Understanding Gastroparesis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options. And how you can help

Imagine not being able to eat any food at all due to a devastating digestive condition?

This is the problem faced by many people who suffer from a poorly understood condition known as Gastroparesis.

What is Gastroparesis? It is a gastrointestinal disorder characterised by delayed emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine without any apparent obstruction. This condition can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. Understanding the causes and available treatment options for gastroparesis is crucial for effectively managing this condition.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis:

Gastroparesis presents with a range of symptoms, which may vary in severity from person to person. Common symptoms include:

Nausea and vomiting: Individuals with gastroparesis often experience persistent nausea and may vomit undigested food, especially after meals.

Bloating: The delayed emptying of the stomach can lead to a sensation of fullness and bloating, even after consuming small amounts of food.

Abdominal pain or discomfort: Some individuals may experience abdominal pain or discomfort, which can be intermittent or persistent.

Heartburn or acid reflux: Gastroparesis can exacerbate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), leading to heartburn or acid reflux.

Changes in blood sugar levels: Gastroparesis can interfere with the normal absorption of nutrients, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes.

Causes of Gastroparesis:

Several factors can contribute to the development of gastroparesis, including:

Diabetes: Diabetic gastroparesis is the most common form of the condition and is thought to result from damage to the nerves that control stomach contractions due to high blood sugar levels over time.

Post-surgical complications: Gastroparesis can occur as a complication of certain abdominal surgeries, particularly those involving the stomach or intestines.

Neurological disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis can affect the nerves that regulate stomach function, leading to gastroparesis.

Medications: Some medications, such as opioids and certain antidepressants, can slow down stomach emptying and contribute to the development of gastroparesis.

Idiopathic: In some cases, the cause of gastroparesis may be unknown, and it is referred to as idiopathic gastroparesis.

Treatment Options for Gastroparesis:

The management of gastroparesis focuses on alleviating symptoms, improving stomach emptying, and addressing any underlying causes. Treatment options may include:

Dietary modifications: Eating smaller, more frequent meals low in fat and fibere can help ease symptoms of gastroparesis. Chewing food thoroughly and avoiding carbonated beverages may also be beneficial.

Medications: Several medications can be prescribed to help stimulate stomach contractions and improve gastric emptying. These may include prokinetic agents such as metoclopramide or domperidone, as well as antiemetics to control nausea and vomiting.

Botulinum toxin injections: In some cases, injecting botulinum toxin directly into the pyloric sphincter (the muscle that controls the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine) can help relax the muscle and improve stomach emptying.

Gastric electrical stimulation: This treatment involves implanting a device similar to a pacemaker in the abdomen to deliver electrical impulses to the stomach, which can help regulate gastric motility and reduce symptoms.

Surgical interventions: In severe cases of gastroparesis that do not respond to other treatments, surgical options such as gastric bypass or pyloroplasty (widening of the pyloric sphincter) may be considered.

Gastroparesis is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. While there is no cure for gastroparesis, various treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and improve stomach function. By working closely with healthcare providers and making lifestyle modifications, individuals with gastroparesis can effectively manage their condition and experience improved quality of life.

One person who is fighting back against Gastroparesis is Eleanor 'Ellie' Dyson. Gastric electrical stimulation would be of benefit to Ellie, but there is no NHS funding available for such a device. 

A friend suggested to Ellie that she should start a Gofundme appeal and after giving this some consideration, that was what she decided to do.

Her statement on the site says: "My name is Ellie ( Eleanor ) and I have a condition called Gastroparesis. It’s not very well known and is a life limiting chronic illness. I am sick, in pain and very weak on a daily basis. Currently I am tube fed through my abdomen but this is not a complete solution. A gastric pacemaker could really help my condition and prevent me from being hospitalised regularly. I’ve had this condition for 10 years and my children have grown up seeing me in and out of hospital. I feel I have been treated horribly in hospital in the past few years, because people don’t understand the condition."

If you would like to make a donation to Ellie's appeal, here is the link:- https://gofund.me/fe954baa

Incidentally, August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month and you can learn more from the GUTS UK charity https://gutscharity.org.uk