How is gastroparesis treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. Options may include eating smaller, more frequent meals, modifying food texture and dietary choices, managing blood glucose when relevant, and using prescribed medications to help control nausea or improve stomach emptying. Severe cases may require specialized procedures or nutritional support.

Can dietary changes help manage gastroparesis?

Dietary changes may help some people manage symptoms. Recommendations may include smaller, more frequent meals, thoroughly chewing food, choosing foods that are easier to tolerate, and maintaining adequate hydration. A clinician or dietitian can tailor advice to individual nutritional needs and symptoms.

Gastroparesis Treatment Katy, Houston | Delayed Gastric Emptying Katy, Houston

Q: What causes gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis can be associated with diabetes, certain infections, some medications, previous stomach surgery, hypothyroidism, neurological disorders, and other medical conditions. In some cases, the cause cannot be identified.

Q: How is gastroparesis diagnosed?

A gastroenterologist may review symptoms and medical history, perform an examination, and recommend tests to assess stomach emptying or rule out other conditions. Depending on the situation, testing may include a gastric emptying scan, upper GI endoscopy, imaging, breath testing, or blood tests.

Q: When should I see a gastroenterologist for gastroparesis symptoms?

Arrange a medical evaluation for persistent nausea, vomiting, early fullness, abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss. Seek prompt medical attention if you cannot keep fluids down, have signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, or blood in your vomit.

Gastroparesis Treatment in Katy, TX

Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a digestive condition in which the stomach takes longer than usual to move food into the small intestine. Gastroparesis may cause symptoms such as early fullness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, acid reflux, and changes in appetite or weight. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our gastroenterology team evaluates persistent digestive symptoms to help identify whether delayed gastric emptying or another gastrointestinal condition may be contributing to your symptoms.

If you experience ongoing nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, or difficulty eating normal meals, a gastroenterologist in Katy, TX can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment. Care is tailored to the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, nutritional needs, and overall health.

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What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a condition in which the stomach takes longer than usual to empty food into the intestine resulting in early satiety, nausea, and other symptoms.

Causes of Gastroparesis

It is unclear how gastroparesis occurs but it is thought to be caused by damage to the nerves which control the muscles of the stomach. It may be associated with

Diabetes
Infection
Certain medications such as antidepressants, dopamine, progesterone
Stomach surgery
Hypothyroidism
Parkinson’s disease
Amyloidosis
Scleroderma
Neurological disorder
Metabolic disorder

Gastroparesis is often not associated with any cause or factor and is referred to as idiopathic.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

Symptoms of gastroparesis include:

Feeling of fullness
Early satiety
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Stomach pain
Acid reflux
Weight loss
Variations in blood sugar level

Diagnosis of Gastroparesis

Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination. The following diagnostic tests may be performed to diagnose gastroparesis and rule out other conditions:

Upper GI Series: This study uses barium-based contrast material which is swallowed to enhance x-ray imaging of the stomach.
Breath test: A breath test may be performed after consuming a solid or liquid containing a chemical. The levels of this chemical in the breath can determine how fast food or liquid is absorbed after passing through the stomach.
Upper GI Endoscopy: This procedure involves the use of an endoscope, which is a flexible tube containing a miniature camera, to examine the inside of the esophagus and stomach.
Gastric scintigraphy (Gastric emptying scan): In this test, you will consume food that is labeled with a radioactive isotope. A scanning machine will be placed above your body to analyze how much food has been emptied from the stomach 4 hours after consumption.
Ultrasound: This test produces images of the internal organs using sound waves of high frequency.
Gastroduodenal manometry: This test involves the insertion of a thin tube along with an endoscope into the stomach to record the movement of the smooth muscles of the stomach and small intestine.
Electronic capsule: A capsule with a small electronic device is swallowed and its movement through the stomach and digestive system is tracked.
Blood test: A blood test will be performed to detect for malnutrition and dehydration.

Treatment for Gastroparesis

Treatment for gastroparesis may vary based on the severity of the condition. Your doctor may recommend a conservative approach including:

Lifestyle and dietary changes: This includes:

A healthy diet including well-cooked vegetables and fruits
Smaller, more frequent meals to help in easy digestion
Chewing food properly
Drinking liquids during meals
Avoiding carbonated drinks or beverages
Avoiding smoking and consumption of alcohol
Drinking plenty of water
Multivitamin supplements
Medications: These medications are prescribed to prevent vomiting and nausea, and also to help stimulate muscle activity.
Metoclopramide: This med helps to increase stomach contractions promoting gastric emptying.
Pain medications: These are used to treat stomach pain.
Erythromycin: This antibiotic also helps improve gastric emptying.
Antiemetics: These medications prevent nausea.

