Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis Explained

Gastroparesis is characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. It is often related to nerve or muscle dysfunction in the stomach and can be caused by diabetes, prior surgery, certain medications, or be idiopathic.

Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, early fullness, bloating, and abdominal pain can significantly affect nutrition, weight, and quality of life. Diagnosis relies on documenting delayed stomach emptying and ruling out other causes.

Symptoms

People with gastroparesis often feel uncomfortably full soon after starting a meal, may have nausea or vomiting hours later, and may struggle to maintain weight and blood sugar control.

Symptoms include:

Early satiety (feeling full quickly) and post-meal fullness

Nausea and vomiting, sometimes of undigested food eaten hours earlier

Bloating, belching, and upper abdominal discomfort

Poor appetite and unintentional weight loss

Difficulty controlling blood sugars in people with diabetes

When to call

Call the office if you experience ongoing nausea, vomiting, early fullness, weight loss, or difficulties managing blood sugars that may suggest gastroparesis or a flare in known disease. Also call if your symptoms change significantly or treatment is no longer effective.

Seek emergency care for persistent vomiting with inability to keep down fluids, signs of severe dehydration (dizziness, confusion, reduced urination), severe abdominal pain, or vomiting blood. These can indicate serious complications that need immediate attention.

Evaluation & Tests

Management & Treatment

Evaluation includes ruling out obstruction and documenting delayed stomach emptying, often with a gastric emptying study. Other tests may assess stomach electrical activity and identify contributing conditions like diabetes or medication effects.

Detailed review of symptoms, diet, medication list, and history of diabetes or abdominal surgery

Upper endoscopy or imaging to exclude mechanical obstruction

Gastric emptying study (scintigraphy or other modalities) to measure how quickly food leaves the stomach

Additional tests such as electrogastrography or other specialized studies when needed

Laboratory evaluation for nutritional deficiencies and metabolic issues

Management aims to relieve symptoms, support nutrition, and address underlying causes. This often includes dietary modifications, medication adjustments, pro-motility drugs, and in more severe cases, endoscopic or surgical therapies and nutritional support.

Dietary changes such as smaller, more frequent meals; lower fat and fiber; and softer or liquid foods as advised

Reviewing and adjusting medications that can slow stomach emptying when possible

Use of pro-kinetic medications and anti-nausea drugs when appropriate

Attention to blood sugar control in patients with diabetes

In severe cases, consideration of enteral feeding, endoscopic/surgical interventions (e.g., pyloric therapies), or referral to specialized centers

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis or personalized medical advice. It does not replace a visit with your own healthcare provider. Always follow the specific recommendations given by your medical team. If you have urgent or worsening symptoms, contact your provider or seek emergency care right away.