Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis, which means stomach paralysis, is a condition affecting the nerves and muscles in your stomach. It interferes with the muscle activity (peristalsis) that moves food through your stomach and into your small intestine. When your stomach muscles and nerves can’t activate correctly, your stomach can’t process food or empty itself as it should. This holds up your whole digestive process.

People with gastroparesis have uncomfortable symptoms during digestion, and they can also have longer-lasting side effects. They might have low appetite and trouble meeting their nutritional needs, or trouble controlling their blood sugar. When food finally passes from their stomach, it may not pass completely and may leave some behind. This can develop into a hardened, solid mass called a bezoar.

What are the different types of gastroparesis?

Healthcare providers often classify gastroparesis into sub-types based on what’s causing it. For example, gastroparesis that occurs as a side effect of diabetes may be called diabetes-related gastroparesis. Gastroparesis that occurs as a complication of surgery may be called post-surgical gastroparesis. Gastroparesis that occurs for no identifiable reason is labeled as idiopathic gastroparesis.

What is the most common type of gastroparesis?

Most gastroparesis cases (between a quarter and a half) are labeled idiopathic, which means healthcare providers couldn’t determine the cause. But idiopathic cases may be from various causes, including known causes that just couldn’t be determined. Diabetes is the most common single cause of gastroparesis. Around one-third of cases are diagnosed as diabetes-related.