Causes and risk factors
Exact cause of Gastroparesis is not clear but it is caused due to damage to the nerve supplying muscles of stomach [vagus nerve]. Type I and II Diabetes is the commonest cause of Gastroparesis. Other factors causing Gastroparesis are abdominal surgery, infection, certain diseases like Parkinson’s, scleroderma, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, conditions like anorexia, bulimia. Medications that can lead to Gastroparesis are like those for cancer treatment, narcotics, anti depressants.
Clinical presentation
Gastroparesis presents with fullness and bloating in abdomen, heartburn, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and changes in blood sugar levels.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Measurement of time for gastric emptying is done by various techniques like barium meal, endoscopy.
Treatment
Treatment involves dietary changes such as frequent small meals, low fibre and low fat foods, soft foods and liquids. Medications include prokinetic medicines which stimulate gastric musculature and improve the gastric motility. Antiemetic medicines, antacids to control nausea and vomiting. Nutrition by intravenous fluids can be advised in severe cases. Surgery involves jejunostomy, where feeding tube is inserted via abdomen to small intestine.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating Gastroparesis. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating Gastroparesis.
Recent updates
Researchers are working on effectiveness of nerve toxin – botulinum toxin type A [botox] in treating Gastroparesis. Also use of sildenafil citrate, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction, is being used by doctors which improves gastric motility in diabetics and thus helps in managing Gastroparesis.
