Delayed gastric emptying is caused by damage to the vagus nerve, which affects digestion. Symptoms include bloating, cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment involves a specialized diet, medication, and, in severe cases, surgery.
Delayed gastric emptying refers to the stomach’s inability to properly grind and break down food before it reaches the intestines. In almost all cases, the condition results from damage to the nerve that controls the stomach muscles called the vagus nerve. The stomach muscles are left partially or completely paralyzed when the vagus nerve is inactive, which severely affects digestion. This condition can be difficult to treat, but maintaining a specialized diet and taking prescribed medications can relieve bloating, cramping, nausea, and other symptoms.
When food is ingested, the stomach muscles agitate the contents and grind the solids into small, soft morsels. The contents are then released into the intestines to extract nutrients and process waste. If the vagus nerve is damaged or severed, the muscles cannot help break down solids. Food is eaten away very slowly by stomach acids, leading to delayed gastric emptying.
Doctors have identified several potential risk factors for developing delayed gastric emptying. Long-term diabetes is the most common cause, as the disease slowly deteriorates the vagus nerve and other nerves in the body. Some people begin having gastric emptying problems after stomach or esophageal surgery due to unintentional damage to the vagus nerve. Patients taking nervous system suppressant drugs for other disorders are at risk. Rarely, a serious bacterial or viral infection of the stomach can permanently weaken the stomach muscles.
The most common symptoms of delayed gastric emptying are frequent bouts of bloating, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting that begin after eating and can last for several hours. Because solids can’t be processed immediately, people often feel full after ingesting very small portions of food. If the condition is left untreated, a person can experience significant weight loss and malnutrition.
A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing a series of specialized tests. A common test called a gastric emptying study involves ingesting a radioactive marker that can be traced as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. An endoscopy may also be useful to check for undigested solids in the stomach. A doctor also usually does an abdominal X-ray to rule out other possible causes, such as a cancerous tumor or birth defect.
Treatment for delayed gastric emptying depends on the severity of digestive problems and associated symptoms. Most patients are referred to clinical nutritionists to develop personalized dietary plans. Soft foods, dietary supplements, vitamins, and plenty of fluids are usually recommended to prevent malnutrition and promote easy digestion. If diabetes is found to be an underlying factor, a patient may need to initiate or adjust insulin treatment measures. Also, doctors usually prescribe medications to combat nausea and vomiting. Surgery to widen the stomach opening is considered a final option if conservative treatments are ineffective.
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