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Gastroparesis - Gastroparesis symptom, treatment, causes

Gastroparesis is a condition in which emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine is delayed. Gastroparesis can be caused by certain disorders of the muscles in the stomach walls, or the nerves that control these muscles. In most cases no specific cause can be found (this is called functional gastro-paresis). Less common causes include DIABETES MELLITUS (which damages gut nerves); reduced muscle activity as a side effect of some drugs such as antidepressants and narcotics; and accidental damage, during surgery, to the nerves supplying the stomach.

Gastroparesis Symptoms include chronic or recurrent indigestion or upper abdominal pain, nausea, poor appetite, and feelings of fullness after eating a small amount. The diagnosis is made after other causes of these symptoms have been excluded by endoscopy (internal examination via a viewing instrument), and delayed stomach emptying is demonstrated by special tests. Functional gastroparesis responds well to prokinetic drugs, which accelerate emptying of the stomach. Other types of gastroparesis are treated by elimination of the cause, if possible.

Gastroparesis literally means stomach paralysis. It is a condition in which the stomach muscle becomes slow and weakened. Gastroparesis can be caused by certain disorders of the muscles in the stomach walls, or the nerves that control these muscles. In most cases no specific cause can be found. Less common causes include diabetes mellitus, reduced muscle activity as a side effect of some drugs such as antidepressants and narcotics, and accidental damage, during surgery, to the nerves supplying the stomach. Gastroparesis can worsen diabetic control since delayed stomach emptying makes digestion unpredictable which results in uneven blood sugar levels. Gastroparesis may also be a complication of stomach surgery for ulcer disease or weight loss. Some systemic disorders such as kidney failure, lupus, Parkinson's disease, sclerodema, and thyroid disorders can also delay gastric emptying. Gastroparesis Symptoms include chronic or recurrent indigestion or upper abdominal pain, nausea, poor appetite, and feelings of fullness after eating a small amount. Not everybody who is bloated has gastroparesis. In fact, most of the time, bloating and exessive fullness is caused by irritable bowel syndrome. But, when symptoms are severe, the possibility of gastroparesis must be considered, especially in diabetics.

Gastroparesis can make diabetes worse by adding to the difficulty of controlling blood glucose. Symptoms of postoperative gastroparesis may develop immediately or even years after a surgery is performed. Diet is one of the mainstays of treatment for those who suffer from gastroparesis. Some foods are more difficult than others for the stomach to digest. Fatty foods take a longer time to digest, as do foods that are fibrous, like raw vegetables. People with gastroparesis should reduce their intake of fiber or avoid these foods. A person with gastroparesis may regurgitate or vomit undigested food many hours after their last meal. Weight loss can occur due to poor absorption of nutrients, or taking in too few calories. High blood glucose causes chemical changes in nerves and damages the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. The diagnosis is made after other causes of these symptoms have been excluded by endoscopy, and delayed stomach emptying is demonstrated by special tests. No available treatment can cure gastroparesis. Dietary changes and certain medications sometimes help control symptoms of gastroparesis, but they're not effective in every case. What's more, the few available gastroparesis drugs can cause serious side effects.

Causes of Gastroparesis

The common causes and risk factor's of Gastroparesis include the following:

• Diabetes.
• Anorexia nervosa.
• Certain medications, particularly those that slow contractions in the intestine.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (rarely).
• Metabolic disorders, including hypothyroidism.
• Nervous system diseases, including abdominal migraine and Parkinson's disease.
• Surgery on the stomach or vagus nerve.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

Some sign and symptoms related to Gastroparesis are as follows:

• Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux.
• Lack of appetite.
• An early feeling of fullness when eating.
• Weight loss.
• vomiting of undigested food.
• Abdominal bloating.
• Changes in blood sugar levels.
• Abdominal discomfort.

Treatment of Gastroparesis

Here is list of the methods for treating Gastroparesis:

• Metoclopramide is a medication that acts on dopamine receptors in the stomach and intestine as well as in the brain. This medication can stimulate contraction of the stomach that leads to improvement in emptying.
• Erythromycin: This antibiotic also improves stomach emptying. It works by increasing the contractions that move food through the stomach.
• Changing eating habits can also help control gastroparesis. Sometimes, eating six smaller meals a day is more effective than eating three larger ones. Some physicians recommend several liquid meals a day until blood glucose levels are stable and gastroparesis is stable.
• Other medications may be used to treat symptoms and problems related to gastroparesis. For example, an antiemetic can help with nausea and vomiting. Antibiotics will clear up a bacterial infection.
• Occasionally, when other approaches fail, it is necessary to perform a surgical procedure called jejunostomy, in which a feeding tube is inserted through the skin on the abdomen into the small intestine.