Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a syndrome that slows or stops the flow of food from our stomach to our small intestine. Normally, after swallowing food, the muscles in the wall of our stomach grind the food into smaller pieces and push them into our small intestine to continue digestion. When we have Gastroparesis our stomach muscles work poorly or not at all, and our stomach takes too long to empty its contents. Gastroparesis can delay metabolism, which can lead to various symptoms and obstacles. Gastroparesis is not common. Out of 100,000 people, about 10 men and about 40 women will have Gastroparesis. However, symptoms that are similar to those of Gastroparesis occur in about 1 out of 4 adults who are more likely to get Gastroparesis are who have diabetes and who had surgery on Esophagus, stomach, or small intestine, which may injure the vagus nerve NIH external link. The vagus nerve reins the muscles of the stomach and small intestine. Gastroparesis likely to occur to certain cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy NIH external link on chest or stomach area.

Most common symptoms of Gastroparesis

Chronic nausea

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

A feeling of fullness