Gastroparesis Awareness

Articles

Aug 1

Gastroparesis is an important health issue to raise awareness about, particularly during the month of August. Promoting a better understanding of this issue and how it can affect an individual’s quality of life may enable more people to find treatment options and learn strategies to prevent symptoms from worsening. Many elements of this condition are still unclear to medical professionals and the number of individuals with the disorder seems to be increasing. [AboutGastroparesis.org] Although gastroparesis has no cure, there are many ways to manage the disorder by making dietary changes, incorporating appropriate medications, and seeking other therapeutic interventions.

What is Gastroparesis?

Often a result or complication related to diabetes or surgery, gastroparesis is related to the muscles in the stomach. Food digestion usually involves contractions of the stomach muscles to move food through the digestive tract. With gastroparesis, these muscle movements are slowed or not functioning adequately to empty the stomach. The result can be painful, with nausea, vomiting, and other discomforts. Because food is not digested properly, individuals may not receive proper nutrition and it can interfere with the body’s blood glucose levels.

Diabetes is often related to this disorder because it can cause nerve damage. The vagus nerve is partly responsible for regulating the digestive system and that involves cells of the stomach. When the vagus nerve is damaged, it can result in the development of gastroparesis. Other causes are related to things like stomach infection, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, some types of medication, and other more rare diseases.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

Many of the symptoms of gastroparesis seem typical, such as heartburn, stomach pain, bloating, or a lack of appetite. All of these symptoms do not necessarily indicate gastroparesis. Other symptoms may be more severe, such as unexplained weight loss, frequently vomiting food a few hours after eating, or feeling full after eating only a small amount of food. At times, certain types of food can exacerbate symptoms. Foods high in fat or that have carbonation can make symptoms worse.

When gastroparesis persists, other complications can occur. Regularly vomiting can expel more than just food from the body, but necessary fluids as well. Dehydration can be dangerous and can continue to cause new problems and damage over time. When food sits in the stomach and is not moved through digestion properly, it can harden. The hard mass that forms is called a bezoar. When a mass like this is formed, it can not only cause more nausea and vomiting, but it can also block food from passing to the small intestine which can prove to be very dangerous. Diabetes is not caused by gastroparesis but your blood sugar can be affected by the disease due to the lack of consistency in proper food absorption. All of these potential symptoms can have a very detrimental impact on an individual’s quality of life if not managed.

Diagnosing Gastroparesis

Healthcare professionals will typically test the rate at which an individual’s stomach empties to understand whether the symptoms presented could have another cause. Two kinds of tests can be conducted to measure how fast or slow the stomach empties. One test involves ingesting and monitoring food as it passes through the body and the other monitors ingredients that can be detected in an individual’s breath. Doctors may also recommend an endoscopy or ultrasound to detect gastroparesis.

Managing Gastroparesis

Once an individual is diagnosed with gastroparesis, an individual treatment plan can begin. Typically, gastroparesis affects nutrition to a high degree. Creating a diet plan which suits the individual best is a smart place to begin. Some changes might include eating more frequent, smaller meals, avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, low-fat foods, and carbonation, increasing water intake, or eating more pureed food or food in liquid form. intentional changes to certain actions in your daily routine, like going for a walk after eating or avoiding lying down for a few hours after a meal.

Working with a dietician can help individuals get expert recommendations for the types of food to try and the specific types to avoid. Usually, the goal is to incorporate foods that are easier for your body to digest.

Occupational Therapy

Sometimes changes to our routine can be difficult to manage. Working with an occupational therapist can help individuals with their activities of daily living (ADLs). It can be stressful to endure stomach pain and discomfort, and gastroparesis can grow worse from that stress. Learning breathing techniques and engaging in stress-relieving activities can help the body relax and function with more ease.

If you or a loved one is struggling with gastroparesis, contact Tilton’s Therapy. Our therapists work in the regions of Northern and Southern Nevada as well as Oregon and Hawaii. Occupational therapy may help individuals to manage the symptoms of gastroparesis and help individuals reach their maximum level of independence possible. Register a new patient or inquire with our team today.

Browse our other resources to find guides and techniques to “tune-up” your own therapeutic practice. Download habit trackers and instructions to engage in therapist recommended activities at home.