1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach's ability to empty its contents is slowed or impaired, despite the absence of a physical blockage. This occurs due to dysfunction in the stomach muscles or nerves that control gastric motility.

Schedule Now
Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What Is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a chronic condition where the stomach muscles fail to function properly, causing delayed gastric emptying. It disrupts the normal digestion process, leading to uncomfortable symptoms and complications.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

  • Persistent nausea and vomiting
  • Feeling full quickly after starting a meal
  • Abdominal bloating and discomfort
  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Poor appetite and weight loss
  • Fluctuating blood sugar levels
  • Undigested food in vomit

Common Causes of Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis can result from various factors, including:

  • Diabetes: Nerve damage caused by uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
  • Post-Surgical Complications: Damage to the vagus nerve during abdominal surgeries.
  • Neurological Disorders: Conditions like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
  • Medications: Certain drugs, such as narcotics or antidepressants, that slow stomach emptying.
  • Idiopathic Causes: In many cases, the cause is unknown.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Seek medical attention if you experience severe or persistent symptoms, such as:

  • Persistent nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
  • Difficulty eating or severe weight loss.
  • Symptoms that interfere with daily life or blood sugar management.
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or reduced urination.
Diagnosis

Our Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach

At GastroDoxs, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify gastroparesis:

Medical History and Physical Examination

  • Detailed review of symptoms, medications, and medical history.

Gastric Emptying Study

  • A specialized test to measure how quickly food empties from the stomach.

Endoscopy

  • To rule out blockages or structural abnormalities.

Ultrasound or CT Scans

  • Imaging tests to evaluate other potential causes of symptoms.

SmartPill Test

  • A capsule that measures stomach motility as it passes through the digestive system.
Management

Personalized Treatment Plans For You

At GastroDoxs, we provide tailored care to improve your quality of life:

  • Dietary Modifications: Small, frequent meals and low-fat, low-fiber diets to ease digestion.
  • Medications: Prokinetics to stimulate stomach muscles and anti-nausea drugs for symptom relief.
  • Blood Sugar Management: For diabetic patients, optimizing blood glucose levels is essential.
  • Nutritional Support: In severe cases, feeding tubes or intravenous nutrition may be necessary.
  • Surgical Options: Gastric electrical stimulation or pyloroplasty for refractory cases.

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

  • Specialized Expertise: Experienced gastroenterologists dedicated to diagnosing and managing gastroparesis.
  • Comprehensive Approach: From lifestyle adjustments to advanced therapies, we provide holistic care.
  • Patient-Centered Care: Personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs and goals.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Don't let gastroparesis control your life. Contact GastroDoxs for expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

Schedule Now
1.4K

We've successfully treated more than 1.4k patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gastroparesis mean in terms of health issues?

Gastroparesis can indicate various underlying conditions, including digestive disorders, infections, inflammation, or more serious health concerns requiring medical evaluation.

What are the common symptoms of Gastroparesis?

Symptoms may include discomfort, pain, bloating, nausea, changes in bowel habits, or other digestive issues, depending on the underlying cause.

How is Gastroparesis diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a physical examination, patient history review, lab tests, imaging, and sometimes specialized procedures to determine the exact cause.

What treatment options are available for Gastroparesis?

Treatment may include medications, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, hydration, stress management, or surgical intervention based on severity.

How can Gastroparesis be prevented?

Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress, regular exercise, avoiding known triggers, and routine medical check-ups help prevent Gastroparesis.

Related Blogs
Abdominal Pain

Understanding Gastrointestinal Intolerance

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Lifestyle Modifications that Can Relieve Discomfort Caused by GERD

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Here's How to Boost Your Digestive Health at Home

Read More