August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month, a good time to shine a light on a digestive condition that often goes undiagnosed for years. Gastroparesis affects how quickly the stomach empties food into the small intestine, and when the process slows down or stalls, it can lead to persistent nausea, bloating, and discomfort that disrupts daily life. At Bedford Gastroenterology, we help patients in Bedford, NH and the surrounding communities understand what is happening in their gut and find a path toward relief.
What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis literally means stomach paralysis. In a healthy digestive system, the stomach muscles contract to move food along into the small intestine at a fairly predictable pace. In people with gastroparesis, those muscles work more slowly than normal, or in more severe cases, they may stop contracting altogether. Food then lingers in the stomach far longer than it should, which can cause a range of uncomfortable and sometimes serious symptoms.
Because the symptoms of gastroparesis often overlap with other common digestive complaints, many people live with the condition for months or years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. That is why awareness matters. Recognizing the signs early can lead to a faster diagnosis and a more effective treatment plan.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
If you regularly experience any of the following, it may be worth discussing gastroparesis with a gastroenterologist:
- Nausea and vomiting, especially of undigested food
- A feeling of fullness after only a few bites
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood sugar fluctuations that are difficult to control
- Heartburn or acid reflux that does not respond to typical treatment
What Causes Gastroparesis?
There is not always a single, clear cause. Diabetes is one of the most common contributors, particularly when blood sugar has not been well controlled over time, since prolonged high blood sugar can damage the nerve that signals the stomach muscles. Other potential causes include prior abdominal or esophageal surgery, certain medications, and neurological conditions. In some cases, no clear cause is ever identified, which is referred to as idiopathic gastroparesis.
Regardless of the underlying cause, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward feeling better. Our team uses a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging and motility testing, to confirm whether gastroparesis is the source of your symptoms or whether something else is at play.
How Bedford Gastroenterology Helps
Every patient’s experience with gastroparesis is different, so treatment is never one size fits all. Our providers take the time to understand your symptoms, review your medical history, and build a management plan that fits your life. Learn more about our approach on our gastroparesis treatment services page. Treatment often includes a combination of dietary changes, medication to help stimulate stomach emptying, and close monitoring of related conditions like diabetes.
Getting an accurate diagnosis usually starts with our diagnostic services, which include upper endoscopy and other testing that can rule out blockages, ulcers, or other conditions that mimic gastroparesis. In some cases, we may also recommend a colonoscopy if lower digestive symptoms are also present, so we can build a complete picture of your digestive health.
Because gastroparesis affects nutrition and how the body processes food, many patients also benefit from working with our team on nutrition and dietary counseling to identify foods that are easier to digest and to maintain healthy nutrition despite delayed stomach emptying.
Do Not Wait to Get Answers
Living with unexplained nausea, bloating, or early fullness can be exhausting, and it is easy to dismiss these symptoms as just a sensitive stomach. But persistent digestive symptoms deserve a real answer. If you have been struggling with symptoms that sound like gastroparesis, or if you have already been diagnosed and are looking for a care team closer to home, we encourage you to reach out. Early evaluation can help you get relief sooner and avoid complications like malnutrition or poorly controlled blood sugar.
This Gastroparesis Awareness Month, take the first step toward understanding your digestive health. Our team at Bedford Gastroenterology in Bedford, NH is here to listen, evaluate, and guide you toward a treatment plan that works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gastroparesis the same thing as GERD or acid reflux?
No. GERD involves acid moving up from the stomach into the esophagus, while gastroparesis involves the stomach emptying too slowly. That said, the two conditions can occur together, and delayed emptying can sometimes make reflux symptoms worse.
How is gastroparesis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves ruling out a physical blockage with an upper endoscopy, along with tests that measure how quickly the stomach empties. Your gastroenterologist will also review your symptoms and medical history to build a full picture of what is happening.
Can gastroparesis be cured?
There is no single cure, but gastroparesis is manageable. Many patients see significant improvement through dietary changes, medication, and treatment of any underlying condition such as diabetes.
What foods are easier to digest with gastroparesis?
Smaller, more frequent meals that are lower in fat and fiber are often easier to tolerate, since fat and fiber can slow stomach emptying even further. A gastroenterologist or dietitian can help build a personalized eating plan.
When should I see a gastroenterologist about my symptoms?
If nausea, early fullness, bloating, or unexplained weight loss last more than a few weeks, it is time to schedule an evaluation. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and get you on the path to feeling better sooner.
Bedford Gastroenterology proudly serves patients throughout Bedford, Manchester, Derry, and the greater southern New Hampshire area. Call 603-367-3064 or visit bedfordgastro.com to schedule an appointment.