Spouse needs help for wife’s gastroparesis

November 10, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been unable to find any information on gastroparesis. My wife suffers with this ailment. Is there nothing that will help her?

DEAR READER: Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach fails to empty normally. In a healthy individual, muscular contractions propel food through the digestive tract. In the case of an individual with gastroparesis, those muscles work inefficiently or not at all and the stomach is unable to empty properly. This results in an inability to digest foods properly, causes difficulties with blood sugar levels and nutrition in general, and causes both nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms might include heartburn, reflux, bloating, weight loss, and a feeling of fullness following even a few bites of food.
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Stomach Condition Can Be Difficult To Treat

March 16, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
In April 2000 I was diagnosed with gastroparesis. The recovery was very difficult and I do still have some gastric problems and off and on stomach issues.

What is gastroparesis and how is it treated?

DEAR READER:
Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder which leads to delayed emptying. This causes food to remain in the stomach too long, rather than moving into the intestines for digestion. The vagus nerve, which is responsible for the action of the muscles that control these organs, becomes damaged leading to absent or reduced movement.

Diabetes is the leading cause of gastroparesis. High blood glucose levels can cause chemical changes and damage to the nerves and blood vessels. [Read more...]

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