About this topic
Dumping syndrome is also known as rapid gastric emptying. It happens when food moves too quickly from your stomach into your bowels. This problem may happen right after eating. It may also happen a few hours later. ‚
What are the causes?
Dumping syndrome is a common problem after having surgery to take out all or part of your stomach. Your stomach controls how fast food moves into the bowels. Surgery on your stomach can harm the part that controls the food movement. Then, food can leave the stomach too quickly. You can also have this problem even if you have not had stomach surgery. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have this problem if you have had surgery to take out all or part of your stomach. ‚
What are the main signs?
Early dumping happens 15 to 30 minutes after a meal. Signs are: ‚
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Full feeling in the belly
- Belly cramps
- Loose stools
- Feeling dizzy
- Fast heartbeat
Late dumping happens 1 to 3 hours after a meal. Signs are: ‚
- Weakness
- Sweating
- Dizziness
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor may also order some tests like: ‚
- Blood sugar test
- Gastric emptying test ¢ ˆ ’ This test uses a radioactive matter and scanner machine to take a picture of how fast the food moves inside the stomach and into the bowel.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will treat this illness with drugs, as well as lifestyle and diet changes. Surgery is needed in only the most serious cases. Your doctor will talk with you if this is needed for you. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Eat small meals more often throughout the day.
- Chew your food properly. Do not eat too quickly.
- Avoid drinking fluids while eating a meal.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Eat foods:
- Like lean meat and vegetables
- High in fiber and complex carbs, like whole grain breads and unsweetened cereals, wheat pastas, brown rice, and barley.
- Avoid foods that are:
- High in simple sugars, like honey, candy, sugary drinks, and sweets like cookies
- Acid-rich, like citrus foods
- Cooked by frying
- Check with your doctor about including milk in your diet.
- Rest or lie down after eating. This may help slow the food emptying from your stomach to your bowels after you eat.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Slow food digestion
- Avoid loose stools
- Give you extra vitamins and minerals
What problems could happen?
- Too much weight loss too fast
- Not able to get proper nutrition
- Fear of eating or of having to use the restroom after eating, which prevents eating out
Helpful tips
Join support groups to get to know other people who have coped with the condition. ‚
Where can I learn more?
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders ‚
http://www.aboutgimotility.org/site/about-gi-motility/disorders-of-the-stomach/dumping-syndrome ‚
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/rapidgastricemptying/Rapid_Gastric_Emptying_508.pdf ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/dumping-syndrome/index.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