A disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents (delayed gastric emptying).
This occurs when the vagus nerve and other nerves which deliver signals to the stomach that help to control muscles in the stomach are damaged or stop working causing the pyloric sphincter to become narrower (this is where food must pass through to get to the intestines).
As result movement of food through the digestive tract and intestines do not work normally as they should and movement of food is slowed or stopped.
This then release less food into the intestine leading to less absorption of food, vitamin and minerals. can lead to malnutrition.
Ones sugar levels may go up and down in an uncontrolled manner, as sugar levels may be high or low and thus insulin is released as a response in an uncontrolled manner (this could worsen ones diabetes if applicable).
Cause
Diabetes (very common in this condition as nerve get damaged due to high glucose content in blood)
Constant heartburn, indigestion and abdominal pain and swelling (as food from stomach puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and food pushes up into the esophagus, the bloating occurs as food ‘sits’ in the stomach too long)?
Nausea feeling?
Abdominal pain and/or are constant violently vomiting or vomiting longer than two days (one day if a child) of undigested food?
An early feeling of fullness when eating?
Erratic blood glucose levels (up and down blood glucose levels)?
Lack of appetite?
Spasms of the stomach wall?
Stomach lumps?
Unexplained weight loss?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:
Severe high diabetes symptoms, severe stomach swelling, vomiting and breathing difficulties
This condition can lead to:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – long term Heartburn (which then can lead to: pneumonitis – asthma symptoms and /or cracking sound in lungs and/or tiredness and/or finger clubbing)
Hard masses of food forming in the stomach called bezoars (as it is not being released to intestines for absorption).
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Gastroparesis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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