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Metoclopramide HclYour comprehensive guide to understanding this stomach condition and how to manage it more effectively. Gastroparesis is a chronic condition affecting how the stomach muscles move food (peristalsis) and resulting in a delay or complete halt of food moving toward the small intestine. August is...
Read More... Jul 07, 2023Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a long term (chronic) condition where the stomach cannot empty food in the normal way. Food passes through the stomach slower than usual. Although often the exact cause is usually unknown, gastroparesis thought to be the result of a problem with the nerve and muscles that control how the stomach empties. If there is damage to the vagus nerve – the nerve that controls the stomach muscles, they may not work properly and the movement of food can slow down, preventing your stomach from emptying fully.
Certain medications, such as some allergy antidepressants, high blood pressure and allergy medications as well as some opioid pain relievers can lead to slow gastric emptying and present similar symptoms. These medications can make gastroparesis worse for this already suffering with the condition.
Gastroparesis can cause nausea and vomiting and can create problems with blood sugar levels as it interferes with the normal digestion process. Other symptoms may include a feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites, acid reflux, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier, lack of appetite or weight loss and malnutrition.
The risk if gastroparesis can be increased by diabetes, abdominal surgery, infection (usually a virus), certain medications that slow the rate of the stomach emptying, such as narcotic pain medications, scleroderma and nervous system diseases such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
Gastroparesis can cause severe dehydration due to ongoing vomiting, malnutrition as you may be unable to absorb sufficient nutrients. Undigested food can harden into a solid mass in your stomach, this is called Bezoar, and can be life threatening. Your quality of life can also be affected as acute flare ups of symptoms can make it difficult to carry out normal tasks.
Doctors will use several tests to help diagnose gastroparesis and rule out any conditions that cause similar symptoms. A gastric emptying study involves eating a light meal that contains a small amount of radioactive material. A scanner will detect the movement of the radioactive material is placed over your abdomen to monitor the rate at which food leaves your stomach.
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy involves a tiny camera being inserted into your esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine to visually examine your upper digestive system. This procedure can able be used to diagnose other conditions that have similar symptoms to gastroparesis.
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. It can diagnose problems with your gallbladder or kidneys that can be causing your symptoms.
An upper gastrointestinal series, is a series of x-rays in which your drink a white, chalky liquid called barium, that coast the digestive system to help abnormalities show up.
The treatment of gastroparesis will begin with identifying the underlying cause. For example, if diabetes is causing your gastroparesis, doctors will work with you to help control it. Many people can control their symptoms with dietary changes, and a doctor may refer you to a dietician. In some case medications to stimulate the stomach muscles will be prescribed.
Some medications may also be prescribed to help control the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Drugs Used To Treat Gastroparesis:
Drugs related to Gastroparesis:
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