Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a medical condition characterized by the paralysis or abnormal motility of the stomach muscles, leading to slower than normal digestion. This reduced mobility interferes with the stomach's natural emptying of food into the small intestine.

Stomach

GastroparesisXray

Etiology and Pathophysiology

While the exact cause of gastroparesis is often unknown, it's commonly associated with damage to the vagus nerve, which controls the digestive system's muscles. Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, scleroderma, and certain medications can also contribute to the development of gastroparesis.

In gastroparesis, the coordination between the muscles and the nerve signals from the stomach to the small intestine is disrupted, causing food to remain in the stomach for an extended period.

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms of gastroparesis can vary in severity among individuals, and they include nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, and upper abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to malnutrition and weight loss due to reduced food intake.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically based on the patient's clinical history and diagnostic tests, such as a gastric emptying study, endoscopy, or a barium X-ray. Blood tests may also be performed to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.

Management

While there's no cure for gastroparesis, treatments aim to manage symptoms and address the underlying cause, if identified. Dietary modifications, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, can be beneficial. Certain medications may also be prescribed to stimulate gastric emptying or to manage symptoms. In severe cases, alternative feeding methods may be necessary.

See Also

• Gastroenterology
• Diabetes mellitus
• Parkinson's disease
• Scleroderma

References

• "Gastroparesis". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
• "Understanding Gastroparesis". American Gastroenterological Association. Retrieved 2023-05-18.

Gastroparesis Resources
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