Do I Have Gastroparesis (Delayed Gastric Emptying)?

Do you feel full too soon while eating a meal?

Do you feel full long after eating a meal?

Do you have nausea or vomiting?

Do you regurgitate or vomit undigested food many hours after your last meal?

Do you have poor appetite and weight loss?

Do you have bloating?

Do you have pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen?

Do you have excessive belching?

Do you have heartburn (a pain or burning feeling in the center of your chest that may radiate into your neck or back during or after eating) or gastroesophageal reflux (backup of stomach contents into the esophagus)?

Do you have a diagnosis of diabetes and problems with blood sugar control?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a chronic medical condition characterized by delayed emptying of the stomach (slower than normal). Normally, strong stomach contractions allow food to be transferred from the stomach to the small intestine. In people with gastroparesis, the motility of the stomach is impaired, its emptying is delayed and the food stays in the stomach longer than it should be. It is common in people who have had diabetes for a long time. Gastroparesis can also be the result of viral infections, the use of narcotics or antidepressants, abdominal surgery, or other illnesses (amyloidosis, scleroderma).

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a medical condition that is also known as delayed gastric emptying. Gastroparesis refers to a partial paralysis of the stomach that causes the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine to slow down or stop. It is not always clear why this disorder occurs, but in many cases gastroparesis is the result of damage to the nerves that control the movements of the stomach muscles. It is not a common condition. A diagnosis is based on a physical examination, blood tests (including blood sugar levels) and gastric emptying tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a digestive disorder characterized by impaired motility of the stomach, which leads to slow emptying of food from the stomach (especially solid food) and consequent persistent digestive problems. In people with gastroparesis, food that stays in the stomach for a long time can ferment and lead to the growth of bacteria. On the other hand, food can harden into a solid mass (bezoar) that can cause blockage in the stomach. Gastroparesis is a chronic disease, but with the adequate treatment you can manage the symptoms and keep them under control.