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Gastroparesis: A Patient's Guide

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Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach empties too slowly due to nerve or muscle dysfunction, often described as stomach paralysis. It causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Management focuses on dietary changes, medications, and sometimes surgery to improve quality of life.

Key Takeaways

  • • Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach empties too slowly due to nerve or muscle dysfunction.
  • • Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and difficulty eating.
  • • Causes include diabetes, surgical complications, or idiopathic (unknown) factors.
  • • Management focuses on diet modification, medications, and working with motility specialists.
  • • Severe complications can include dehydration and bezoars.

Receiving a diagnosis of gastroparesis can be frightening and confusing. You may have been told your stomach is “paralyzed,” or you may have struggled for months or years to find an answer for your nausea and pain.

This guide is designed to help you understand your condition, navigate the medical system, and take back control of your life. It is not a substitute for medical advice, but a tool to help you work better with your doctor.

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis literally means “stomach paralysis.” It is a condition where the stomach empties too slowly, not because of a blockage, but because the nerves or muscles aren’t working properly. This delay can cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, and difficulty eating.

How to Use This Guide

We have broken down the information into specific topics to help you find what you need:

You are not alone in this journey. With the right knowledge and team, you can manage your symptoms and live a full life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach empties too slowly, not due to a blockage, but because the nerves or muscles of the stomach are not working properly. It is often referred to as "stomach paralysis."
What causes gastroparesis?
The three main types mentioned are diabetic gastroparesis, post-surgical gastroparesis, and idiopathic gastroparesis, where the cause is unknown. Your specific type may influence your treatment plan.
What are the symptoms of gastroparesis?
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and difficulty eating. Patients often experience a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food.
How is gastroparesis treated?
Treatment typically starts with dietary changes, often called the "gastroparesis diet." Other options include medications like prokinetics and antiemetics, and in more severe cases, surgical procedures or tube feeding.
When should I go to the ER for gastroparesis?
You should ask your doctor about warning signs for serious complications like severe dehydration or bezoars (hardened masses of food). Immediate medical attention is often required for these issues.

Questions for Your Doctor

  • • What specific type of gastroparesis do you suspect I have, and how does that change my treatment plan?
  • • Can you refer me to a motility specialist or a registered dietitian who is experienced with gastroparesis?
  • • What are the signs of a serious complication like a bezoar or severe dehydration that should send me to the ER?

Questions for You

  • • How has my relationship with food changed since my symptoms started?
  • • Am I tracking my symptoms to see if there are patterns with certain foods or times of day?
  • • Do I have a support system in place to help me on the hard days?

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This guide explains gastroparesis and its management for educational purposes. Always consult your gastroenterologist for medical advice and treatment plans.

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