Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the muscles and nerves around the stomach and prevents the stomach from properly digesting food. Normally, when food enters the stomach, the muscles contract, which churns and breaks up the food into smaller particles. Then, the food can pass into the small intestine. When the muscle contractions around the stomach are weakened, the food doesn't get broken up thoroughly or empty into the small intestine. This can lead to a wide variety of uncomfortable symptoms.Diseases of the stomach muscles can sometimes cause gastroparesis. The condition can also be caused by damage to the vagus nerve, which controls the contractions of the stomach muscles. The vagus nerve can become damaged during surgery or as a result of another health condition. Other causes of gastroparesis include potassium or magnesium imbalances, medication side effects, and thyroid disease. The cause of the condition is unknown in many patients, though.To diagnose gastroparesis, patients usually undergo a gastric emptying study, which measures the amount of time it takes for food to empty into the intestine. Once you're diagnosed, you and your doctor can develop a treatment plan. However, many people with the condition never see a doctor because they believe they just have indigestion. It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of gastroparesis, so you can see a doctor if you think you may have the condition. Here are nine of the most common symptoms:
