Gastroparesis Treatment in Indore

Gastroparesis – Description

Gastroparesis is a disorder whereby the stomach does not empty into the small intestines as fast as usual, but without an actual obstruction. This occurs because of poor or broken stomach muscles or nerves, particularly, vagus nerve, which governs food movement. This makes food remain in the stomach longer, leading to discomfort and digestive problems. Gastroparesis may cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, early fullness, abdominal pain, and poor management of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. It may also render the intake of nutrients inefficient, resulting in malnutrition in extreme situations.

Types of Gastroparesis

1. Diabetic Gastroparesis

Most common type.

It is a result of damage to the nerves caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetes over a long period.

Causes slow emptying in the stomach and control of blood glucose.

2. Idiopathic Gastroparesis

Cause is unknown (idiopathic).

Explains a significant proportion of cases of gastroparesis.

The symptoms are also similar: nausea, vomiting, bloating, and fullness.

3. Post-Surgical Gastroparesis

Results of the stomach or vagus nerve surgery.

During operations, injury to nerves retards the movement of the stomach.

4. Medication-Induced Gastroparesis

There are some drugs, such as opioids, anticholinergics, or some antidepressants, which slow down the rate at which the stomach empties.

5. Other Causes

Neurological (Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis) diseases.

Autoimmune diseases

Viral infections (rare cases)

Symptoms

Nausea and vomiting

Eating very fast and being full.

Fullness and abdominal pain.

Heartburn/ gastroesophageal reflux.

Inappetite and unintentional weight loss.

The sugar level in diabetics.

Prevention of Gastroparesis.

1. For Diabetic Patients

Keep the sugar levels under control.

Check the blood sugar levels at the beginning of meals and at the end.

Modify the dose of insulin according to the requirements of a doctor.

2. Dietary Measures

Take smaller and more frequent meals.

Select low-fat and low-fibre foods (fibre is a slow digester)

Chew food well and do not eat big and indigestible food.

Do not consume carbonated beverages and extremely high-fat meals.

3. Medication Awareness

Avoid or limit drugs that retard the emptying of the stomach.

Do not initiate new drugs without consulting a physician.

4. Lifestyle Tips

Exercise is a mild form of exercise that aids in digestion.

Cope with stress, which aggravates digestive symptoms.

Stay hydrated

5. Medical Management

In other instances, physicians can also prescribe prokinetic drugs (such as metoclopramide) to enhance the emptying of the stomach.

Severe or refractory ones may necessitate feeding tubes or gastric electrical stimulation.