Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)

Overview

Nerve damage from diabetes is a common cause. Some medicines and surgeries can also slow the stomach.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Nausea and fullness
• Feeling full after a few bites, or vomiting old food

Less common

• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Feeling full fast
• Blood sugar swings

Look up a symptom: Bloating or gas · Nausea

When to get medical care

Causes

Diabetes, nerve damage.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Diabetes

Diagnosis

Emptying test.

Treatment

Eat smaller meals.

Self-care

• Eat 5 to 6 small meals
• Chew well
• Walk after meals

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Control blood sugar

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with diabetes: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Should I see a dietitian?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)