Overview
Gastroparesis means the stomach takes much longer than normal to empty its contents into the small intestine — without any physical blockage. It is most commonly caused by diabetes, but can also follow viral illness or stomach surgery. Symptoms are chronic and can significantly impact quality of life and nutrition.
Symptoms
Feeling full quickly after eating small amounts
Nausea and vomiting of undigested food
Abdominal bloating and pain
Heartburn and reflux
Fluctuating blood sugar levels (in diabetics)
Unintended weight loss and malnutrition
Common Causes
Diabetes mellitus (most common cause)
Post-viral gastroparesis (e.g. after COVID-19)
Previous stomach or esophagus surgery
Medications (opioids, anticholinergics)
Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
Idiopathic (no identifiable cause)
Self-Care Tips
Eat 4–6 small, low-fat, low-fiber meals throughout the day
Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly
Drink fluids between meals rather than with meals
Avoid lying down for at least 2 hours after eating
Blend or puree foods if solid meals are hard to tolerate
Keep a symptom diary to identify triggers
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you are losing weight, vomiting frequently, or your blood sugar is poorly controlled. Gastroparesis is diagnosed by a gastric emptying study and requires specialist management.
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