August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month
August 11th, 2009 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month, and the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Organization is hoping to spread worldwide awareness for the debilitating disorder through continued communication with local governments on increasing federal funds for research and public awareness campaigns.
Gastroparesis is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. It is the result of damage to the vagus nerve, which controls the movement of food through the digestive system. The most common cause of gastroparesis is diabetes, though it may also be caused by viral infections, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, nervous system diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and certain metabolic disorders. In some cases, the cause is unknown.
An estimated 10 million people suffer from gastroparesis. Patients are often prescribed metoclopramide, a drug known in the U.S. by the brand name Reglan, to treat their condition. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning on metoclopramide/Reglan after an investigation found that patients who took the drug were at an increased risk of developing a severe involuntary movement disorder known as Tardive Dyskinesia. People treated with metoclopramide/Reglan for more than 12 weeks are at greater risk. The condition is often irreversible, even after the medication has been stopped.
With so few treatment options available to gastroparesis sufferers, the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Organization is using this month to push for funding to help find new medications to treat the millions of people who suffer from gastroparesis. “We will be having additional fund raisers this year as well sending out care packets to help bring smiles to those suffering with gastroparesis,” states the organization’s Web site. “Together, we will fight for a cure!”