Overview

When you have gastroparesis, your stomach takes a lot longer to empty. This delay can cause belly pain, bloating, and belching. It also can cause hiccups, heartburn, nausea or vomiting. You may not feel like eating. These symptoms may come and go. They most often occur during and after meals. You may feel full after only a few bites of food.

This condition occurs when the nerves or muscles to the stomach don't work properly. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of this nerve damage. Gastroparesis can make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. But keeping your blood sugar levels under control may help with your symptoms. Parkinson's disease, stroke, and some medicines can also cause this condition.

Home treatment can often help.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Eat several small meals each day rather than three large meals.
• Eat foods that are low in fibre and fat.
• If your doctor suggests it, take medicines that help the stomach empty more quickly. These are called motility agents.