What are the best treatments for Gastroparesis?
See the best treatments for Gastroparesis here
Treatments for Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of the muscles in the stomach, leading to delayed emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine. This can cause a range of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. While there is no cure for gastroparesis, there are several treatment options available to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Dietary Modifications
Dietary modifications play a crucial role in managing gastroparesis. It is important to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than large meals. This helps to reduce the workload on the stomach and allows for easier digestion. Foods that are high in fiber, fat, or are difficult to digest should be avoided as they can worsen symptoms. Instead, focus on consuming easily digestible foods such as lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and low-fiber grains. Chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly can also aid in digestion.
Medications
Medications can be prescribed to help improve stomach emptying and relieve symptoms. Prokinetic medications such as metoclopramide and domperidone can stimulate the muscles in the stomach, promoting better movement and emptying. Antiemetic medications like ondansetron may be prescribed to control nausea and vomiting. It is important to discuss potential side effects and risks with a healthcare professional before starting any medication.
Dietary Supplements
In some cases, dietary supplements may be recommended to ensure adequate nutrition. This can include vitamin and mineral supplements, as gastroparesis can sometimes lead to deficiencies. Additionally, some individuals may benefit from pancreatic enzyme supplements to aid in digestion.
Feeding Tubes
In severe cases of gastroparesis where oral intake is not sufficient, the use of feeding tubes may be necessary. Enteral nutrition, which involves delivering liquid nutrition directly into the small intestine, can help ensure adequate nutrition and hydration. This can be done through a variety of methods such as nasogastric tubes, gastrostomy tubes, or jejunostomy tubes. Feeding tubes are typically used as a last resort when other treatment options have been unsuccessful.
Botox Injections
In some cases, Botox injections may be considered as a treatment option. Botox is injected into the pylorus, the valve between the stomach and small intestine, to help relax the muscles and improve stomach emptying. This procedure is typically performed under endoscopic guidance and can provide temporary relief of symptoms.
Surgical Interventions
In rare cases where other treatments have failed, surgical interventions may be considered. Surgical options include gastric electrical stimulation, where a device is implanted to help regulate stomach contractions, and pyloroplasty, which involves widening the pylorus to improve stomach emptying. These procedures are typically reserved for severe cases of gastroparesis and require careful evaluation and consideration.
Lifestyle Modifications
Alongside medical treatments, lifestyle modifications can also play a role in managing gastroparesis. Stress management techniques, such as relaxation exercises or therapy, can help reduce symptoms. Regular exercise, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, can also aid in digestion and promote overall well-being.
It is important to note that treatment plans for gastroparesis may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and individual needs. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment options for each individual.
Posted Jul 30, 2018 by Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders, Inc. | AGMD |
Posted Mar 15, 2017 by Raspy 1000
Posted Mar 15, 2017 by Lakin 450
Posted Jun 4, 2017 by Richelle 1750
Posted Oct 25, 2017 by Mahala 1000
The treatments we have are risky and often times do not work 100 percent. There is no cure. You can go into remission but there is no certain cure for Gastroparesis, not yet anyway. Some people have great results from treatment options and others do not.
Treatment options can include but may not be limited to
-Nausea medication such as reglan/Metoclopramide or Ondansetron/zofran. Reglan is commonly used and can be effective however many people experience body contractions and other effects that cause them to be taken off the medication with good reason.
-Domperidone is also prescribed. However it is not FDA approved and can be difficult to get with the possibility of it being confiscated during shipment or travel in the U.S. If you have questions on why I will answer those individually as it's a complex matter or you can research Domperidone regulations in the U.S.A You will need an EKG at the least prior to being prescribed domperidone.
-Gastric Stimulators are a surgical option to attempt to give relief. It is similar to a heart pace maker but they attach it to your stomach and implant it into the abdomen. It sends currents that shock your stomach to the attempt to make it contract. Results are also mixed on how well it helps which symptoms.
-Feeding tubes
For gastroparesis you are likely to get one of two tubes if you need tubes. One is the NJ tube which goes down your nose and esophagus past your stomach into the intestines. You insert it and remove it through the nose. You may get a NG tube that you can also insert to train the stomach contents.
The other likely tube option is a GJ tube. This is a surgical procedure to implant. The tube penetrates the abdomen and stomach lining. One of the tubes (G) is left in the stomach to drain and the other tube (J) is threaded into the intestinal area to give feeding while bypassing the stomach. This is one device but has both tubes incorporated and surgically implanted into the stomach. Your port will be on the outside of the abdomen for access instead of outside the nose.
-Removal of the stomach is NOT a method for treatment in most cases because the new stomach will generally stop working as well, just like the first one.
Posted May 30, 2018 by Sabrina 1500
Posted Jun 7, 2018 by nbrophy 400
Medications for nausea and vomiting
Treatment to minimize causes or triggers
6-8 small meals low fat and fiber
Pain management to include meds and injections
Gastric stimulator
Posted Nov 16, 2018 by Tina 1000
