Diseases
gastroparesis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach. Ordinarily, strong muscular contractions propel food through your digestive tract. But if you have gastroparesis, your stomach's motility is slowed down or doesn't work at all, preventing your stomach from emptying properly.
Symptoms
- abdominal bloating, and abdominal pain
- nausea, and vomiting
- a feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites
- vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier
- acid reflux, changes in blood sugar levels.
Causes
- it's not always clear what leads to gastroparesis, but in some cases it can be caused by damage to a nerve that controls the stomach muscles (vagus nerve).
Risk factors
- diabetes
- abdominal or esophageal surgery
- infection, usually from a virus
Diagnosis
- ultrasound
- gastric emptying tests
- upper gastrointestinal (gi) endoscopy
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach. Ordinarily, strong muscular contractions propel food through your digestive tract. But if you have gastroparesis, your stomach's motility is slowed down or doesn't work at all, preventing your stomach from emptying properly.
What are the symptoms of gastroparesis?
abdominal bloating, and abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, a feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites, vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier, acid reflux, changes in blood sugar levels.
What causes gastroparesis?
it's not always clear what leads to gastroparesis, but in some cases it can be caused by damage to a nerve that controls the stomach muscles (vagus nerve).
Which medicines are used for gastroparesis?
itopride
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