Gastroparesis
Overview
Gastroparesis is where food passes through the stomach slower than it should. It's a long-term condition that can be managed with diet changes, medicines and other treatments.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gastroparesis start after eating and may include: feeling full sooner than usual – you may be unable to finish mealsfeeling sick and being sicktummy painheartburnbloating If you've had these symptoms for a while, you may also be losing weight.
Causes
Gastroparesis is thought to be a problem with the nerves and muscles in the stomach. It's not always known what causes it. It can be a complication of long-term conditions such asdiabetes. Gastroparesis can also be a complication after some types of surgery.
Treatment
You may be given medicines for gastroparesis that can: help food move through your stomach faster, such asmetoclopramideordomperidonestop you feeling sick and being sickhelp with pain If your gastroparesis is linked to diabetes, you may also be offered ways to help you manage your blood sugar levels, such as using an insulin pump. Depending on your symptoms, you may be offered other treatments including: a feeding tube if you havemalnutrition(a feeding tube can help you get nutrients)botulinum toxin injections to help relax the valve between your stomach and small intestinegastro-electrical stimulation, where an electrical device is placed in the abdomen to help your stomach muscles work (this may not be available on the NHS)surgery where your stomach may be reshaped to help food pass through it more easily