What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is the situation where the stomach releases food into the small intestines at a slower rate than usual. The effects of this delay can include nausea, bloating, filling easily, causing obstruction of nutrient absorption and glycosylated blood, among others.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Diabetes -chronic high blood sugar can damage the stomach's nerves
- Prior stomach or esophageal surgery -may disrupt normal gastric motility
- Certain medications -such as opioids, antidepressants, or blood pressure drugs
- Idiopathic -in many cases, no specific cause is identified
- Age and long-term nerve disorders -older adults or those with neuropathies are at higher risk
Signs and Symptoms
- Nausea or frequent vomiting
- Abdominal bloating or discomfort
- Early satiety -feeling full after only small amounts of food
- Unintentional weight loss
- Blood sugar fluctuations, especially in diabetics
Expert Treatment for Gastroparesis by Dr. Bharat Pothuri
Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He goes over your symptoms (nausea, bloating, early satiety), your dietary patterns, your medications (particularly opioids or anticholinergics), and whether you had diabetes or had an abdominal surgery in the past.
Gastric Emptying Study
A nuclear medicine test is an examination where a measurable amount of a radiolabeled meal that is consumed by the victim is monitored within four hours to determine its speed in leaving the stomach.
Endoscopy or Ultrasound
- Upper endoscopy (EGD) checks for mechanical obstruction, ulcers, or inflammation.
- Abdominal ultrasound rules out gallstones and assesses overall abdominal anatomy.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Other tests may be included-a breath test to identify small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or a wireless motility capsule (-smart pill-) to measure pH, pressure and temperatures can be used to identify the cause and therefore direct treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICD-10 Code of Gastroparesis
The ICD-10 code for gastroparesis is K31.84, which is used in medical records and insurance billing.
Will Gastroparesis Go Away?
Some individuals improve with the correct diet, medications, and lifestyle modifications, although others may continue to experience symptoms.
Duration of Gastric Emptying Test
A normal gastric emptying test lasts approximately 4 hours, and patients can usually go home the same day.
Diabetes as a Cause
Yes. Chronic high blood sugar can damage the nerves that control stomach emptying, leading to gastroparesis.
Natural Remedies for Gastroparesis
Small, low-fat meals, acupuncture, or ginger may help. It is recommended to consult your doctor before starting any supplements.
When Medications Don’t Work
If diet and medications fail, procedures such as gastric electrical stimulation (GES) or G-POEM may be suggested.