August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month. Gastroparesis is a stomach condition where things move too slowly in the digestive system. It is a condition that affects more females than males. It is still being studied since about half of the cases have no known cause. They are just termed “idiopathic”.
In some cases, it is related to the patient having diabetes. It has also been noted a high percentage of females with the condition are low in estrogen. Other hormonal imbalances can also cause the condition.
Symptoms of Gastroparesis
Some of the symptoms of Gastroparesis are:
- Nausea, vomiting, dry heaves
- Feeling super full after a normal sized meal
- Feeling full and being unable to finish a normal meal
- Pain and discomfort in the stomach
- Bloating and heartburn
All of these symptoms can be indicators of a number of other medical conditions. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms on an on-going basis and are concerned, you should consult your medical professional.
There is a test they can perform to time the emptying of the stomach to determine if you are indeed suffering from gastroparesis. Left untreated, it can cause a decrease in appetite or a reluctance to eat and deal with stomach discomfort, leading to dehydration and malnutrition. Severe cases have resulted in hospitalization.
How to Treat Symptoms of Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is manageable with diet and lifestyle changes if it is not too advanced. Consulting a dietician to help you design a meal plan that ensures you are getting the nutrients your body needs is a good place to start. Moderate physical activity, such as a walk, after eating a meal will help move things along.
There are also medications available to increase the mobility and improve the flow of contents from the stomach into the small intestine. This may help with vomiting, nausea, and bloating. There are also medications to help control nausea and vomiting.
Gastroparesis increases the challenge of managing diabetes. Blood sugar levels increase as the contents of the stomach move into the small intestine. Since the stomach condition delays that process, it makes it harder to manage your blood sugar levels.
How can IPE Screening Help?
IPE Screening can be your partner in managing your health. If you have diabetes, it puts you at risk for a host of other health conditions. Regular checking of blood sugar levels is important. If you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, do you know your blood sugar levels? Are you at risk for becoming diabetic?
If you are a mature woman who is experiencing hormonal imbalances, IPE Screening can check levels for you and give you the information you need to manage your life journey. Knowing your numbers gives you the knowledge and power to make educated health decisions that are right for you.
IPE Screening is a private pay lab. You get the same quality tests and results as you would from a doctor’s office or the hospital, at a fraction of the cost!
You do not need a doctor’s referral to use their services. You do not need insurance. Although they do accept most major insurances now. You don’t need an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome!
They are affiliated with Quest Diagnostics and can access your information from the Quest system.
They do not charge an additional fee for the blood draw to perform tests. Lastly, if you are unable to get to their office, they will bring their services to you! Call today and get your health under control!