is primarily caused by vagus nerve damage, which most commonly stems from poorly controlled diabetes. Other causes include autoimmune diseases (like scleroderma), certain viral infections, some types of stomach surgery, and certain medications (such as opioids and some weight-loss drugs). In some cases, the cause remains unknown, a condition known as idiopathic gastroparesis.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscles.
- Surgery: Procedures on the stomach or esophagus can sometimes damage the vagus nerve.
- Infections: Some viral infections, including those from viruses like Epstein-Barr, Cytomegalovirus, and even COVID-19, can trigger the condition.
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as opioid pain medicines, anticholinergic drugs, and newer weight loss medications, can slow stomach emptying.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Diseases like scleroderma and lupus can attack the nerves and muscles of the stomach.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to a generalized slowing of bodily processes, including stomach motility, causing delayed emptying.
Idiopathic Gastroparesis
- In many instances, the precise cause of gastroparesis is not identified. This is known as idiopathic gastroparesis.
Mechanism of Gastroparesis
- Gastroparesis occurs when the vagus nerve is damaged or does not function correctly, preventing it from sending the proper signals to the stomach muscles.
- This damage results in stomach muscles contracting poorly, which leads to delayed emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine.
