Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a condition in which the spontaneous movement of the stomach muscles is impaired
Normally, strong muscle contractions move food through the digestive tract In gastroparesis, these contractions are weakened or absent This prevents the stomach from emptying properly Gastroparesis can interfere with digestion and cause nausea, vomiting, and problems with blood sugar levels.
The cause of gastroparesis is often unknown In this case it is called idiopathic gastroparesis When gastroparesis develops in diabetic patients, it is called diabetic gastroparesis Some people develop gastroparesis after surgery
Gastroparesis cannot be cured, although diet changes and medication can improve the condition.
The cause of gastroparesis is often unclear, but it is thought to be most commonly caused by damage to the nerve that controls the stomach muscles (the vagus nerve).
The sciatic nerve controls many complex processes in the digestive tract One is to signal the stomach muscles to contract and push food into the small intestine A damaged sciatic nerve cannot transmit this signal This can cause food to linger in the stomach instead of passing through the small intestine
The pinched nerve can be damaged by disease (eg diabetes) or surgery performed on the stomach and small intestines
Signs and symptoms of gastroparesis include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Feeling full after a few bites
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in blood sugar
- Appetite
