Gastroparesis

Types of gastroparesis

To classify what type of gastroparesis you have, doctors will look to its cause. Types of gastroparesis include:

• Idiopathic gastroparesis: Most cases of gastroparesis, between 25% and 50%, are considered idiopathic, meaning doctors are unable to identify a specific cause.
• Diabetic gastroparesis: With poorly managed diabetes, high blood sugar can damage the vagal nerves, which help control digestion. This is the most common single cause of gastroparesis.
• Postinfectious gastroparesis: You can develop gastroparesis after infections with certain viruses, such as the Norwalk virus, rotavirus or Epstein-Barr virus.
• Postsurgical gastroparesis: Gastroparesis may occur if surgery to your digestive system damages the vagal nerves, which tell the stomach muscles to contract.

Gastroparesis risk factors

Diabetes, certain surgeries and some infections can cause gastroparesis or make it more likely to develop. Other factors, such as specific medications, treatments and medical conditions, can also raise your risk. Understanding these risk factors can help you and your doctor identify possible contributors and guide your treatment plan.

Risk factors for gastroparesis include:

• Autoimmune diseases: Your body’s immune system may mistakenly attack your cells, which can damage nerves in your stomach in the process.
• Certain medications: Some medicines, such as opioids and certain antidepressants, can slow down stomach emptying and contribute to gastroparesis.
• Neurological diseases: Conditions that cause abnormal nervous system functioning, such as multiple sclerosis, can affect your stomach nerves.

Complications

Without treatment, gastroparesis can have an impact on your quality of life. Symptoms such as nausea and vomiting can lead to more serious problems, like dehydration and malnutrition. In addition, if you have diabetes, gastroparesis can make managing your blood sugar more difficult.

Complications that may develop from gastroparesis include:

• Acid reflux: Gastroparesis-related acid reflux can become chronic, and chronic acid reflux can lead to esophagitis (inflammation) and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Bezoar: Food in the stomach can solidify into a mass called a bezoar and block the outlet to the small intestine.
• Blood sugar problems: Delayed stomach emptying can cause steep drops and spikes in blood sugar.
• Dehydration: Persistent vomiting, a common symptom of gastroparesis, can lead to dehydration through loss of fluid.
• Malnutrition: When your stomach muscles don’t move food through the digestive system normally, you may not absorb nutrients well.

How is gastroparesis diagnosed?

Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history to learn of any risk factors that could cause or contribute to gastroparesis. They will also conduct a physical exam to look for signs of the disorder.

Next, your doctor will likely order imaging tests or a procedure to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as a blockage in your stomach. If you don’t have a blockage, your doctor will perform tests to determine how well food moves through your stomach.

Gastroparesis treatment

While gastroparesis usually can’t be cured, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and addressing underlying causes to help improve quality of life.

Your treatment plan will depend on several factors, including the type of gastroparesis you have and the severity of your symptoms. Treatment options include dietary and lifestyle changes, blood sugar control, medications and if necessary, surgery.

You may need to try several therapies before finding one that effectively controls your symptoms, but your doctor will work with you to identify the best approach for managing your condition.

Frequently asked questions