Gastroparesis Edmond Tai, Kar Yi Lim, Vivian Lin, Chan Park

What is Gastroparesis? Gastroparesis is a disorder that prevents the effective digestion of food. Usually food is pushed through the body by the muscles throughout the digestive organs. A person with gastroparesis has trouble digesting because the muscles of the stomach are not effective. It takes them longer than normal to digest food.

How does gastroparesis develop? Gastroparesis is believed to be caused by damage to the vagus nerve which controls the stomach muscles. The vagus nerve controls the digestive processes and tells the stomach when to release food into the small intestine. The vagus nerve can be damaged by diseases such as diabetes or surgery involving the stomach or small intestine.

Risk factors for gastroparesis include: Diabetes Gastrectomy - surgical removal of all or part of the stomach Systemic sclerosis - a systemic connective tissue disease Use of medication that inhibits certain nerve signals (anticholinergic medication)

How can gastroparesis be diagnosed? Medical history is where the physician may suspect the diagnosis based on the symptoms. o In severe cases, a physical exam and blood test may show evidence. Doctors use several tests to help diagnose gastroparesis and rule out conditions that may cause similar symptoms. The best methods of diagnosis: Measuring the time it takes for your stomach to empty. o how long it takes for food to more through the stomach Using a scope to see inside your stomach. o upper endoscopy may help rule out other conditions that can cause delayed gastric emptying

What are the symptoms of gastroparesis? Abdominal distention Nausea Premature abdominal fullness after meals Unintentional weight loss and malnutrition Vomiting Change in blood sugar levels Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux Gastroparesis can also cause serious problems such as bezoars and irritate those with diabetes in addition to the ones mentioned above.

Complications of Gastroparesis Primary complications of gastroparesis include: Fluctuations in blood glucose (in diabetic patients) General malnutrition due to the symptoms of the disease (which frequently include vomiting and reduced appetite) Severe fatigue and weight loss due to calorie deficit Intestinal obstruction due to the formation of solid masses of undigested food (bezoars) Bacterial infection due to overgrowth in undigested food

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