Gastroparesis Awareness: A Hidden Digestive Condition

Gastroparesis is a long-term digestive condition that is still widely misunderstood, yet it can have a major impact on physical health, mental wellbeing, and day-to-day life.

Raising awareness helps people recognise symptoms earlier, seek appropriate support, and feel less alone.

What Is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis means delayed stomach emptying. Food moves from the stomach to the small intestine more slowly than normal, even though there is no physical blockage. 

The condition is usually linked to damage or dysfunction of the nerves and muscles that control digestion, particularly the vagus nerve.

Symptoms to Be Aware Of

Symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go, which often makes diagnosis difficult. Common symptoms include:

Ongoing nausea or vomiting

Feeling full after only a few mouthfuls

Bloating and abdominal discomfort

Acid reflux or heartburn

Unintentional weight loss

Poor blood sugar control (especially in people with diabetes)

Because these symptoms overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions, people can wait years for a clear diagnosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

In the UK, gastroparesis is most often associated with:

Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)

Nerve damage following surgery

Certain viral infections

Side effects of some medications

Idiopathic gastroparesis, where no clear cause is found

Managing Life With Gastroparesis

There is currently no cure, but symptoms can often be managed with medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments. Common approaches include:

Eating small, frequent meals

Reducing high-fat and high-fibre foods

Choosing soft or blended meals

Medication to improve stomach motility or reduce nausea

Nutritional support where needed

Living with gastroparesis can be physically draining and emotionally challenging. Anxiety, frustration, and low mood are common — making holistic healthcare essential.

Why Gastroparesis Awareness Matters

Greater awareness can lead to:

Faster diagnosis and treatment

Better understanding from employers and loved ones

Improved access to specialist care

Reduced stigma around invisible chronic illness

Being listened to and believed is often one of the biggest hurdles for people with gastroparesis.

UK Support and Help

If you’re affected by gastroparesis, these UK-based organisations offer reliable information and support:

NHS https://www.nhs.uk

Your GP is the first step for referrals, investigations, and access to gastroenterology services.

Guts UK https://gutscharity.org.uk

Provides clear, patient-friendly resources on gastroparesis and other digestive conditions. Previously known as the Digestive Disorders Foundation

Offers educational materials and awareness campaigns focused on digestive health.

PINNT https://pinnt.com/Home.aspx

Supports people who need enteral or parenteral nutrition, including those with severe gastroparesis.

If symptoms are affecting your quality of life, speak to your GP and ask about further investigation or specialist referral.

Gastric electric pacemakers are also a treatment option 

https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/treatments/gastric-electrical-stimulation-for-gastroparesis

That’s Health Takeaway

Gastroparesis is often invisible, but its impact is very real. Awareness, education, and access to the right UK support services can make a meaningful difference — not just medically, but emotionally too.

Incidentally, El Dyson, a friend of this blog who introduced us to the existence of Gastroparesis has a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to have a gastric pacemaker fitted. 

You can visit her appeal fund here: https://gofund.me/b6f40683