Gastroparesis Awareness Month
August 2024
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the stomach and is a chronic (long-term) disorder. The number of people diagnosed is 14 per 100,000 people in the UK, which is rare.
At Guts UK Charity, we make noise for gastroparesis, as well as providing evidence-based information and funding vital research. All to improve gastroparesis awareness and help people to get the diagnosis and support they need.
What is gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis translates to stomach (gastro) paralysis (paresis). In gastroparesis, the stomach does not empty its contents in the usual way, but this is not down to an obstruction or structural abnormality. Nerves that tell the stomach to empty are not effective, so the stomach is too slow in moving our food through.
What are the usual symptoms of gastroparesis?
Symptoms can include:
- Nausea (feeling sick).
- Vomiting (being sick).
- Abdominal pain.
- Feeling full after few mouthfuls of a normal-sized meal (early satiety).
- An inability to finish a meal.
- Bloating.
- Belching.
Symptoms can range from mild to present and will usually be present for three months or more. Some people can also experience malnutrition, weight loss and heartburn.
What causes gastroparesis?
In adults, the most common cause of gastroparesis is diabetes, known as diabetic gastroparesis. This affects 13 out of every 1,000 people with diabetes, and gastroparesis is more common in those with type 1 diabetes, although can appear in those with type 2 diabetes too.
For many, the cause of gastroparesis is unknown. This is known as idiopathic gastroparesis, which is the next most common type of gastroparesis after diabetic gastroparesis.
Gastroparesis can also occur for a variety of other reasons such as some neurological conditions and after some surgery for the digestive system. Medicines may also cause gastroparesis, especially opiod-based medicines.
Who is affected by gastroparesis?
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.
What treatment is available for gastroparesis?
Treatments are very individual, as they can vary depending on the symptoms. For some people, gastroparesis can improve in time (at least 12 months).
Other treatments include management of high blood sugars, stopping medicines causing gastroparesis, diet and anti-sickness medicines. Other treatments such as tube feeding may be used, depending on the person’s needs. A more detailed explanation of possible gastroparesis treatments can be read in our conditions information.
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 to change this.
Does Guts UK fund any research into gastroparesis?
We also fund crucial research to help understand and treat gastroparesis. Guts UK is proud to have funded stem cell research into gastroparesis. We funded Dr Conor McCann at University College London, as he explored whether it is possible to replace damaged nerve cells by transplanting new ‘donor’ stem cells into the relevant part of the gut. Though the research is still in its early stages, the results were hopeful and the research has continued in other centres worldwide. Your kindness enables us to fund research working towards earlier diagnoses, kinder treatments and ultimately, a cure. Support Guts UK today. Thank you.
Rachel’s gastroparesis story
“I am trying to give my gastroparesis a hard time surviving in my body, not the other way around. It’s hard but I’m determined.
It’s difficult when food feels like poison and it’s everywhere. When I socialise, I don’t have a drink. Food is such a pivotal part of our lives and is seen as a good thing to so many people, but it makes me sick. Every time I do eat, I worry that it’s going to make me vomit.” – Continue Rachel’s story here.
Paul’s gastroparesis story
“I felt contradicting emotions; relief for receiving the (gastroparesis) diagnosis and on the other hand, a lot of dread. I asked myself “how do I deal with this?” and my mind went into overdrive. I experienced anxiety and depression. This felt like another thing to add to the list, alongside my type 1 diabetes.” – Continue reading Paul’s story here.
Where can I find more information on gastroparesis?
Our patient information section is home to our expert, evidence-based information on gastroparesis.
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 itself. You never know who we might reach and help together. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X.
- Share your own experience, or a loved ones experience with gastroparesis to your own circles, and on your own social media channels.
- Fundraise for Guts UK Charity to help us abolish the taboos surrounding digestive health, and get to grips with guts. You can fund life-changing research, and empower people to seek help sooner.
