tests: To assess blood sugar levels and check for nutritional deficiencies.

Treatment for gastroparesis aims to manage symptoms, improve gastric emptying, and address any underlying conditions. Options include:

Medications:

• Prokinetics: Drugs that stimulate stomach muscle contractions to improve emptying, such as metoclopramide or domperidone.
• Antiemetics: Medications to reduce nausea and vomiting.
• Pain management: Medications to alleviate abdominal pain.

Dietary changes:

• Smaller, more frequent meals: Eating smaller portions throughout the day to reduce the burden on the stomach.
• Low-fat and low-fiber diet: Foods that are easier to digest and pass through the stomach more quickly.
• Liquid or pureed foods: Easier to digest options to prevent blockage and ease symptoms.

Lifestyle changes:

• Chewing food thoroughly: Helps with digestion and reduces symptoms.
• Staying upright after meals: Encourages gastric emptying.
• Avoiding carbonated beverages: Reduces bloating and discomfort.

Procedures:

• Gastric electrical stimulation: A device implanted in the stomach to deliver mild electrical pulses, stimulating stomach muscles.
• Feeding tubes: In severe cases, a feeding tube may be necessary to ensure adequate nutrition.