Gastroparesis means stomach paralysis. Gastroparesis is the dysmotility of the stomach, or when the stomach digests food at a rate less than normal. This causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and loss of appetite. It can be diagnosed with a gastric emptying study. Gastroparesis isn't curable, but it's symptoms can be managed with individual or a combination of stomach stimulants. These medications are combined with a low fat, low fiber diet.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition in which mast cells, immune system cells that respond to allergic reactions or anaphylaxis by releasing chemical mediators, are hyperactive. The release of these mediators when it isn't necessary can cause a wide range of symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, fatigue, and low blood pressure. This is not curable, but it can be treated with medications including antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. Even though there are blood and urine tests used to diagnose MCAS, this disease is difficult to diagnose due to many false negatives. Often, doctors skip these tests and instead prescribe the MCAS medications, as many of them are benign. They can determine whether or not a patient has MCAS based on whether or not these medications help.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is an excess of bacteria in the small intestine, which can cause malabsorption, bloating, gas, and alternating constipation and diarrhea. It can be diagnosed using a breath test or aspiration during an endoscopy. A doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to target the specific type of SIBO; either methane or hydrogen. But, a prescription should be paired with a low fodmap diet. Sometimes though, multiple rounds of antibiotics are needed to get rid of SIBO. Even after SIBO is cured, it is an ongoing effort to prevent it from returning.