Digestive disorder characterized with prolongs processing of food-Gastroparesis

Emobileclinic Trending Topic

Gastroparesis is a digestive disorder characterized with prolongs processing of food in the stomach as a result of a defective or weak stomach muscles. It is a serious medical condition with no known permanent cure, however; medications are available for managing the associated symptoms.

Causes
Gastroparesis arises as a result of the distruption in the stomach nerve signal. The vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of the processing of food in the digestive tract. This nerve can get damaged by several health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, high blood sugar levels and complications arising from surgery on the stomach which then resulted in slowing down the digestive process.

Predisposing factors
The risk of developing gastroparesis is high in some conditions which include:
Infection
Eating disorder
Diabetes mellitus
Hypothyroidism
Using cancer medications
Parkinson’s disease

Possible Complications

Reduced blood pressure
Breathing disorder such as fast breathing
Raised or high heartbeat
Weakened immune system
Reduced output of urine
Prolong wound healing process
Muscular weakness
Bacteria overgrowth in the stomach
Stomach obstruction

Symptoms

Heartburn
Idiopathic loss of weight
Upper abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating
Dehydration
Excessive gas in the stomach
Reduced appetite
Erratic blood sugar levels
Malnutrition

Diagnosis

The medical history of the patient will be review to have an idea about the heath status of the patient. The doctor will aslo examine the patient physically. The doctor may carried out an ultrasound, request for an X-ray showing if the stomach is emptying as expected, request for upper endoscopy to examine the stomach lining. Gastric emptying scintigraphy and smart pill tests may further be done to confirm gastroparesis.

Treatment
Using medications to treat various underlying health condition as may be prescribed by the doctor.

Dietary changes including the consumption of low fatty food, intake of more water may be required in managing the condition.

Surgical intervention may be needed in case of no improvement in the condition after using medications.

Feeding tube may be adopted in severe case of gastroparesis where there is inability to eat or drink naturally.