What is a study of stomach emptying?

Stomach emptying study measures the speed that food leaves to pass into the small intestine. Its purpose is to explore patients whose symptoms are assumed from problems where the stomach is emptied too slowly or too quickly. The procedure includes a patient of swallowing a small amount of radioactive substance. Then, for up to three hours, a radiation scanner is used to measure the level of radioactivity in the stomach. In this way, the stomach emptying study allows doctors to calculate the stomach emptying rate, which can be compared to normal values. These symptoms are more likely, if the stomach is emptied too slowly, but in cases where emptying occurs too quickly, symptoms of dizziness, weakness and diarrhea may occur after eating. Some patients may have Stomach's pain, and if abnormal digestion occurs in the child, normally growth and weight gain may fail. Conditions that may cause unusual stomach emptyingIts stomach obstruction, where part of the intestine leading from the stomach and gastroparois is blocked, where the stomach muscles do not normally work.

Before studying stomach emptying, patients are given food that combines solids and liquids. A common example is scrambled eggs with toast and milk or water drink. Food is prepared by a technician that mixes a small amount of radioactive substance needed for the study. The levels of radioactivity during the procedure are very low and should not cause any side effects, but women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not participate because there is a low risk of fetal damage.

The test is carried out a sleeping dress and arranged in a semi -constructive position on the bed with back support. The scanner is determined on the spot above the stomach to measure radioactivity levels and may be necessary to remain throughout the procedure. If visits are urgently requiredAnd bathrooms can be stopped by the scanner until the patient returns. The staff member remains with the patient throughout the procedure. After completing the stomach emptying study, patients should feel quite normal and be able to travel home themselves.