Gastroparesis Awareness Month: Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Support

Posted on July 16, 2025

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of this often misunderstood digestive condition. At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our gastroenterology specialists are committed to helping patients navigate their symptoms, get accurate diagnoses, and receive the care they need. Whether you’re newly experiencing digestive issues or supporting a loved one with gastroparesis, awareness is the first step toward better outcomes.

What Is Gastroparesis? 

Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of the muscles in your stomach. In a healthy digestive system, strong muscular contractions push food through the stomach and into the small intestine. But with gastroparesis, these movements are slowed down or don’t happen at all, causing food to remain in the stomach longer than it should. 

This delayed gastric emptying can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Feeling full quickly after eating 
  • Bloating 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Poor appetite and weight loss 

Gastroparesis can range from mild to severe and may be caused by diabetes, surgery, viral infections, certain medications, or may have no clear cause (idiopathic gastroparesis). Left untreated, it can interfere with nutrition and significantly impact quality of life.

How Common Is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is considered a relatively rare condition, but its exact prevalence is likely underestimated due to underdiagnosis. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), it’s estimated that up to 5 million people in the U.S. may have gastroparesis.

The condition appears more frequently in women than in men and is often associated with long-standing diabetes. Early recognition of symptoms and referral to a gastroenterology specialist are essential for timely diagnosis and management.

How Do You Diagnose Gastroparesis?

Diagnosing gastroparesis requires a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specialized testing. A gastroenterologist may recommend: 

  • Gastric Emptying Study: This is the most common and reliable test. It measures how quickly food leaves your stomach after eating a small meal with a harmless radioactive marker. 
  • Upper Endoscopy: Used to rule out other causes of symptoms, such as ulcers or blockages. 
  • Abdominal Ultrasound or Imaging: Helps rule out structural issues in the stomach or intestines. 
  • SmartPill (wireless motility capsule): A newer diagnostic tool that tracks movement and pressure throughout the digestive tract. 

Diagnosis can be challenging, but an experienced gastroenterology team can guide you through the process with care and expertise. 

Here Are 5 Ways to Raise Awareness This Month

  1. Share Personal Stories: Whether you live with gastroparesis or know someone who does, sharing real experiences can help others understand the daily challenges and foster empathy. 
  2. Use Social Media for Education: Post facts, infographics, or links to trusted resources like the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD). 
  3. Wear Green: Green is the awareness color for gastroparesis. Wearing green or adding it to your profile photos can be a simple way to start conversations. 
  4. Support Research and Advocacy: Contribute to organizations that fund gastroparesis research or participate in virtual awareness events and fundraisers. 
  5. Talk to Your Doctor: If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them. A conversation with your primary care physician or a referral to a gastroenterology specialist can make all the difference.

We Provide Compassionate Care

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our gastroenterology team is dedicated to helping patients manage complex digestive conditions like gastroparesis with compassion and clinical expertise. From diagnosis through long-term care, we offer a personalized approach that respects your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. 

Gastroparesis can be overwhelming, but with the right support and treatment plan, many patients are able to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. This August, let’s work together to raise awareness and empower those affected by this often invisible condition.