Have you recently undergone a variety of gastric procedures? Post-surgery, does it seem like your stomach empties its contents too quickly into your intestines? If that's a yes, then you could be suffering from dumping syndrome, also sometimes known as rapid gastric emptying.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Amit Miglani, Director and HOD – Gastroenterology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, discusses the condition in detail and explains why it generally happens, symptoms to note, and how to find relief.
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What Is Dumping Syndrome?
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes dumping syndrome as a group of symptoms, such as diarrhoea, nausea, and feeling light-headed or tired after a meal, that are caused by rapid gastric emptying, which is when food moves too quickly from your stomach to your small intestine.
According to Dr Miglani, dumping syndrome is usually an outcome of stomach or oesophageal surgery. It mostly occurs 10–30 minutes after eating, when patients start experiencing signs and symptoms, including diarrhoea and cramping in the abdomen.
He says, "After eating, some people have symptoms 1-3 hours later, while certain individuals have symptoms that are both early and late."
What Causes Dumping Syndrome?
“Dumping syndrome is characterised by an uncontrollably rapid movement of food and gastric secretions from the stomach into the small intestine,” says Dr Miglani, adding that this is most commonly related to alterations that have occurred in your stomach as a result of surgery, such as any stomach surgery or significant esophageal surgery, including an esophagectomy.
According to StatsPearls Publishing, an estimated 20–50% of patients who have undergone gastric surgery have symptoms of dumping syndrome. In certain cases, patients develop severe symptoms approximately at a rate of 1–5%, which the research further highlights.
Moreover, dumping syndrome is a rather typical consequence of postoperative high-fat or high-sugar diets for gastric bypass patients. Consuming liquids such as water during a meal as opposed to in between meals might also result in dumping.
Also Read: Precautions Before and After Bariatric Surgery: Expert Shares A Comprehensive Guide
Symptoms To Watch Out For
Some people have both early and late signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome. These include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Flushing
- Feeling bloated or too full after eating
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Rapid heart rate
“Late dumping syndrome starts 1-3 hours after you eat a high-sugar meal, and symptoms can include sweating, flushing, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, and rapid heart rate,” Dr Miglani adds.
How To Find Relief After A Gastric Surgery?
The expert recommends taking adequate postoperative care and making lifestyle adjustments following gastric surgery.
He says it is essential to reintroduce meals gradually and raise your physical activity level in accordance with your surgeon's instructions about diet and lifestyle.
“Drink plenty of water, pay attention to how much medication you take, and show up for follow-up visits.
“To overcome any obstacles, include mild workouts and ask for help from medical specialists or support organisations.
“After surgery, make self-care a priority, pay attention to your body, and exercise patience as you adjust to your new way of life,” he adds.
Conclusion
Dumping syndrome is a condition that happens when food enters the stomach too rapidly and is sent into the small intestine without much time for processing. While it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhoea, bloating, lightheadedness, and an increased heart rate, it is not life-threatening and can be managed under a doctor's supervision and certain lifestyle modifications. It is important to take necessary measures, particularly after any gastric procedures, as dumping syndrome is most prevalent after surgical procedures such as gastrectomy, esophagectomy, bariatric surgery, pyloroplasty, vagotomy, and gastric bypass.