Under normal condition, there would be proper muscle movements in the stomach to complete the process of digestion and expulsion properly. But certain conditions like gastroparesis can seriously affect the normal muscle movement in the stomach causing vomiting, indigestion and problems of bowel movement. Without proper movement of muscles, complete emptying of bowel is not possible. It can also alter normal levels of blood sugar and nutrition. People with prolonged diabetes are prone to develop gastroparesis.
Oral medications can be given for treating this condition but in some cases medications cannot provide relief. In such cases, an electrical device called gastric pacemaker is kept inside the stomach for sending electrical impulses that stimulates proper muscular movement giving considerable relief to the patients from various symptoms.
Gastroparesis Symptoms :
Improper muscular movement in the stomach can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloated sensation and mild to moderate stomach pain. This can cause improper absorption of nutrients resulting in weight loss. Due to the feeling of “fullness” in the stomach there would be no appetite. There would not be complete emptying of bowel resulting in mixing of toxins in the blood.
Gastroparesis Causes :
Prolonged diabetes can cause restricted mobility of muscles in the stomach. Some people can develop gastroparesis due to neurological diseases or metabolic problems. For many people, there is no cause (idiopathic) for gastroparesis.
Treatment :
In the initial stages medications are given to accelerate regular muscle movement in the stomach. In severe case of symptoms like severe vomiting and weight loss, a feeding tube is inserted into the stomach to ensure that the patient gets proper nutrition. Continuous lack of nutrition can cause serious problems like dehydration and malnutrition.