As part of a gastroparesis diagnosis, doctors may sometimes assess digestion using a gastric-emptying scan. In this procedure, the individual will eat a small meal, and doctors will use X-rays to assess how long digestion takes.
While experts consider dietary interventions the first-line treatment for gastroparesis, they do not work for everyone. A person may pursue several other treatment options if dietary changes do not prove effective. A doctor may prescribe metoclopramide and erythromycin to assist stomach emptying.
These drugs are known as prokinetic medications, and they aid the body in passing solids through the digestive system. A review states that both can improve symptoms of gastroparesis. People may also take medication to treat other symptoms of gastroparesis, such as nausea and vomiting. For example, a doctor may prescribe prochlorperazine, diphenhydramine, or ondansetron to alleviate these symptoms. Several medications can delay stomach emptying.
People who are experiencing gastroparesis should tell a doctor about all of the medications they are taking prior to diagnosis. Regular use of over-the-counter antacids may delay stomach emptying. A person may be taking these medications to treat symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Some prescription drugs, such as anticholinergic agents, may also cause symptoms of gastroparesis. In severe cases, people who cannot take any food or liquids due to gastroparesis may require a feeding tube.
Alternatively, a doctor may suggest a gastric venting tube to relieve pressure in the stomach. Medical professionals may also recommend a procedure called gastric electrical stimulation GES. However, a scientific article states that several reviews have urged caution in recommending the treatment due to a lack of controlled studies.
The authors conclude that further research is necessary to assess the use of GES. Limited evidence suggests that acupuncture may improve gastrointestinal symptoms in people with gastroparesis, particularly diabetic gastroparesis. The outlook for people with gastroparesis varies and depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Dietary changes and gentle exercise after meals can increase the chances of successfully managing symptoms.
The muscle contractions rely largely on the actions of several nerves and cells in your body, but one of the most important is a nerve called the vagus nerve. According to a report published in Frontiers in Psychiatry in March , the vagus nerve is highly responsible for carrying various signals and message from the brain to the gut and vice versa. This line of communication makes the vagus nerve a vital component in controlling the muscles in the stomach and small intestine.
If the vagus nerve is damaged or stops working correctly for another reason, digestion slows down or stops altogether. Diabetes is the most known common cause of gastroparesis, and the connection between the condition and slow digestion has everything to do with the vagus nerve. One of the most common complications of diabetes is nerve damage, a condition medically referred to as diabetic neuropathy.
According to the American Diabetes Association , almost half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy can affect any nerves in the body, but if it affects the vagus nerve, it can cause the digestive system to slow down. When diabetic neuropathy affects the digestive system or the nerves of any other body system , it's more specifically classified as autonomic neuropathy. In addition to slowing down digestion, autonomic neuropathy can also affect bladder control and erectile function.
Although diabetes is the most common known cause of gastroparesis, other conditions can cause a slow gastrointestinal tract too. Other possible causes of slow digestion include:. Certain medications can also exacerbate gastroparesis and slow down stomach emptying even more.
These medications include:. If your digestive system slows down, it can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms that negatively affect your quality of life. These symptoms may range from slightly bothersome to severe, depending on your current state of health and what kinds of foods you're eating.
Signs and symptoms of gastroparesis include:. And just as the muscles throughout your body might tire more easily than they did in your 20s and 30s, the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus and bowel, can slow down. This often leads to increased symptoms, such as acid reflux or constipation, respectively, over age Our digestive system moves food through our bodies through a series of muscle contractions.
As we age, this process can slow down. When that happens, more water from the food is absorbed into the body, which can lead to constipation. Staying hydrated is very important to help prevent constipation. Inactivity can also contribute to constipation, so remember to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity four days a week.
Medications taken for high blood pressure or muscle and joint pain can lead to constipation,— so remember your water and activity levels. Many people experience an unsettled stomach before an exam or a big event, but sustained stress can affect the connection between the brain and the gut, causing ongoing problems.
There is a link between physical and mental health , and reducing stress can have a positive impact on both. The American Psychological Association recommend three key ways to manage stress:.
During a busy day it can be tempting to rush meals, but this can cause indigestion and stomach discomfort. Take time to relax, particularly before and after eating. Reducing stress by seeking support and making some lifestyle changes may improve problems with digestion. Mint tea is a home remedy for nausea and indigestion. However, some people find that mint can contribute to heartburn or acid reflux.
Researchers have found that peppermint oil may relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome — including stomach pain — in the short term. However, there has been too little research to determine whether mint has lasting digestive benefits. Doing gentle exercise can help with digestion. Being upright and active allows gravity to help move food through the digestive system. Gas can come from swallowing air when eating or drinking. The body also produces gas when digesting food.
Trapped gas in the gut can cause bloating and stomach discomfort. Having a certain amount of gas is healthful, but some activities cause a person to swallow more air than usual, and this can increase the amount of gas in the body. Examples of these activities include:.
Gently rubbing the belly can help gas move through the body, which can help reduce stomach discomfort and bloating. Fermented foods have been partially or wholly broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria. These microorganisms work to preserve food, and they may also benefit gut health. Bacteria occur naturally in the gut.
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