Gastroparesis: A Patient Guide
What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a digestive condition where the stomach empties food more slowly than normal. Instead of moving food into the small intestine at the usual pace, digestion is delayed or sometimes partially stopped.
This slowing can cause uncomfortable symptoms and make it harder for the body to get the nutrition it needs.
Why Does Gastroparesis Happen?
In many people, the exact cause is not clear. This is called idiopathic gastroparesis.
Known causes and risk factors can include:
- Diabetes (the most common known cause)
- Damage to the vagus nerve, which helps control stomach movement
- Prior stomach or intestinal surgery
- Certain neurological conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis)
- Some medications that slow digestion
Gastroparesis is diagnosed more often in women than men.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may come and go over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Feeling full quickly, even after small meals
- Vomiting undigested food (sometimes hours after eating)
- Bloating or stomach discomfort
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Poor appetite
- Unintended weight loss
Symptoms may worsen after:
- Large meals
- High-fat foods
- High-fiber foods
- Carbonated beverages
How Is Gastroparesis Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may use several tests to confirm gastroparesis and rule out other problems.
These may include:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Upper GI endoscopy to check for blockages
- Imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound
- Gastric emptying tests, which measure how quickly food leaves the stomach
Your provider will decide which tests are most appropriate for you.
How Is Gastroparesis Treated?
There is no cure, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Nutrition and Eating Habits
Diet changes are often the most important part of treatment.
Helpful strategies may include:
- Eating small, frequent meals (5–6 per day)
- Chewing food thoroughly
- Sitting upright during meals and staying upright afterward
- Drinking fluids between meals rather than with meals
- Choosing lower-fat and lower-fiber foods
- Using soft, blended, or puréed foods if symptoms are severe
Some people may temporarily need a liquid or puréed diet to reduce symptoms.
Medications
Your provider may prescribe medications to:
- Help the stomach empty more effectively
- Reduce nausea and vomiting
Commonly used medications may include:
- Metoclopramide
- Erythromycin
- Anti-nausea medications
Your provider will review benefits and possible side effects before prescribing.
Advanced Treatment Options
If symptoms are severe and do not improve with diet or medication, other treatments may be considered:
- Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections into the stomach outlet
- Gastric electrical stimulation (a surgically implanted device)
- Feeding tubes (used only in severe cases)
- IV nutrition, when the body cannot absorb enough nutrients
These options are typically reserved for complex or advanced cases.
Gastroparesis and Diabetes
Gastroparesis can make blood sugar control more difficult because digestion becomes unpredictable.
If you have diabetes, your care team may recommend:
- More frequent blood sugar checks
- Adjustments to insulin timing or dosing
- Eating smaller meals or liquid meals during symptom flares
Managing blood sugar carefully is an important part of gastroparesis care.
Possible Complications
Without proper management, gastroparesis can lead to:
- Dehydration
- Poor nutrition
- Weight loss
- Worsening acid reflux
- Formation of bezoars (hardened food in the stomach)
- Reduced quality of life
Early recognition and ongoing management help reduce these risks.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your provider if you experience:
- Persistent vomiting
- Inability to keep food or fluids down
- Ongoing weight loss
- Worsening abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, fatigue)
- Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.
Always discuss diet changes, supplements, or new symptoms with your healthcare team before making adjustments.
Key Takeaways
- Gastroparesis slows stomach emptying and affects digestion
- Symptoms vary and may change over time
- Nutrition changes are a cornerstone of treatment
- Medications and advanced therapies may help when symptoms are severe
- Working closely with your healthcare team improves symptom control
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this resource is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual needs vary based on medical history, medications, allergies, and overall health status.
Before making any changes to your diet, trying new foods, modifying portion sizes, or following any nutrition recommendations, please consult your physician, registered dietitian, or other qualified healthcare provider. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal conditions, food intolerances, or other chronic health concerns, discussing dietary changes with your healthcare team is especially important.
This handout is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
This content was created with the assistance of AI. Any AI-generated content was reviewed by a Nurse Practitioner.