What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a condition that slows the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. Normally, stomach muscles help move food through the digestive system. With gastroparesis, those muscles do not work as well as they should.

When food stays in the stomach too long, it can lead to nausea, bloating, poor nutrition, and other digestive problems. The condition is often long-term, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Gastroparesis happens when the nerves or muscles that control stomach movement are damaged or not working properly. Diabetes is one of the most common causes, especially when blood sugar levels stay high over time.

Other possible causes and risk factors include:

• Previous stomach surgery
• Certain medications, including opioid pain medicines
• Parkinson’s disease and other nerve disorders
• Viral infections
• Thyroid disorders
• Autoimmune or connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma

In some people, the exact cause is never identified.

Symptoms

Gastroparesis symptoms can develop slowly and may range from mild to severe. Many people notice symptoms shortly after eating.

Common symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Feeling full after only a few bites
• Bloating
• Upper stomach pain or discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Heartburn or acid reflux

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will begin by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam and blood tests may also help identify dehydration, nutrition concerns, or blood sugar problems.

To confirm gastroparesis, providers often use a gastric emptying study. This test measures how quickly food leaves the stomach. Other tests may include:

• Upper endoscopy
• Imaging studies
• Breath testing
• Motility testing to evaluate stomach muscle function

These tests can help rule out other digestive conditions and guide treatment planning.

How is it treated?

Treatment for gastroparesis focuses on relieving symptoms, improving nutrition, and helping the stomach empty more effectively.

Many people improve with lifestyle and dietary changes, including:

• Eating smaller meals more often
• Choosing soft or easy-to-digest foods
• Limiting high-fat and high-fiber foods
• Staying hydrated

Medications may be used to reduce nausea or help stimulate stomach movement. For people with diabetes, careful blood sugar management is an important part of treatment.

If symptoms are severe or nutrition becomes a concern, advanced treatments may be recommended. These can include feeding tubes, IV nutrition, or gastric electrical stimulation for select patients.

Because gastroparesis is often a chronic condition, ongoing care and follow-up are important for symptom control and long-term health.