Overview
Gastroparesis is delayed stomach emptying without a physical blockage. It’s commonly linked to diabetes, viral infections, nerve damage, medications, or unknown causes (idiopathic).
Symptoms
• Bloating
• Early satiety
• Nausea/vomiting
• Reflux
• Upper abdominal pain
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
Causes
• Diabetes (common)
• Autonomic neuropathy
• Viral illness
• Postsurgical injury to vagus nerve
• Medications (opioids, GLP-1 agonists)
Diagnosis
• Gastric emptying study (gold standard)
• SmartPill motility capsule
• Endoscopy (rule out obstruction)
Treatment
• Small, frequent meals
• Low-fat/low-fiber diet
• Prokinetics (metoclopramide, erythromycin)
• Anti-nausea meds
• Gastric pacemaker (severe cases)
• Managing diabetes or underlying conditions
Self-Management
Tracking portion sizes, symptom timing, food triggers, and glucose levels (if diabetic) helps optimize digestion.