If you have Gastroparesis symptoms, you should consult a gastro specialist in Mumbai for further treatment options. First, it’s important to know about the disease in detail. Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of the stomach. The stomach muscles work in a coordinated fashion to move food through the digestive tract. However, in people with Gastroparesis, this process is disrupted. As a result, food can linger in the stomach for too long, leading to various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain.
There are many possible causes of Gastroparesis, including diabetes, certain medications, surgery, and viral infections. Treatment typically focuses on relieving symptoms and may include dietary changes, medications, or surgery. In severe cases, Gastroparesis can lead to severe complications such as malnutrition and dehydration. Therefore, it is crucial to seek specialized medical care if you have this condition.
Symptoms of Gastroparesis
The most common symptoms include nausea. Other symptoms may also include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
Causes of Gastroparesis
This disease can be caused by several conditions, including diabetes, certain medications, surgery, and viral infections. In many cases, the cause is unknown.
Diabetes is the most common cause of Gastroparesis. When blood sugar levels are high, nerves that control stomach muscles can be damaged. It can lead to a delay in stomach emptying. Medications that are used to treat diabetes can also contribute to the problem.
Other potential causes of Gastroparesis include
- Certain medications, such as opioids, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications
- Surgery of the stomach or intestines
- Viral infections, such as the stomach flu.
Complications of Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis can lead to several complications, including malnutrition and dehydration. Malnutrition can occur when food stays in the stomach for too long and is not properly digested. It can lead to weight loss and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Dehydration can occur when liquids are not adequately absorbed from the digestive tract. It can cause symptoms such as light-headedness and fatigue. In severe cases, dehydration can be life-threatening.
Diagnosis of Gastroparesis
Typically, a gastro specialist in Mumbai can diagnose the ailment based on symptoms and your medical history. The doctor might ask you to undergo tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- Imaging tests, like an upper GI series or CT scan
- Gastric emptying study
Treatment methods for Gastroparesis
In general, treatment methods focus on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Dietary changes, medications, and surgery are all potential treatment options.
Dietary changes: Eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding high-fat foods can help to reduce symptoms.
Medications: Medications can be used to control nausea and vomiting. Some examples include Antiemetics and Prokinetics.
Surgery: Surgery is considered for severe cases of Gastroparesis that do not respond to other treatments. The Surgery options include gastric pacing and gastric bypass surgery.
Surgery for Gastroparesis
Even though patients with Gastroparesis are given medications to alleviate nausea and vomiting, this condition may respond favorably to surgery. Gastric electrical stimulation is a type of surgery used to treat Gastroparesis. The doctor inserts a tiny gastric stimulator device into the stomach during this procedure. The stimulator has two leads connected to the stomach and delivers mild electric shocks that aid in the control of emesis. In addition, the physician can modify the strength of the electric shocks. A battery powers the gadget, which can last up to ten years on a single charge.
The most common treatment for Gastroparesis is a gastric bypass, in which a tiny pouch is formed from the top portion of the stomach. The lower end of the small intestine is connected directly to the small stomach pouch, cutting down on food intake. A gastric stimulator or medication is more successful than a gastric simulator in treating an obese diabetic patient.
Are there any other treatments for Gastroparesis?
A peroralpyloromyotomy, also known as pop, is a newer treatment for Gastroparesis (Gastroparesis Treatment Update). This non-surgical intervention entails inserting an endoscope (a long, thin, flexible instrument) into the patient’s mouth and advancing it to the stomach. After that, the doctor cuts the pylorus valve that empties the stomach allowing food to go from the stomach to the small intestine.
Your gastro specialist in Mumbai may suggest a feeding tube or a jejunostomy tube in the case of severe Gastroparesis. The tube is inserted surgically through your abdomen into your small intestine. You feed yourself by putting nutrients into the tube, which goes directly to your small intestine; they go around the stomach and enter your circulation faster. Jejunostomy tubes are usually only used for short periods.
Intravenous nutrition, or parenteral nutrition, is another treatment choice. It is a type of feeding in which nutrients are delivered straight to your circulation via a catheter that is in a vein in your chest. Like a jejunostomy tube, parenteral nutrition is a short-term solution for severe Gastroparesis.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from any gastrointestinal disorder, it is essential to see a gastro specialist in Mumbai without delay. The doctor will be able to determine the cause of your pain problem and provide you with the necessary treatment. In most cases, they can treat your condition with medication or surgery. However, if your condition is more serious, they may recommend undergoing a colonoscopy.
