Gastroparesis Awareness Month
Learn About Gastroparesis Awareness Month
Gastroparesis Awareness Month is observed every August to raise awareness, educate communities, and advocate for people living with this chronic digestive disorder.
What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, occurs when the stomach muscles slow down or stop moving food into the small intestine. Unlike blockages in the stomach or intestines, this condition stems from problems with normal stomach motility. Symptoms can be life-altering, making education and awareness essential.
Supporting Awareness
At Personalized Cause®, we honor Gastroparesis Awareness Month with a collection of green awareness products, including:
Green enamel pins
Green KNOW MORE® wristbands
Green fabric ribbons
Each product is available in personalized and non-personalized versions. These items help you honor a loved one, support a friend, or spread awareness at community and fundraising events.
Why Gastroparesis Awareness Month Matters
Gastroparesis Awareness Month reminds us to learn, support, and advocate. It shines a light on individuals and families facing this condition and encourages greater understanding in healthcare, workplaces, and communities. Advocacy and education not only increase visibility but also inspire hope.
Gastroparesis Awareness Month: Symptoms, Causes, and Support
Gastroparesis Awareness Month is observed every August to educate, advocate, and support those living with this chronic digestive disorder. By spreading awareness, we help patients receive earlier diagnoses, better treatment, and stronger community support.
What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a digestive condition where the stomach empties food into the small intestine much more slowly than normal. It is not caused by a blockage. Instead, it results from problems with stomach motility.
Symptoms of Gastroparesis
Recognizing the symptoms of gastroparesis is key to seeking care. Common signs include:
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain and bloating
Feeling full after only a few bites
Loss of appetite
Trouble absorbing nutrients
Blood sugar fluctuations
Symptoms often overlap with other conditions, which is why awareness is so important during Gastroparesis Awareness Month.
What Causes Gastroparesis?
One of the leading causes is damage to the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscle contractions. When this nerve does not work properly, food stays in the stomach for too long.
Other risk factors include:
Diabetes
Thyroid disorders
Connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma
Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and MS
Abdominal or esophageal surgery
Viral infections
Medications that slow digestion, such as narcotic pain relievers
Gastroparesis Awareness Encourages Diagnosis
Many patients wait years before receiving the correct diagnosis. The most common test is the gastric emptying scan, also called the “scrambled egg test.” In this painless procedure, a patient eats scrambled eggs mixed with a small amount of radioactive material. Doctors then track how quickly food leaves the stomach.
This test confirms motility disorders and helps explain persistent nausea, bloating, or early fullness.
Treatment and Daily Management
There is no single cure for gastroparesis, but treatment can improve quality of life. Doctors may recommend:
Eating small, frequent meals
Sitting upright after eating
Chewing food thoroughly
Limiting fats and fiber
Pureeing or blending foods for easier digestion
Avoiding alcohol, which delays stomach emptying
Medications that improve motility or relieve nausea
Lifestyle changes and personalized care plans often make a significant difference.
Living with Gastroparesis: A Patient Story
One patient shared her experience of constant nausea and early fullness after even small meals. For years, she searched for answers. A gastric emptying scan finally confirmed gastroparesis.
With medical support, she adjusted her diet, avoided trigger foods, and learned new eating strategies. These changes improved her stamina and energy, allowing her to live more fully. Her story reflects why Gastroparesis Awareness Month matters.
Raising Awareness During Gastroparesis Awareness Month
Every August, communities unite to highlight this condition. Green awareness ribbons, pins, and wristbands symbolize support. Wearing them sparks conversations and spreads knowledge.
Ways to support Gastroparesis Awareness Month include:
Sharing personal stories on social media
Hosting or joining awareness events
Donating to research organizations
Educating friends, coworkers, and community groups
Why Gastroparesis Awareness Month Matters
Gastroparesis Awareness Month gives patients and families a voice. It reminds the public that this condition is real, life-altering, and often misunderstood. By promoting awareness, we encourage research, support advocacy, and give hope to those living with gastroparesis.
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