ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR
In gastroparesis, the stomach doesn’t empty its contents normally – there’s no obstruction, or structural abnormality, but the nerves supplying the muscles that usually make it do this aren’t effective, so the stomach is slower in moving food through the digestive tract. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, bloating and belching. Malnutrition and weight loss can occur.
This condition is most often diagnosed in those aged 18-39, and it affects more women than men. In adults, the most common cause is diabetes, when high blood sugar levels gradually damage the stomach nerves. Other causes include neurological conditions (such as multiple sclerosis), connective
