Gastroparesis is an often overlooked digestive disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life of those affected. Characterised by delayed gastric emptying, this condition hampers the stomach’s ability to properly digest food, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms like chronic nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Despite its prevalence, diagnosing gastroparesis remains a significant challenge due to its diverse causes, which include nerve damage, systemic diseases, and certain medications.
To understand why it is difficult to diagnose gastroparesis and how to treat it, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Swati Darade, BAMS DYA, Medical office, Ayush Dispensary, Satara, Maharashtra.
Challenges in Diagnosing Gastroparesis
Diagnosing gastroparesis can be complex due to its varied aetiology and overlapping symptoms with other gastrointestinal disorders. According to Dr Darade, “Due to different aetiological factors, diagnosing gastroparesis becomes difficult.” Common causes of gastroparesis include:
Diabetes: This is a prevalent cause, especially in Type 1 diabetes but is also seen in Type 2. Studies have shown that around 5% of Type 1 diabetics and 1% of Type 2 diabetics suffer from gastroparesis.
Post-surgical: Surgeries involving the stomach, oesophagus, or pancreas can damage the vagus nerve, impairing stomach muscle function.
Viral infections: Some viral infections, such as Rotavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Cytomegalovirus, can trigger delayed gastric emptying.
Systemic diseases: Conditions like systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, Parkinson’s disease, and hypothyroidism are also known contributors.
Medications: Opioids, cyclosporine, dopamine, tricyclic antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, and progesterone can interfere with gastric emptying.
Symptoms of gastroparesis, such as chronic nausea, vomiting, early satiety, postprandial fullness, abdominal pain, bloating, acid reflux, heartburn, constipation, and blood sugar fluctuations, can mimic other gastrointestinal conditions, necessitating a thorough differential diagnosis. “Complete blood count, liver testing, lipase studies, and abdominal CT or MRI are useful in excluding mechanical obstructions,” Dr Darade notes. Scintigraphic gastric emptying studies (GES) are considered the gold standard for detecting gastroparesis, making it essential for proper diagnosis.
Also read: Do You Feel Full After Eating Small Meals? It May Be A Sign Of Gastroparesis
Treatment Approaches
Treatment of gastroparesis is multifaceted, aiming to manage symptoms, improve gastric emptying, and address underlying causes. Dr Darade highlights the Ayurvedic perspective on gastroparesis, emphasising the importance of treating ‘Agni’ (digestive fire) to restore balance in the body. “According to Ayurvedic aspects, Agni is responsible for strength, health, longevity, and it determines the quantity of food to be consumed,” she explains. If Agni is disturbed, digestion, absorption, and assimilation processes are compromised, leading to various health issues.
In terms of dietary management, Dr Darade advises, “Food with less oil, less fibre, soft foods, small portions, and more liquids with pungent and bitter qualities are recommended. Raw fruits and vegetables should be properly cooked to ease digestion.” Specific foods like Amla and pomegranate can be beneficial, while herbs such as garlic, ginger, fennel seeds, and turmeric help treat delayed gastric emptying. She also suggests avoiding heavy evening meals, with light options like soups made from vegetables like asparagus, fennel, spinach, and beetroot.
Dr Darade also emphasises the role of physical activity and meditation in managing gastroparesis. Practices like walking 100 steps after each meal, meditation for 20-30 minutes, and specific yoga asanas such as Vajrasana, Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine Spinal Twist), and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) can aid digestion and improve overall gut health.
Also read: Make These 5 Lifestyle Changes To Manage Gastroparesis
Conclusion
Gastroparesis poses significant diagnostic and treatment challenges due to its multifactorial nature and overlapping symptoms with other conditions. Integrating conventional and Ayurvedic approaches, as advocated by Dr Swati Darade, can offer a holistic solution to managing this condition. A tailored regimen involving dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and targeted therapies remains the cornerstone of effective gastroparesis management.