Causes Of Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is the dysfunction of stomach muscles, and due to this condition, the food you eat will stay in your abdomen for a longer time than necessary rather than entering your small intestine. If the patient is eating a meal, he or she may feel full sooner than expected even after just consuming a small portion. Furthermore, undigested food that stays in the abdomen for a long time can make the person feel nauseous along with the urge to vomit. Gastroparesis can also cause a lack of appetite, which may lead to malnutrition, and patients who aren't eating can expect to lose weight without intention. Additional symptoms include abdominal discomfort, bloating, and heartburn. Sometimes the condition can cause irregular blood sugar levels.
Start reading now to learn about the various causes of this condition.
Damage To Vagus Nerve
How gastroparesis occurs has yet to be discovered; however, there are several risk factors considered to play a role in the condition's cause, such as vagus nerve damage.
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and is responsible for many functions. It is especially essential for proper operation of the digestive tract. The nerve is what tells the abdominal muscles to transport food from the abdomen to the small intestine, as the muscles won't operate if the vagus nerve is damaged.
The vagus nerve is vulnerable to damage from diseases such as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Some autoimmune diseases and virus infections (HIV) are also believed to have a negative impact on the vagus nerve. In some cases, the vague nerve stops working properly due to alcohol abuse, as drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can have some harmful effects on the nervous system. Finally, surgical complications could also affect the vagus nerve.
Speaking of surgery, continue reading to learn more about how it can raise the risk of gastroparesis.
Abdominal Or Esophageal Surgery
It is suggested gastroparesis could develop following abdominal or esophageal surgery. Out of a study with 146 patients with gastroparesis, surgery was marked as the potential cause for thirteen percent of the patients.
Vagotomy, which is used most often for treating peptic ulcers, is a surgical procedure known to cause gastroparesis. As part of the procedure, the doctor removes some or all of the vagus nerve. At least five percent of people who receive a vagotomy report gastroparesis symptoms.
Nissen fundoplication, used as a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is another surgical procedure thought to have a role in the development of gastroparesis. One study reported patients who underwent Nissen fundoplication developed symptoms within three months of the operation.
On the other hand, surgery can be useful for treating gastroparesis. You can speak with a doctor about whether or not surgery would be the best option for your condition.
Continue reading to learn the details about the connection between diabetes and gastroparesis.
