Why You May Feel Uncomfortably Full After Eating? It May Be Gastroparesis

Posted By Author on November 5, 2021

UNCOMFORTABLY FULL AFTER EATING

There are many potential reasons why you may experience digestive discomfort and feel uncomfortably full after eating a meal. Your overeating can be the cause. There are other symptoms that can also point to more serious disorders. It may be gastroparesis.

If feelings of fullness occur constantly, even after eating small portions, gastroparesis can be to blame. Gastroparesis is a form of digestive tract paralysis that delays gastric emptying. It is a condition that is becoming more widely recognized, especially in women. This chronic condition slows down or stops food in the digestive system, disrupting normal digestion.

Therefore, here at Charleston GI, our gastroenterology specialists commit to providing relief. Our team provides more details about treating gastroparesis below.

Medical Definition of Gastroparesis – partial paralysis of the stomachdiabetic gastroparesis is characterized by a triad of postprandial symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension. Gastroparesis pronunciation “ga·strow·pr·ee·suhs”.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

First, when your digested food material does not pass into the small intestines within a normal time frame, the following symptoms may result:

  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Heartburn / Acid reflux / Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Feeling full quickly even when consuming small portions
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Malnutrition
  • Low blood sugar

Also, these symptoms can lead to further complications as well as a decreased quality of life. The vagus nerve controls the stomach muscles . This typically causes stomach contractions that move stomach contents through the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, vagus nerve damage is one possible cause of gastroparesis.

Sometimes, patients confuse gastroparesis and gerd. For clarity, when diagnosed with gastroparesis it is because your stomach is unable to develop enough stomach acid to properly digest food or shift into your intestines to complete the digestion process. However, when diagnosed with GERD, this means your stomach acid moves up into your esophagus.

Risk Factors of Gastroparesis

Some common risk factors for gastroparesis include the following:

  • Diabetes
  • Certain medications
  • Abdominal surgery
  • Infection
  • Nervous system disorders
  • And more!

Find Relief With The Help of A Charleston GI Specialist

Furthermore, there is unfortunately no definitive cure for gastroparesis. But medications and other procedures can help alleviate symptoms and stimulate stomach emptying and proper digestion.

Thus, your Charleston GI gastroenterologist will likely recommend a blood test. They can also recommend an upper GI endoscopy instead to examine your esophagus, stomach and small intestine. An upper endoscopy is a procedure that utilizes a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end called an endoscope. Because you will be sedated during the procedure, we ask that all patients arrange for someone to drive them home after.

This procedure is also used to rule out other conditions that present with similar symptoms. For instance, the symptoms of GERD and stomach cancer are very similar. Our GI specialists are also experienced in diagnosing and treating other digestive conditions, such as Celiac Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Lastly, to provide relief from digestive conditions with pancreas, acid reflux, heartburn or other digestive issues, we will offer you aid. Charleston GI offers three convenient endoscopy centers throughout the area.

We have 4 locations throughout the Lowcountry. Our Charleston GI specialists is committed to providing a higher standard of caring. We welcome you to schedule your appointment today.

No referral needed!

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