Feeling Constantly Bloated - Could This Be A Sign Of Gastroparesis? All You Need To Know

Gastroparesis, a condition marked by delayed stomach emptying, can present a range of symptoms beyond the commonly known bloating.

According to Dr Amol Dahale, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, gastroparesis involves faulty stomach functions, including accommodation and emptying of contents. This results in a constellation of symptoms that can significantly affect daily life.

Symptoms and Causes

Dr. Dahale highlights that bloating is a major symptom, but patients may also experience early satiety (feeling full after eating only a small amount), vomiting, weight loss, and regurgitation of undigested food. These symptoms arise because the stomach fails to properly mix and process food, leading to retention vomiting where stale food is expelled.

Dr. Bhavesh Patel, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, explains that gastroparesis is often caused by nerve damage affecting the gastric muscles, which impairs their contractions and delays the emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. The most common underlying condition associated with gastroparesis is uncontrolled diabetes, which damages the nerves that control the stomach.

Diagnosis and Differentiation

To accurately diagnose gastroparesis, a detailed clinical history and diagnostic tests are crucial. Dr. Patel points out that gastroparesis must be differentiated from other gastrointestinal conditions such as functional dyspepsia, reflux disease, and structural obstructions like gastric outlet obstruction, stomach cancer, pyloric stenosis, and gastric volvulus. Diagnostic procedures may include Upper GI endoscopy, gastric emptying studies, and manometry.

Treatment and Management

Management of gastroparesis involves a multifaceted approach. Dr. Dahale emphasizes that treating underlying conditions, such as diabetes, can improve gastroparesis symptoms. New therapeutic options include gastric pacemaker placement, gastric pyloromyotomy, and pyloric dilation. Dr. Patel also advises dietary modifications, such as eating small, frequent meals and avoiding raw fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber and fat.

For those struggling with persistent symptoms, consulting a physician or gastroenterologist is essential. In addition to medication and lifestyle changes, the use of prokinetic drugs that enhance gastric motility can help propel food more effectively into the small intestine.

Gastroparesis, while challenging, can be managed with appropriate medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments, making early diagnosis and treatment critical for improving quality of life.