Dumping syndrome
Dumping syndrome is a condition that occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. It's also known as rapid gastric emptying.
Symptoms
- Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dizziness or fainting
- Heart palpitations
- Sweating
- Headache
- Abdominal cramps
Causes
Dumping syndrome is often caused by stomach or esophageal surgery, such as a gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or esophagectomy.
Treatment
- Diet: Eating smaller meals and limiting high-sugar foods can help prevent dumping syndrome and manage symptoms.
- Medications: Octreotide (Sandostatin) can slow the emptying of food into the intestine.
- Surgery: Reconstructing the pylorus or reversing gastric bypass surgery may be recommended.
When to seek help
- Most cases of dumping syndrome are mild and go away on their own in a few weeks to months. However, if conservative approaches don't help, you should consult your health care provider.