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Gastroparesis Awareness Month 

Written by Gabriela on 21st August 2024

 

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about a condition that significantly impacts the lives of those affected. Gastroparesis is a chronic disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, even without a physical blockage. This delay in stomach emptying can lead to a variety of symptoms, making everyday activities and maintaining proper nutrition a constant struggle.

 

👉 Gastroparesis occurs when the stomach muscles or the nerves that control them stop functioning correctly, causing delayed gastric emptying. This condition can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, early satiety (feeling full quickly), and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be unpredictable and vary in severity, often leading to difficulties in managing one’s diet and overall health. Many patients also experience weight loss and malnutrition due to their inability to consume and digest food normally.

 

🏥 Treatment Advances: While there is no cure for gastroparesis, recent advancements in treatment offer hope. These include medications that stimulate stomach contractions, dietary modifications that focus on easily digestible foods, and new therapies like gastric electrical stimulation, which uses a device to prompt stomach muscles to work more effectively. Additionally, ongoing research is exploring the underlying causes of gastroparesis to develop more targeted treatments that can better manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients.

 

❗ Support Advocacy: Patient advocacy plays a crucial role in bringing attention to gastroparesis. Advocacy efforts help to raise public awareness, influence research funding, and improve access to better treatments. Support networks, both online and in-person, provide much-needed community and resources for those living with this condition. By participating in advocacy, whether through sharing information, supporting research initiatives, or simply listening to and amplifying the voices of those affected, we can contribute to meaningful change.

 

Together, we can make a difference by spreading awareness, supporting research, and standing by those living with gastroparesis.

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