gastroparesis is a nuisanceon muscle lbloat that causes movement stomach to push food into the intestines Becomes slower. Gastroparesis is characterized bySymptoms include nausea, vomiting, and feeling full easily.
The cause of gastroparesis is not known with certainty, but it is thought to be caused by damage to the nerve that regulates gastric muscle movement, namely the vagus nerve. This nerve can be damaged due to various things, such as complications of gastric surgery or complications of diabetes.
Symptoms of Gastroparesis
Symptoms of gastroparesis arise due to the slowness of the stomach in emptying food. Complaints that often appear as symptoms of gastroparesis are:
- Quickly feel full when eating.
- Still feel full even though it's been a long time since the previous meal.
- Stomach bloating and feeling bloated.
- Nausea and vomiting. Sometimes vomiting undigested food.
- Heartburn or burning sensation in the chest area.
- Stomach pain.
- Decreased appetite.
- Weight loss.
When to go to the doctor
Most people with gastroparesis do not experience noticeable symptoms. However, if you experience digestive complaints that are worrying and prolonged, you should consult a doctor. Some of the symptoms of gastroparesis that require the sufferer to immediately contact a doctor are:
- Severe abdominal pain or cramps.
- Vomiting with vomit that is dark in color or contains blood.
- Vomiting that lasts more than an hour.
- Abdominal pain that doesn't go away.
- Fever.
- Hard to breathe.
- Weak and feel like passing out.
People with gastroparesis due to diabetes should be aware of their blood sugar levels, because this condition can cause blood sugar levels to be too high or too low. Consult an endocrinologist regarding how to control blood sugar if you have diabetes and gastroparesis.
Causes of Gastroparesis
Until now, the cause of gastroparesis is not known with certainty. However, this condition is thought to occur due to damage to the nerve that controls the muscles of the stomach (vagus nerve).
The vagus nerve regulates all processes in the human digestive tract, including sending signals to the stomach muscles to contract, pushing food into the small intestine.
There are several conditions that make a person more prone to gastroparesis, namely:
- Uncontrolled type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Complications of some types of surgery on the stomach.
- amyloidosis.
- Scleroderma.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Infectious diseases, such as chickenpox and Epstein-Barr virus infection.
- Anorexia nervosa.
- Stomach ulcer.
- Muscular dystrophy.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Side effects of drugs, such as opioid pain relievers and some antidepressants.
- Side effects of radiotherapy performed on the abdomen.
In some cases, gastroparesis can occur without a clear cause (idiopathic).
Diagnosis of gastroparesis
To diagnose gastroparesis, the doctor will first examine the patient's physical condition. In addition, the doctor will also ask the patient's medical history and the symptoms felt by the patient.
If the patient is suspected of having gastroparesis, the doctor will perform a scan to see the condition of the stomach. Some of the scan methods that can be performed are:
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is performed using a special instrument in the form of a tube with a camera at the end. The tube will be inserted through the mouth until it reaches the stomach. The gastroenterologist will see the condition of the stomach through the camera.
abdominal ultrasound
Ultrasound examination of the abdomen (abdominal ultrasound) is performed to see the condition of the organs in the abdominal cavity, using sound waves.
X-ray stomach
X-ray examination is done with X-ray radiation. To get clearer results, the patient will be asked to drink barium contrast material before the examination.
Gastric emptying test
This test is done to measure the speed at which the stomach empties food. The trick is to give the patient food that has been spiked with radioactive material. Once swallowed, the food will be scanned using a special tool, to find out how long the food has been in the stomach.
Gastroparesis patients who have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes need to have their blood sugar levels checked. Blood tests can also be done to determine the presence of other conditions that can trigger gastroparesis.
Gastroparesis Treatment
Treatment of gastroparesis aims to treat the cause, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. The following are some treatments that can be given to treat gastroparesis:
Improved diet
Gastroparesis patients are advised to eat foods that are easy to digest and nutritious. In addition to relieving symptoms, improving diet can also prevent complications due to gastroparesis, namely malnutrition and dehydration. The recommended diet for gastroparesis patients is:
- Eat foods low in fat and fiber.
- Eat soft foods.
- Eat small portions but often, which is about 5-6 times a day.
- Chew food until smooth.
- Consume drinks with sufficient sugar and salt content.
- Do not consume carbonated drinks (soda) and alcoholic beverages.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating, at least for up to 2 hours.
In severe gastroparesis, patients are advised to consume food in liquid form. If necessary, the doctor will also put a tube into the stomach (NGT) to reduce pressure and gastric contents.
Drugs
To relieve the symptoms of gastroparesis, the doctor will give the following medicines:
- Metoclopramide or domperidone, to trigger gastric muscle contraction and accelerate gastric emptying.
- Antiemetic drugs, such as ondansetron, to prevent vomiting.
- Painkillers to relieve stomach pain due to gastroparesis.
Operation
In severe cases, where the patient is unable to eat or drink, the doctor will perform minor surgery to insert a tube into the small intestine, to introduce food from outside.
Gastroparesis Complications
If gastroparesis is not treated, complications that can arise are:
- Difficult to control blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes.
- Acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Stomach blockage due to food that settles and solidifies.
- Dehydration.
- Malnutrition.
- Gallstones.
In addition, the patient's activities will also be disrupted due to the symptoms of gastroparesis. This of course can lead to a decrease in the quality of life of patients.
Prevention of Gastroparesis
Steps to prevent gastroparesis is to treat diseases that are at risk of causing this condition, especially diabetes. Diabetics must undergo diet and medication according to doctor's recommendations, so that their blood sugar levels can be controlled.