August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month
Gastroparesis Awareness Month is observed in August to raise awareness, promote education, and encourage research. Its goal is to educate people about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. The main reason for raising awareness is that the symptoms are quite common and easily confused with other diseases and medical problems, resulting in people not receiving the appropriate medical treatment promptly.
History of Gastroparesis Awareness Month
This awareness initiative was first listed on the United States National Health Observances Calendar in 2016. It is sponsored by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. The observance focuses on treatment, diagnosis, and general health issues associated with this poorly understood condition. Gastroparesis prevents the stomach from properly passing food into the small intestine.
Gastroparesis — also known as delayed gastric emptying — is a medical condition characterized by weak muscular contractions of the stomach (peristalsis). This results in food and liquid remaining in the stomach for long periods. As a result, stomach contents move more slowly into the duodenum of the digestive tract. This can lead to poor nutrient absorption and poor glycemic control.
Gastroparesis has symptoms ranging from life-limiting to life-threatening. Some people call it having a paralyzed stomach: ‘gastro’ means stomach, and ‘paresis’ means paralysis. Symptoms typically appear during or after a meal and can appear abruptly or gradually. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, feeling full while eating, early satiety, heartburn, and abdominal bloating are all symptoms.
Barium beefsteak meals, radioisotope gastric-emptying scans, barium swallow x-rays, gastric manometry, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy are all used to diagnose. Dietary changes, treatments to stimulate gastric emptying, medications to reduce vomiting, and surgical approaches are all part of the treatment.
Gastroparesis Symptoms
Have you ever eaten a large meal and felt “stuffed” afterward? With gastroparesis, you may have that same “stuffed” feeling, bloating, discomfort, or pain after eating even a small amount of food. This can happen soon after eating or after you finish your meal because gastroparesis slows down stomach emptying.
Other symptoms include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite.
You should talk with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms to manage gastroparesis and keep it from worsening.
Managing Gastroparesis
There is no cure for gastroparesis, but you can lessen symptoms with the following actions:
- Keep your blood sugar levels as close to their target range as possible.
- Eat frequent, small meals that are low in fat and fiber. Fat, fiber and large meals can delay stomach emptying and worsen symptoms.
- Drink plenty of water. For most adults, that’s 6 to 10 cups per day.
- Let your doctor and pharmacist know about all medicines you’re taking—prescription and over-the-counter, as well as supplements.
- If medicines you’re taking seem to cause more digestion problems, talk with your doctor.
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
- Stop smoking or don’t start.
- Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
A registered dietician can help you understand and meet your diet and nutrition needs.
Observing Gastroparesis Awareness Month
Gastroparesis is a common complication of diabetes that can cause nausea and vomiting. Learn more about gastroparesis by reading the facts, statistics, and publications provided by organizations that promote awareness.
If you're suffering from gastroparesis, it can be hard to get through the day without help. Working with a dietician, learning coping strategies, and scheduling time for relaxation can make a difference. Do your best to create a support network for affected people around you.
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