What Is Gastroparesis & How Do You Manage It?

Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal functioning of the stomach muscles, causing delayed emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness even after eating only small amounts of food. For those living with chronic medical conditions it's just one more issue to manage, so I'll covered the basics of symptoms, testing, comorbidities of Gastroparesis and helpful tips below.

This article may contain affiliate links for which I might receive a small commission on any purchases, but please be aware that I won't ever recommend something that I have not personally tried and loved.

COMORBIDITIES

Gastroparesis is a condition that can often occur alongside other health conditions. Some of the most commonly comorbid conditions of gastroparesis include:

1. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that control the stomach muscles, leading to gastroparesis.

2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Gastroparesis can cause food to stay in the stomach longer than usual, leading to increased pressure in the stomach and reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.

3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Gastroparesis can cause similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions.

4. Connective tissue disorders: Some connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome can cause digestive system problems including gastroparesis.

5. Neurological disorders: Conditions that affect the nerves, such as Parkinson's disease or Dysautonomia (Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction) can also cause gastroparesis.

It's important to note that the presence of comorbid conditions can make the management of gastroparesis more complex. A comprehensive treatment plan should take into account any other health conditions that the patient may have, and involve a multidisciplinary approach with input from a gastroenterologist, dietitian, and other healthcare professionals as needed.

Testing for Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis can be diagnosed through a series of tests that evaluate the stomach's ability to empty food properly. Here are some of the most common tests used to diagnose gastroparesis:

1. Gastric emptying study: This is the most common test used to diagnose gastroparesis. The patient eats a meal containing a small amount of radioactive material, and a scanner is used to track the progress of the food as it moves through the digestive system. This test can determine how quickly food moves through the stomach and into the small intestine.

2. Upper endoscopy: This test involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube with a camera down the patient's throat and into the stomach. This allows the doctor to examine the stomach lining for any abnormalities that may be causing gastroparesis.

3. Electrogastrography (EGG): This test involves the use of electrodes placed on the skin of the abdomen to measure the electrical activity of the stomach muscles. This can help identify any abnormalities in stomach contractions that may be causing gastroparesis.

4. Wireless motility capsule: This test involves the ingestion of a small capsule that contains a transmitter. The capsule moves through the digestive system, and the transmitter sends data to a receiver that the patient wears on their body. This can provide information about the speed of food movement through the digestive system.

If gastroparesis is diagnosed, additional tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the condition. These tests may include blood tests, imaging studies, or other specialized tests as needed. A gastroenterologist can work with the patient to determine the best course of treatment based on their specific situation.

Tips for Living with Gastroparesis

While there is no cure for gastroparesis, there are several ways to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

One of the most helpful tips for managing gastroparesis is to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. This can help to ease the workload on the stomach and reduce the likelihood of symptoms such as nausea and bloating.

Another helpful tip is to choose foods that are easy to digest, such as soups, stews, and soft, cooked vegetables. Raw vegetables are harder to digest, which means they'll hang around in your stomach longer. Also, avoiding high-fat and high-fiber foods can also be beneficial, as these can be more difficult for the stomach to digest too.

In addition to dietary changes, there are several other strategies that can help to manage gastroparesis symptoms. These include taking medications to improve stomach emptying, practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or yoga, and staying hydrated to prevent dehydration.

You can also find some symptom relief through several over-the-counter options, such as:

• Gas-x for bloating symptoms.

• Ginger Chews or Aromatherapy inhalers to quell nausea.

• Miralax to keep things moving a little better through your GI system. A backed-up tummy will only add to your discomfort from gastroparesis.

• Liquid Probiotics to give your gut a healthy leg-up to add in absorption without having to digest pills.

• Liquid vitamin & mineral supplements to make sure you're getting enough of the things you need, since poor absorption can be an added issue with this condition. *Especially of you also have other chronic medical conditions.

Overall, gastroparesis can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right approach and lifestyle changes, it is usually possible to live a full and healthy life with this condition. Keep in mind that this condition is on a spectrum, so some people have more issues than others and treatment is not a one-size-fits-all. If you suspect you may have gastroparesis, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you.

I hope this helps and do let me know if you have any questions or suggestions you'd like to share!

Love & Light,

Jane

*The above image is an Amazon Shoppable link, meaning all the products shown are neatly organized in one place for quick reference once clicked. Full disclosure, I am an affiliate, so I may receive a small commission from any purchase.