An Overview of Gastroparesis

 Gastroparesis is a condition where the muscles that line the stomach are partially or fully paralyzed, slowing or halting the digestive process. Normally, the stomach relaxes and contracts to mechanically break down bolus, while gastric juices (a combination of hydrochloric acid, mucus, and digestive enzymes) break down bolus chemically. The bolus, now sterilized and acidic enters the small intestine, where it gradually becomes less acidic. In a patient with gastroparesis, the stomach cannot work adequately to mechanically digest the bolus, lengthening the time the bolus spends in the stomach before it can enter the small intestine. This can cause nausea, vomiting, premature fullness, acid reflux, and can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. 

Although there currently is not a cure for gastroparesis, some of the causes have been identified. Certain medications, damage to the vagus nerve, and hypothyroidism are all risk factors for developing gastroparesis. The severity of gastroparesis can alter throughout the course of a patient’s life, but as it does not currently have a cure, it is a lifelong condition. Typically, making lifestyle changes and medications can have a positive effect on the severity of this condition. 

Complications can also occur with this condition, some of the most common are dehydration, malnutrition, blood sugar changes, and bezoars. Although some of these complications are common symptoms of different conditions, bezoars are unique to digestive issues. A bezoar is a hardened piece of the bolus that can cause blockages in the digestive system, and usually need to be treated by either chemical dissolution or surgery. 

“Gastroparesis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355787.

Bezoars By Zubair Malik, et al. “Bezoars - Gastrointestinal Disorders.” Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/bezoars-and-foreign-bodies/bezoars.