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Gastroparesis: Quality of Life and Symptom Burdens for Patients

Gastroparesis: Quality of Life and Symptom Burdens for Patients

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) raises awareness for Gastroparesis Awareness Month to shed light on the symptom burdens of those living with gastroparesis.

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MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (July 17, 2020) — Studies show that gastroparesis, a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, is estimated to affect up to five million people in the United States. The symptoms of this condition can be debilitating and sometimes life-threatening.

Throughout the month of August, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) will raise awareness about the symptom burdens and quality of life for those living with gastroparesis – the theme for Gastroparesis Awareness Month 2020. “Patients living with this digestive disorder may suffer from a variety of symptoms which pose a tremendous impact on their daily lives,” says IFFGD president, Ceciel T. Rooker.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month, established by IFFGD in 2016, takes place every year during the month of August. During this time and throughout the year IFFGD utilizes their platform to support the gastroparesis community by raising awareness to promote education and encourage research.

Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a chronic digestive condition characterized by symptoms which can vary from life-limiting to life-threatening and often persist or reoccur over time. Some refer to it as having a paralyzed stomach (Gastro = Stomach and Paresis = paralysis). Symptoms usually occur during or after a meal and can appear suddenly or gradually.

Symptoms typically include:

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Stomach pain and discomfort
  • Dry heaves
  • Stomach fullness after a normal-sized meal
  • Early fullness and the inability to finish a meal

Additionally, “the symptoms of gastroparesis – nausea, vomiting, stomach fullness, can affect patients differently, with different severities. In some patients, the nausea is bad, whereas in others, the abdominal pain can be particularly severe,” says Temple University’s Gastroenterology Vice Chair of Research, Henry P. Parkman, MD.

In recognition of Gastroparesis Awareness Month, IFFGD will launch a campaign which acknowledges the symptom burdens and quality of life for patients — using the hashtags #MyGPlife and #GastroparesisAwarenessMonth. “Many patients with gastroparesis, as well as their caregivers, are greatly affected by the burden afflicted in gastroparesis,” said Dr. Parkman. During Gastroparesis Awareness Month, we invite you to share your story about what it is like living with gastroparesis using #MyGPlife.

Find the Gastroparesis Awareness Month Media Toolkit and campaign images by visiting this link:

About IFFGD

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is a nonprofit education and research organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. Founded in 1991, IFFGD helps improve care by enhancing awareness, improving education, and supporting and encouraging research into treatments and cures for chronic digestive disorders.

To learn more about IFFGD, please visit: Website: www.iffgd.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFFGD Twitter: www.twitter.com/IFFGD Instagram: www.instagram.com/DigestiveHealthMatters

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IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization. Our mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal disorders.

Our original content is authored specifically for IFFGD readers, in response to your questions and concerns.

If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting IFFGD with a small tax-deductible donation.

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