Stomach troubles

Understanding how to manage gastroparesis

Maybe it’s the oddest-sounding condition you’ve never heard of, but with August being Gastroparesis Awareness Month, you might hear more about it. While estimates say the condition may affect only about 5 million people worldwide, the fact that food stays stuck in the stomach, sometimes for days, before moving through to the intestines can really reduce a person’s quality of life. Almost one-third of people experiencing gastroparesis are not able to work as a result of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, fullness after eating very little and abdominal pain.

What causes gastroparesis?

While there might not be a known cause for food stagnating, the thought is that, in the absence of a blockage, the vagus nerve that controls the stomach muscles is damaged in some way. This can happen as a result of diabetes, surgery to the stomach, or an infection or virus. Chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or low thyroid levels can also be a factor. More women than men are affected.

How it affects sufferers

Vomiting can cause a person to become dehydrated, and not having an appetite can lead to malnutrition. Irregular digestion can result in blood sugar fluctuation, and a larger quantity of undigested food that has hardened may be life-threatening.

Diagnosis

Unfortunately, gastroparesis can only be definitively diagnosed and thoroughly investigated through a series of invasive tests ordered by a doctor or gastroenterologist. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy involves inserting a tube with a camera down the throat into the beginning of the small intestine. Other tests involve the use of ultrasound or radioactive material to measure how quickly food moves through the stomach.

What to do?

What your mother told you is true: You need to chew your food thoroughly. Eat more frequent smaller meals that include cooked fruits and vegetables. Low-fat, low-fibre foods that are puréed can help (broccoli and oranges are not recommended). Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, smoking and lying down within two hours of a meal. Daily multivitamins, plenty of water and gentle exercise such as walking after a meal can also help. Medications that help the stomach muscles contract and move food through, as well as anti-nausea medications, can be prescribed in addition to these measures.

If you have gastroparesis, the most important thing to remember is that there is hope and that, with some effort and help, your quality of life can improve.

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Pharmacies in Costco’s Quebec locations are independently owned and operated by pharmacists.

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