Gastroparesis (more commonly known as delayed gastric emptying) is a chronic condition that affects the stomach. In the UK, the number of people diagnosed with the condition is 14 per 100,000, which is rare.
However, raising awareness of the condition is important, as it is often overlooked and misunderstood. This is particularly crucial as the condition can cause long-term complications that affect the entire digestive system.
In this article, we detail what gastroparesis is, how it affects the body over time, and how to get tested for the condition.
What is gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the nerves and muscles in the stomach, causing it to take too long to empty its contents. There is no obstruction or abnormality with the stomach’s structure that causes this to happen.
Gastroparesis can affect people at any age. However, it tends to be more commonly diagnosed amongst those aged 18 to 39. Women are also twice as likely to receive a diagnosis than men.
Long-term complications
People don’t always experience symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include the following:
- Bloating
- Lack of appetite
- Acid reflux
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Feeling of fullness after eating small amounts of food
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
Due to the condition being chronic, these symptoms can lead to potential further long-term complications. These can include the following:
Malnutrition and dehydration
Chronic nausea and vomiting or a general loss of appetite can cause a lack of nutrients and hydration needed to stay healthy. Frequent vomiting can also cause electrolyte deficiencies, which means you don’t have enough necessary minerals.
In some cases, you may need to go to the hospital for intravenous fluids to help you recover your nutrition and increase your fluid intake.
Blood sugar levels
Gastroparesis can interrupt the regular flow of food through your digestive system. Food can sit too long in the stomach, causing blood sugar levels to drop. When this food finally leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine, it can cause a blood sugar spike.
For those with diabetes, gastroparesis can make it difficult to control blood glucose levels effectively. As stomach emptying is unpredictable, blood sugar levels can be erratic and difficult to predict and control.
Acid reflux
Gastroparesis can cause abdominal distension. This is when the stomach is abnormally swollen due to trapped gas or digestive contents. As a result of abdominal distension, stomach acid can rise more easily in the oesophagus, causing acid reflux to occur.
Chronic acid reflux can cause long-term issues with your oesophagus, including indigestion and inflammation (oesophagitis).
Bezoars
A bezoar is a tightly packed mass of undigested or partially digested food or other digestive materials found in the stomach or the gastrointestinal tract generally. It forms due to small parts of digestive matter being left behind as your stomach empties. They can cause adverse symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and obstruction in the stomach.
They can be dangerous as they can become large and block the passage of food into the small intestine. These can be treated with medication to help dissolve it or surgery, if necessary, to remove it.
Mental health
Many chronic conditions, including gastroparesis, can take a toll on your mental health. This is because the condition can have a significant impact on day-to-day living, and symptoms can impact your quality of life.
If your mental health is something you are struggling with, it is best to seek professional assistance to make sure you’re getting support. Don’t struggle alone. Sharing how you’re feeling and talking through your concerns is crucial to improving your mental wellbeing.
Is gastroparesis fatal?
Gastroparesis is not fatal.
It can be dangerous for people with diabetes because food slowly moves through the digestive system and causes unpredictable changes in blood sugar.
How can I get tested?
If you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms or complications, it is vital that you seek medical assistance to investigate further what may be causing these issues.
During your initial appointment, a medical professional may evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and family history.
If it is suspected that you may have gastroparesis, further investigations may be done to determine your condition. Tests may include an upper endoscopy (gastroscopy), breath test, CT scan, MRI, or abdominal ultrasound.
A gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) may also be performed. This test observes your stomach’s movements and how it empties.
Private gastroparesis diagnostics and treatment at Digestive Health UK
At Digestive Health UK, our specialists perform thorough diagnostic tests to determine how severe your condition is and how it’s affecting your body. Before we go ahead with any treatment, we will discuss why we’re recommending it to you and any possible side effects that may occur.
Take charge of your health today, and we can help you make informed decisions about your care going forward that meet your needs.
Prioritise your digestive health today and book an appointment with our renowned experts.
