If you've been experiencing nausea, vomiting, or feeling full after just a few bites of food, you may be dealing with gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach muscles slow down or stop working properly. When left untreated, gastroparesis can lead to severe malnutrition, dangerous blood sugar fluctuations, and a significant decline in your quality of life.
Our specialists are here to provide comprehensive testing, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to help you manage your symptoms and improve your digestive health. Don't ignore the signs; early diagnosis and the right treatment approach can make all the difference.
Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a condition in which the stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal fashion. The vagus nerve, which controls the muscles of the stomach, becomes damaged or stops working, causing food to move too slowly or not at all into the small intestine. This disrupts normal digestion and can lead to a range of uncomfortable and potentially serious symptoms.
Contact Us Today About GastroparesisMany people with gastroparesis experience symptoms that vary in severity. These may include:
Gastroparesis occurs when the vagus nerve is damaged or fails to function normally, preventing the stomach muscles from working properly. The most common cause is diabetes, as high blood sugar levels can damage the vagus nerve over time. Other causes include viral infections, certain medications (such as narcotic pain relievers and some antidepressants), and complications following abdominal or esophageal surgery. In many cases, no clear cause can be identified, a condition known as idiopathic gastroparesis.
Certain factors can increase the risk that someone will develop gastroparesis. These risk factors include:
Gastroparesis diagnosis involves various tests and procedures, which our gastrointestinal specialists in Salisbury and Concord use, including:
Left undiagnosed and untreated, gastroparesis can cause long-term health complications, such as:
Treatment for gastroparesis focuses on managing symptoms, improving stomach emptying, and maintaining adequate nutrition. Dietary changes are often the first line of treatment, including eating smaller, more frequent meals and choosing foods that are low in fat and fiber, which are easier to digest. Medications may be prescribed to stimulate stomach muscle activity or control nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, nutritional support through a feeding tube or intravenous nutrition may be needed. For patients with diabetes, better blood sugar control can also help improve symptoms. Your specialist will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan based on the severity of your condition.
There is currently no cure for gastroparesis, but the condition can be effectively managed with dietary changes, medications, and other therapies. Many people experience significant symptom improvement with the right treatment plan. In some cases, particularly those caused by a viral infection, gastroparesis may improve or resolve on its own over time. Working closely with your gastroenterologist is key to finding the approach that works best for you.
Yes, gastroparesis can be a serious condition, particularly when it leads to complications like severe malnutrition, dehydration, or uncontrolled blood sugar levels. While some people experience mild symptoms that can be managed with dietary adjustments, others may face significant disruptions to their daily lives and health. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are essential for preventing complications and maintaining your quality of life.
People with gastroparesis generally do best with small, frequent meals that are low in fat and low in fiber. Good options include well-cooked vegetables, white rice, lean proteins like chicken or fish, and low-fat dairy. Avoid high-fat foods, raw vegetables, fibrous fruits, carbonated beverages, and alcohol, as these can further slow digestion. Your doctor or dietitian can help you create a meal plan tailored to your specific needs and tolerance.
Diabetes is the most common cause of gastroparesis. Over time, persistently high blood sugar levels can damage the vagus nerve, which controls the movement of stomach muscles. This nerve damage slows gastric emptying, leading to gastroparesis. In turn, gastroparesis makes diabetes harder to manage because the delayed absorption of food makes blood sugar levels unpredictable. Tight blood sugar control is an important part of managing gastroparesis in people with diabetes.
The most common test for gastroparesis is a gastric emptying study, in which you eat a meal containing a small amount of radioactive material. A scanner then tracks how quickly food leaves your stomach. Other tests, such as upper endoscopy or imaging studies, may be used to rule out other conditions. Your gastroenterologist will determine which tests are appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history.
Yes, weight loss is a common complication of gastroparesis. Because the condition causes nausea, vomiting, early fullness, and loss of appetite, many people eat significantly less than their bodies need. The resulting malnutrition and calorie deficit can lead to significant unintentional weight loss. Maintaining adequate nutrition is a key focus of gastroparesis treatment, and some patients may require nutritional support to prevent further weight loss.
Stress can worsen gastroparesis symptoms. The gut and brain are closely connected through the gut-brain axis, and emotional stress can affect how the digestive system functions. Stress may further slow gastric emptying and increase the perception of symptoms such as nausea and pain. Managing stress through techniques like mindfulness, therapy, and gentle exercise may help reduce symptom flares, though it should always be used alongside your prescribed medical treatment.
Gastroparesis is not typically considered a hereditary condition. Most cases are caused by diabetes, surgery, viral infections, or are idiopathic (without a known cause). However, some underlying conditions that increase the risk of gastroparesis, such as certain connective tissue disorders or diabetes, may have a genetic component. If you have a family history of digestive disorders or diabetes, discussing your risk with your healthcare provider is a good idea.
In some cases, yes. Gastroparesis caused by a viral infection, sometimes called post-viral gastroparesis, may resolve on its own over weeks to months as the nerve heals. However, gastroparesis caused by diabetes, surgery, or other chronic conditions is unlikely to resolve without ongoing treatment. Even if symptoms improve, it is important to continue following your treatment plan and attending regular follow-up appointments with your specialist.
Several medications may be used to treat gastroparesis. Prokinetic agents help stimulate stomach muscle contractions to speed up gastric emptying. Anti-nausea medications can help control nausea and vomiting. In some cases, medications to manage pain or acid reflux may also be prescribed. The appropriate medications vary based on symptom severity and individual patient factors, so your gastroenterologist will recommend the best options for your specific situation.
