Educational information, not a treatment plan. This overview is meant to help you understand the condition and prepare informed questions. Diagnosis and treatment decisions should always be made with a qualified healthcare professional. Find a specialist or read our medical disclaimer.
A condition where the stomach empties too slowly, causing nausea, vomiting, bloating, and pain, due to nerve and muscle dysfunction.
Overview
Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach's muscles are unable to move food into the small intestine at a normal rate. 'Gastro' means stomach, and 'paresis' means partial paralysis. When the stomach can't empty properly, food sits in the stomach, causing nausea, vomiting, bloating, and pain. Gastroparesis can be caused by diabetes (the most common cause), viral infections, autoimmune disease, connective tissue disorders, or may be idiopathic (no identified cause). It is considered a form of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The condition can range from mild discomfort to severe, with some patients unable to tolerate any food or liquids by mouth. It frequently co-occurs with other dysautonomia conditions like POTS.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms include: • Nausea and vomiting (sometimes of undigested food eaten hours earlier) • Feeling full quickly when eating (early satiety) • Bloating and abdominal pain • Acid reflux and heartburn • Weight loss and malnutrition • Fluctuations in blood sugar (in diabetic patients) • Loss of appetite Symptoms can be constant or intermittent and may worsen after eating solid foods.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves: • Medical history and symptom assessment • Gastric emptying study (scintigraphy) — the gold standard • Upper endoscopy to rule out mechanical obstruction • Blood tests and imaging The gastric emptying study measures how quickly food leaves the stomach.
Current Treatments
Treatment focuses on symptom management and nutrition: • Dietary modifications (small, frequent, low-fat, low-fiber meals; pureed or liquid nutrition) • Medications (prokinetics like metoclopramide, anti-nausea medications) • Gastric electrical stimulation (in severe cases) • Feeding tube (jejunal) for patients who cannot tolerate oral nutrition • Managing underlying conditions (diabetes control) • Treatment of co-occurring dysautonomia There is no cure, but symptoms can often be improved with the right approach.
Research Summary
Gastroparesis research is exploring new prokinetic medications, gastric electrical stimulation, and the connection between gastroparesis and other forms of dysautonomia. The rise in post-viral gastroparesis (including post-COVID) has brought new attention to the condition. More research is needed on treatment options, particularly for severe cases.
Community Resources
Gastroparesis can be profoundly isolating, as eating is central to social life. Connecting with others who understand the challenges of a restricted diet and digestive dysfunction can provide practical tips and emotional support. Explore our Stories page and community resources.
References
This overview is based on published clinical literature on gastroparesis. Content is reviewed regularly. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.