Gastroparesis: Treatments and drugs
Controlling diabetes or any other underlying condition that may be causing gastroparesis is the first step in treating the condition.
Beyond this, the mainstay of gastroparesis treatment has long involved:
* Dietary changes
* Medications that increase stomach contractions
Because the few drugs approved for the condition can have serious side effects and aren't always effective, doctors are also trying less conventional approaches.
A change in diet habits
Diet remains one of the cornerstones of gastroparesis treatment, and most doctors recommend specific dietary changes, including:
*
Smaller, more frequent meals. Because a supersized meal takes longer to digest than a light snack, you're likely to do better eating six to eight small meals a day instead of two or three large ones. Smaller, more frequent meals also help avoid the feeling of fullness that plagues many people with gastroparesis.
For people whose appetite wanes later in the day, dietitians suggest eating solid, nutrient-dense foods in the morning, then switching to lighter meals or liquids in the afternoon and evening. Some people are helped by lying on their right side after eating, which allows gravity to help empty the stomach. If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend a liquid diet until your blood sugar is brought under control or the gastroparesis is better managed.
Nov. 21, 2007
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Please visit the web site to view the article in its entirety.
