Gastroparesis affects stomach function and can be caused by infection, medication use, and systemic conditions like diabetes. Damage to the vagus nerve is often associated with gastroparesis. Treatment can include dietary changes, medication, and surgery. Ignoring symptoms can worsen existing conditions and lead to complications like bezoars.
Gastroparesis is a potentially serious medical condition that affects stomach function. Causes of gastroparesis can include infection, illness, and regular use of certain medications. In many cases, the causes of gastroparesis are frequently associated with common systemic conditions, such as diabetes. Individuals who have had surgery to correct vagus nerve damage are also likely candidates for gastroparesis symptoms. Treatment for the causes of gastroparesis can range from dietary changes to the use of medications and surgery to restore stomach function.
Damage to the vagus nerve is most often associated with gastroparesis or stomach paresis or paralysis. Essentially overseeing the digestive process, the vagus nerve tells the stomach when to start eliminating food and carrying it into the lower digestive tract. If the vagus nerve is damaged in any way, there is a disruption in the digestive process. The stomach muscles don’t know what to do, and as a result, not all of the stomach contents are expelled into the small intestine.
Delayed gastric emptying can be caused by an infection that interferes with the digestive process. Individuals who regularly use opioids or medications to treat depression may develop symptoms of gastroparesis because those medications impair bowel function. Conditions affecting the nervous and metabolic systems can also hamper digestive function by contributing to delayed gastric emptying. It is not uncommon for people who have had digestive tract surgery to develop symptoms of gastroparesis.
Commonly, individuals with a systemic disease that compromises immunity and organ function, such as hypertension or diabetes, are at greater risk for delayed gastric emptying. For example, persistently high blood sugar can throw off the chemical balance in the digestive system leaving blood vessels starved of oxygen, which hampers circulation and vagus nerve health. Over time, nerve function can be significantly impaired, triggering the onset of delayed digestion. Autoimmune disorders, some cancers, and neuromuscular diseases can also impact vagus nerve function, leading to the onset of symptoms.
As with so many other conditions, the causes of gastroparesis symptoms can also be idiopathic. In cases of idiopathic gastroparesis, there is no single identifiable cause for the onset of symptoms. Individuals can get tested and treated for their condition and yet never learn what caused them to become ill.
If the symptoms of gastroparesis are ignored, existing conditions can worsen. For example, a diabetic who develops gastroparesis and doesn’t seek treatment may experience worsening of their diabetic symptoms. Additionally, undigested food can contribute to the development of hard lumps inside the stomach, called bezoars. If not removed, bezoars can significantly impact digestive function, putting the individual at risk for further complications.
Treatment for the causes of gastroparesis can involve significant dietary changes, such as the inclusion of more easily digestible and low-fat foods. Individuals are often encouraged to limit their fiber intake and consume more water throughout the day. When dietary changes alone prove insufficient, stimulant drugs may be given to promote muscle contractions within the stomach. If neither diet nor drug therapy works, surgery to create an artificial opening or bypass healthy, functional gastric tissue may be an option for some people.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
