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Delayed Gastric Emptying
Delayed Gastric Emptying
Delayed Gastric Emptying (DGE) is also sometimes referred to as
gastroparesis. DGE is characterized by the stomach emptying slower than
normal, and sometimes taking hours to empty. DGE can be caused by an
immature digestive system or by some type of muscle or nerve damage in
the stomach, which causes slow digestion and slow stomach emptying.
Also, emptying problems can worsen reflux or cause reflux symptoms.
A lot of times reflux and emptying problems go hand in hand.
Symptoms:
Nausea
Vomiting
Vomiting hours after meals
Vomited food that appears to have not been digested
Swollen belly
Prematurely feeling full
Lack of hunger
Unintentional weight loss
Reflux
Treatments:
Dietary change- Small more frequent meals, soft well-cooked foods, and
proper chewing habits, can help make the sufferer more comfortable. If
dealing with an infant, breastmilk is best for DGE. If you are unable
to nurse, a hypoallergenic formula will be easier and more quickly
digested.
Although medications tend to give little long term benefit, they
can be helpful on a day to day basis with DGE.
Common medications used:
Domperidone- Not yet available in the U.S.
Erythromycin- This is an antibiotic but when used in small doses it can
increase emptying time.
Bethanechol- Stimulates emptying
Reglan- This medication causes gastric contractions and can have
serious side effects. If your child is or will be taking this, watch
for restlessness, unusual aggression, or involuntary muscle spasms. If
you notice any of these symptoms in your child, contact your doctor
immediately!
Tests:
Gastric Empyting Scan- There are several tests, but the Gastric
Emptying Scan is the most common. This test evaluates the emptying of
food from the stomach. The patient will be given a food or a liquid
that contains a radioactive material. The stomach is then monitored for
several hours. In patients with abnormal emptying, the radio active
material stays in the stomach longer than usual (hours longer).
Surgery:
Pyloroplasty- The Pyloroplasty is a surgical procedure in which the
lower portion of the stomach, the pylorus, is cut and resutured, to
relax the muscle and to widen the opening into the intestine.
Please visit our forums if you would like more help or have questions!
Written by: Eli's Mom, Erin
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