Gastroparesis is a stomach condition which affects the regular movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. It happens due to altered muscular movements, also known as stomach paralysis.

A troubled muscle function leads to the improper grinding of food and difficulty in emptying stomach in a regular fashion. This condition is more common in women than in men.

What Causes Gastroparesis:

The exact causes of gastroparesis are unclear. However, the specific factors that can increase the risk include: 

• Damaged nerve or surgery
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Drugs and medicines like antidepressants, pain relievers, progesterone, dopamine agonists etc.
• Medical condition like Parkinson, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma
• Viral infection
• Cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy
• Hypothyroidism
• Eating disorders
• Psychological factors 

Another common condition is idiopathic gastroparesis affecting mainly the young and middle-aged women. 

Symptoms can vary from person to person, some of the common known signs are: 

• Gastroeophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach feels full more quickly than normal
• Bloating
• Abdominal Pain
• Loss Of Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Irregular Blood Sugar 

Prevention And Treatment:

Gastroparesis can become complicated in situations where food stays in the stomach for a long time, causing increased bacterial growth. Food can also get harden, obstructing further passage into the intestine. Diabetic people can face more complications. Gastroparesis is a chronic condition, which cannot be cured but controlled with medications like metoclopramide, erythromycin, antiemetics. 

Modifying everyday diet can also help in controlling the symptoms. In severe cases feeding tubes, electric stimulation, Botox injections etc. are used.