Gastric dumping syndrome (patient information)

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 * Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty

Overview
Rapid gastric emptying, also called dumping syndrome, occurs when undigested food empties too quickly into the small intestine.

What are the symptoms of Gastric dumping syndrome?
Early rapid gastric emptying begins either during or right after a meal. Symptoms include:
 * nausea
 * vomiting
 * bloating
 * cramping
 * diarrhea
 * dizziness
 * fatigue

Late rapid gastric emptying occurs 1 to 3 hours after eating. Symptoms include:
 * hypoglycemia
 * weakness
 * sweating
 * dizziness

Experiencing both forms of gastric emptying is not uncommon.

What are the causes of Gastric dumping syndrome?
Rapid gastric emptying is a result of stomach surgery such as fundoplication or gastric bypass. The condition is also seen in people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare disorder involving extreme peptic ulcer disease and gastrin-secreting tumors in the pancreas.

Who is at risk for Gastric dumping syndrome?
Risk Factors include:
 * stomach surgery
 * Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

How to know you have Gastric dumping syndrome?
Doctors diagnose rapid gastric emptying primarily on the basis of symptoms in people who have had gastric surgery. Tests may be needed to exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

When to seek urgent medical care
Contact your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms of Gastric dumping syndrome, especially if you have recently had stomach surgery

Treatment options
Treatment includes changes in eating habits and medication. People who have rapid gastric emptying should eat several small meals a day that are low in carbohydrates and drink liquids between meals—not with them. People with severe rapid gastric emptying will likely need to take prescribed medicine to slow their digestion. In the most serious cases, doctors may recommend surgery.

Where to find medical care for Gastric dumping syndrome
Directions to Hospitals Treating Gastric dumping syndrome