What is it?
Gastroparesis is a condition that either reduces or eliminates the stomach’s ability to properly digest food and move it through the digestive tract. Gastroparesis can be caused by such conditions as diabetes, autoimmune conditions, certain medications, and cancers and cancer treatments. Most cases, however, have no identifiable cause.
Who's at Risk?
Risk factors for gastroparesis include diabetes, having surgery to remove part of the stomach, the buildup of scar tissue on the skin or organs, and using medication that blocks certain nerve signals.
Symptoms
There are a variety of symptoms associated with gastroparesis: bloating, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, and weight loss. The most common symptom is that a person feels full shortly after they start eating a meal.
Diagnosis
An upper GI endoscopy is performed by a physician to check for abnormalities in the throat and stomach. A gastric emptying study may also be used to determine the length of time it takes for the stomach to become empty.