4691 Van Dyke Road Lutz FL 33558

Gastroparesis Treatment in Trinity - New Port Richey, FL

What Is Gastroparesis Disease?

Gastroparesis Disease Treatment Trinity - New Port Richey, FL

Gastroparesis, also referred to as delayed gastric emptying, is a digestive disorder in which your stomach's muscular contractions either do not occur or are defective, causing your stomach contents to empty into your small intestine slowly or not at all.

There is no known cure for gastroparesis disease; however, a healthcare provider can help to minimize your symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening or causing health complications such as malnutrition or dehydration. To schedule a consultation with a healthcare practitioner in Trinity - New Port Richey who specializes in gastroparesis treatment, call (813) 536-3212 or contact Dr. Christopher Van Benschoten online.

What Causes Gastroparesis?

Under normal conditions, your stomach utilizes muscular contractions controlled by the vagus nerve to move food through your digestive system. When the vagus nerve sustains damage—either from injury or illness—gastroparesis can occur. A common cause of vagus nerve damage which leads to gastroparesis is diabetes ; however gastroparesis can occur from a variety of illnesses and injuries, including:

Unfortunately, in a large number of cases, gastroparesis is diagnosed as idiopathic because the exact cause is unclear. What is known is that the average age of onset is 34 and that gastroparesis more commonly affects woman than men.

What are Signs and Symptoms of Gastroparesis?

For some, gastroparesis can present with no symptoms; for others, gastroparesis can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Vomiting undigested food within hours of eating
  • Distended stomach/abdominal bloating
  • Fullness after a few bites of food
  • Stomach spasms
  • Acid reflux
  • Abdominal pain
  • Erratic blood sugar levels
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Malnutrition

Symptoms of gastroparesis disease can be aggravated by greasy foods or by large meal sizes. Symptoms can intensify over time and often mimic other gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorders, making diagnosis difficult.

How Is Gastroparesis Diagnosed?

To diagnose gastroparesis disease, your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination and review your symptoms. Blood and urine tests, X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be used to determine if you are experiencing gastroparesis or another condition causing intestinal blockage or obstruction.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend additional testing to confirm a gastroparesis diagnosis, including:

  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Upper GI series (to examine the small intestine)
  • Upper GI endoscopy (to examine the esophagus, duodenum, and stomach)
  • Gastric emptying scan
  • Electrogastrogram

What Treatments are Available for Gastroparesis?

The type and severity of your gastroparesis—together with other medical conditions you may have—will be taken into consideration when developing your treatment plan. Gastroparesis treatment options range from medications to surgical procedures.

Gastroparesis medications are used to make the stomach muscle contract or contract more vigorously. Common medications prescribed include Metoclopramide (Reglan), Erythromycin (Eryc), and Domperidone. Your healthcare provider may also recommend medication to control your nausea.

Your overall diet will be a key component to your treatment plan, as diet modifications can help alleviate gastroparesis discomfort. Your healthcare provider may provide nutritional counseling in addition to instructions on how to eat to reduce your discomfort.

Additional treatment options include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Gastric electrical stimulation
  • Surgery to implant a gastric pacemaker
  • Surgery to implant a feeding tube or gastric venting tube

While gastroparesis cannot be cured, in most cases, your healthcare provider will make recommendations that can minimize complications and symptoms. If you suffer from gastrointestinal upset that you think could be gastroparesis, call (813) 536-3212 or contact Dr. Christopher Van Benschoten online.

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Hours and Directions
Evolution
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Address

4691 Van Dyke Road
Lutz, FL 33558
(813) 536-3212
www.evolution4health.com

Hours

Mon: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tue: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed

Areas We Service:

Hernando County, FL, Hillsborough County, FL, Pasco County, FL, Pinellas County, FL, Land O Lakes, FL, Brooksville, FL, Spring Hill, FL, Mango, FL, Odessa, FL, Seffner, FL, Tampa, FL, Thonotosassa, FL, Crystal Springs, FL, Dade City, FL, Elfers, FL, Holiday, FL, Hudson, FL, New Port Richey, FL, Saint Leo, FL, San Antonio, FL, Wesley Chapel, FL, Zephyrhills, FL, Clearwater, FL, Largo, FL, Palm Harbor, FL, Pinellas Park, FL, Tarpon Springs, FL, Trinity, FL