Gastroparesis Awareness Month
Help Guts UK to mark Gastroparesis Awareness Month this August.
What is gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a chronic (long-term) digestive condition that affects the stomach. Gastroparesis means stomach (gastro) paralysis (paresis).
In gastroparesis, the stomach does not empty its contents in the usual way. This is not due to an obstruction or structure abnormality but instead, because the nerves that tell the stomach to empty do not work properly. This means that food moves through slowly through the stomach.
What are the usual symptoms of gastroparesis?
Symptoms can include:
- Nausea (feeling sick).
- Vomiting (being sick).
- Abdominal pain.
- Feeling full after a few mouthfuls of a normal-sized meal (early satiety).
- An inability to finish a meal.
- Bloating.
- Belching.
Symptoms of gastroparesis can range from mild to severe and will usually be present for three months or more. Alongside the most common symptoms, some people can also experience malnutrition, weight loss and heartburn.
Who does gastroparesis affect and how common is it?
Gastroparesis can affect people of all ages, but it is most often diagnosed in people aged 18 to 39. It is more common in adults than in children and the diagnosis is given to females twice as often as males.
The number of people diagnosed is 14 per 100,000 people in the UK, which is rare.
Where can I find more information on gastroparesis?
Our accredited information on digestive conditions and symptoms includes gastroparesis. Our Helpline team can also provide information, guidance and support.
Hear from people living with gastroparesis
“Getting my gastroparesis diagnosis was emotional. I felt relieved because somebody finally believed me, and it proved it wasn’t in my head. But at the same time, it was terrifying because I knew it was something life-changing.
When I first became ill, I felt incredibly alone. Finding Guts UK helped me understand the condition and made me realise other people were going through similar experiences.I’ve connected with people through Guts UK’s social media, and that sense of community has really helped me.” – Leah
Hear more about Leah’s experiences with gastroparesis by reading here full story here.
“Being on the heavier side means my condition isn’t always taken seriously or is used to deny treatment and dismiss its severity. Gastroparesis isn’t taken seriously by a lot of medics for many reasons and that needs to change.
Even when I lost six stone, it wasn’t treated with the urgency it deserved. If anything, it was encouraged by most medics I saw. It took years for my consultant to describe it as “debilitating.” When gastroparesis is this severe, it’s exhausting, especially when you’re dealing with things that might hospitalise others. What’s normal for us is far from normal for most people.” – Michael
Why is it important to raise awareness of gastroparesis?
Unfortunately, when it comes to upper gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroparesis, they are often overlooked and misunderstood. At Guts UK charity, we are dedicated to raising vital awareness and increase medical research into conditions like gastroparesis, so that more people can get the support, diagnosis and treatments that they need.
How can I help?
You can help us raise vital awareness of gastroparesis by:
- Following us on social media and sharing our awareness and information posts during the month of August. You never know who we might reach and help together. Head to Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
- If you’re affected by gastroparesis, you can share your own experiences with your family, friends and network on your own social media channels and beyond. You can register your interest in sharing a story with us here.
- Fundraise for Guts UK charity to help us abolish the taboo surrounding digestive health. With your support, we can provide information and support and fund life-changing research into the digestive system.
