🍽️ Gastroparesis Treatment
Gastroparesis is a chronic disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine (delayed gastric emptying) without any physical blockage. The most common known cause is Diabetes.
Management and Treatment Strategies
Treatment aims to restore gastric motility, manage symptoms (nausea, vomiting), and ensure proper nutrition.
StrategyDetailsGoalDietary ModificationEating 5-6 small, low-fat, low-fiber meals a day. Chewing food thoroughly. Avoiding carbonated drinks and lying down immediately after eating.Improve gastric emptying and prevent bezoar (solid mass) formation.Medication (Prokinetics)Drugs that increase the contraction of the stomach muscles to promote emptying (e.g., Metoclopramide, Domperidone).Increase motility and relieve nausea/vomiting.Anti-EmeticsMedications prescribed specifically to control severe nausea and vomiting (e.g., Ondansetron).Symptom control (do not improve gastric emptying).Surgical/Endoscopic OptionsFeeding Tubes (Jejunostomy): Bypasses the stomach to deliver nutrition directly to the small intestine. Gastric Electric Stimulation (Pacing): Surgically implanted electrodes provide mild stimulation to the stomach muscles.Ensure adequate nutrition and potentially improve muscle function.