If you have diabetes you may be advised to check blood sugar levels more often to keep them under control. You may have to split your insulin dose so that it is administered before and after meals.

If conservative methods fail to relieve the symptoms, surgery will be recommended. This includes:

Electrical gastric stimulation: This involves the attachment of electrodes to the stomach to increase muscle contractions.
Feeding tube: This helps to deliver liquid nutrition directly to the intestine in cases of inability to tolerate food or liquid due to severe gastroparesis. A feeding tube may be passed through the nose or mouth or through an incision in the abdomen to reach the intestine (jejunostomy).
Venting gastrostomy: A tube may be passed into the stomach through an opening in the abdomen (gastrostomy)to relieve pressure in the stomach.
Gastrojejunostomy: A passage may be created from your stomach to your intestine to promote gastric emptying.
Peroral pyloromyotomy: An endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the stomach and instruments passed through the endoscope are used to make a cut in the valve (pylorus) between the stomach and intestine to help improve the passage of food.
Laparoscopic gastric bypass: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small pouch is created by stapling the stomach along its upper portion and connecting the pouch to the small intestine.

Why Choose Katy Integrative Gastroenterology for Gastroparesis in Katy, TX?

Choosing a gastroenterology practice for gastroparesis care involves more than treating individual symptoms. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our team takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating digestive health and identifying factors that may contribute to delayed gastric emptying.

We take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, medications, dietary habits, and other health concerns before recommending diagnostic testing or treatment. When gastroparesis is suspected, appropriate testing can help evaluate how effectively the stomach empties and rule out other gastrointestinal conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Our practice also takes an integrative approach to digestive health, incorporating gastroenterology, nutrition, and functional medicine when appropriate. This can help address dietary and lifestyle factors alongside conventional medical management while keeping your individual needs in focus.

Patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities can access personalized digestive care from a team focused on helping manage gastroparesis symptoms and supporting gastrointestinal health.

Gastroparesis FAQs

What are the common symptoms of gastroparesis?

Common symptoms include feeling full quickly after eating, prolonged fullness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, acid reflux, bloating, reduced appetite, and unintentional weight loss. Some people may also experience difficulty controlling blood sugar levels.

What causes gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis can have several causes. Diabetes is a common underlying condition, while other potential causes include certain medications, previous stomach surgery, infections, neurological disorders, hypothyroidism, and connective tissue or metabolic disorders. In some patients, no specific cause can be identified, which is known as idiopathic gastroparesis.

How is gastroparesis diagnosed?

Your gastroenterologist may review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. Depending on your individual situation, diagnostic testing may include an upper GI endoscopy, gastric emptying study, breath test, imaging, blood tests, or other specialized testing to evaluate stomach function and rule out other conditions.

Can gastroparesis be treated without surgery?

Yes. Treatment often begins with dietary and lifestyle modifications and medications when appropriate. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, choosing foods that are easier to digest, staying hydrated, and managing underlying conditions may help reduce symptoms. Your gastroenterologist can recommend a treatment plan based on the severity and cause of your condition.

What foods are recommended for gastroparesis?

Many patients may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals and foods that are easier for the stomach to process. Your gastroenterologist or nutrition professional can help develop an individualized eating plan based on your symptoms, nutritional requirements, and underlying health conditions.

When should I see a gastroenterologist for gastroparesis symptoms?

You should consider a gastroenterology evaluation if nausea, vomiting, early fullness, abdominal discomfort, reflux, or unexplained weight loss persists or interferes with your ability to eat and maintain adequate nutrition. Severe vomiting, dehydration, or inability to keep food or liquids down may require prompt medical attention.

Schedule a Gastroparesis Consultation in Katy, TX

If persistent nausea, vomiting, early satiety, or other digestive symptoms are affecting your daily life, Katy Integrative Gastroenterology can help evaluate the possible causes and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Our gastroenterology team provides personalized digestive care for patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities. Contact Katy Integrative Gastroenterology to schedule a consultation and learn whether an evaluation for gastroparesis in Katy, TX is appropriate for you.

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