Did you know that August is Digestive Paralysis and Gastroparesis Awareness Month? Gastroparesis, sometimes called “stomach paralysis,” is a chronic condition where the stomach muscles work poorly or not at all. This means food moves through the digestive system much more slowly than it should. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include nausea, vomiting, feeling full quickly, bloating, and abdominal pain.
For our hardworking students, staff, faculty, and clinical professionals, this information is particularly relevant. Chronic stress, anxiety, and even the intense pressures of academic and clinical life can sometimes impact our gut health and exacerbate digestive issues. While stress doesn’t directly cause gastroparesis, it can worsen symptoms for those who have the condition. Taking care of our mental and physical well-being is vital, and understanding conditions like gastroparesis is a part of that.
We encourage you to learn more about this condition and its impact. The TMC Library offers many resources on digestive health, nutrition, and stress management. To get started, you can explore our databases and print collection.
To explore this topic further with evidence-based information, we recommend these resources:
Gastroparesis Resources at The TMC Library:
- Gastroparesis : A Comprehensive Approach to Evaluation and Management (1st ed. 2020.) by Ibele, Anna., & Gould, Jon. (Eds.). (2020). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28929-4
- Gastroparesis: pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment (2021) by McCallum, R. W. (Ed.). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2018-0-03143-6
- Gastroparesis: pathophysiology, presentation and treatment (2012 edition.) by Parkman, H. P., & McCallum, R. W. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-552-1
Free Online Resources:
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) provides detailed information on gastroparesis.
- The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) offers resources for patients and caregivers.
- The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) has patient-friendly information on a variety of GI conditions.