Gastroparesis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Raosaheb Rathod , Gastroenterologists Medical

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Gastroparesis is a digestive disorder in which the stomach empties food into the small intestine more slowly than normal without a physical blockage. It commonly causes nausea, vomiting, early fullness, bloating, and abdominal pain. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including dietary changes, medications, and other therapies, help improve digestion, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications.

What are the Symptoms of Gastroparesis and Warning Signs?

Gastroparesis often causes many nonspecific symptoms. A gastroenterologist needs to make a diagnosis. Common symptoms of gastroparesis include:

Bloating
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Feeling full after eating small amounts
loss of appetite
Acid reflux
Weight loss
malnutrition

Severe Symptoms

Vomiting undigested food
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels
Severe dehydration
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Formation of solid food masses (bezoars)

What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Gastroparesis?

The exact cause of gastroparesis is not fully understood. In many cases, it is linked to damage to the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscle movement.

The vagus nerve helps regulate complex digestive processes, including signaling the stomach muscles to contract and push food into the small intestine. When this nerve is damaged, food stays in the stomach longer, delaying digestion and nutrient absorption.

Common causes of vagus nerve damage include:

Diabetes (especially poorly controlled blood sugar)
Surgery involving the stomach or small intestine
Infections or inflammation affecting the nervous system

Risk Factors

Risk increases with:

Hypothyroidism
Abdominal or oesophagal surgery
Certain medications, including some antidepressants and narcotics
Scleroderma
Nervous system disorders, like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.
Women are more prone than men to develop gastroparesis

When to See a Doctor for Gastroparesis?

Consult a gastroenterologist medical if you experience persistent nausea, vomiting, early fullness, abdominal bloating, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty eating. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent malnutrition, dehydration, and complications related to delayed stomach emptying.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Persistent nausea or vomiting
Feeling full after eating very little food
Unexplained weight loss
Difficulty controlling blood sugar levels due to digestive symptoms

Get medical help immediately if:

Severe dehydration from repeated vomiting
Persistent inability to eat or drink
Severe abdominal pain with vomiting
Signs of malnutrition or confusion

These could be signs of severe gastroparesis or related complications, which require urgent medical care.

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How is Gastroparesis Diagnosed?

Your doctor will inquire about the symptoms and medical history. They will also conduct a physical examination. They may order tests such as:

Radioisotope Stomach-emptying Scan (Gastric Scintigraphy): You'll be given food containing a small amount of safe radiation. After eating, you'll lie under a scanner. If over 10% of the food remains in your stomach after 4 hours, it may suggest gastroparesis.
Blood Tests: Detect dehydration, malnutrition, infection, and blood sugar issues.
Barium X-ray: You will be given a liquid (barium) to swallow, which will cover your oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine and appear on an X-ray. This is also part of an upper GI (gastrointestinal) series.
Gastric Manometry: It is a procedure in which the doctor inserts a tiny tube into the mouth and the stomach to measure electrical and muscle activity and the rate at which people digest.
Electrogastrography: It uses electrodes on the skin to assess the stomach's electrical activity.
Ultrasound Imaging: Employs sound waves to create images of the organs. The doctor may use it to rule out other conditions.

What Are the Treatment Options for Gastroparesis?

The first step in gastroparesis treatment is identifying and addressing the underlying cause. If gastroparesis is caused by diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels is typically the initial step in treating gastroparesis patients.

Gastroparesis Treatment Diet: It consists of eating small, nutritious meals, including foods low in fibre and fat, easily digestible food and well-cooked vegetables. You must avoid carbonated beverages and alcohol. Drinking lots of water and liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices will help manage your condition.
Natural Therapy for Gastroparesis: It includes consuming probiotics, yoghurt, liquid nutritional supplements, and avoiding constipation. Ginger is a classic natural nausea remedy. Acupuncture and deep relaxation techniques have been known to alleviate the symptoms of gastroparesis.
Medication for Gastroparesis: Promethazine and Metoclopramide are used to relieve nausea and vomiting. Erythromycin, an antibiotic, also helps the stomach muscles to contract and drive food out of the stomach.
Gastroparesis Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and tricyclic antidepressant medications may help alleviate gastroparesis symptoms.
Quitting Smoking and Drinking Alcohol: In your daily routine, including modest physical exercises such as walking after eating, and avoiding lying down within three hours of consuming food, may show some improvement.
Intravenous Nutrition: Nutrients are delivered directly into the circulation via a catheter inserted into a vein.
Jejunostomy Tube: Bypassing the stomach, a tube is introduced into the small intestine through the abdomen. This provides nutrition straight to the small intestine.
Electrical Gastric Stimulation: This therapy uses electric pulses to stimulate the nerves and soothe stomach muscles to increase contractions.
Gastroparesis Surgery: While partial or total gastrectomy may temporarily relieve certain symptoms of gastroparesis, it has serious long-term consequences.

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What Precautions Can Help Prevent Gastroparesis?

Preventing gastroparesis mainly involves lifestyle changes and regular health check-ups, especially if you are at risk.

Prevention

Control blood sugar levels carefully if you have diabetes.
Eat small, frequent meals with cooked vegetables avoid greasy and high-fibre foods.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
Take a short walk after meals and avoid lying down immediately.
Chew food thoroughly to aid digestion.
Get regular screenings if you have diabetes or other risk factors.

Complications

Gastroparesis can have a negative impact on your health and decrease the overall quality of life. Complications may include the following:

Excessive Vomiting: This may lead to severe dehydration, which can even be fatal
Reduced Appetitie: You may have reduced appetite or vomiting that prevents you from receiving adequate nutrients
Fermation of Food in the Stomach: Foods that remain in the stomach for too long can ferment, causing germs to develop
Formation of Bezoars: These are solid masses that may be formed in the stomach due to undigested food
Nausea: Complications can induce nausea and vomiting, and if they block the passage between the stomach and small intestine, these can be fatal as well
Abnormal Blood Sugar Levels: This may prevent you from absorbing enough nutrients.

What Is the Recovery Process for Gastroparesis?

Recovery depends on the underlying cause and the severity of delayed stomach emptying. Many people can effectively manage symptoms with lifestyle changes, medications, and regular medical follow-up.

Follow dietary recommendations consistently
Take prescribed medications as directed
Maintain good diabetes control if applicable
Stay hydrated and maintain adequate nutrition
Attend regular follow-up appointments
Monitor for worsening symptoms or nutritional deficiencies
Avoid medications that slow stomach emptying unless advised otherwise
Seek prompt medical care if symptoms suddenly worsen

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the life expectancy for gastroparesis patients?

Life expectancy varies, influenced by severity, underlying causes, and treatment effectiveness. With proper care, many lead fulfilling lives.

2. How to relieve bloating in gastroparesis?

Opt for smaller, frequent meals, avoid high-fat and high-fiber foods, stay hydrated, and consider medication prescribed by a healthcare provider.

3. Which foods to avoid with gastroparesis?

High-fat, high-fiber foods, carbonated drinks, and alcohol are typically advised against. Individual dietary recommendations can vary, so consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian.

4. What's the death rate associated with gastroparesis?

While directly low, complications like malnutrition and dehydration can heighten mortality risk. Early diagnosis, proper management, and symptom monitoring are crucial for better outcomes.

5. Can exercise help gastroparesis symptoms?

Gentle exercise may aid digestion and reduce symptoms for some, but intense activity can worsen nausea. Always discuss exercise plans with your healthcare provider to find what works best.