Dumping syndrome is a term that describes a condition where food leaves the stomach and passes quickly into the small intestine after gastric surgery or due to certain stomach diseases. This can often occur after gastric surgery procedures such as gastrectomy (complete or partial removal of the stomach) or in cases of reduced stomach capacity. Dumping syndrome can be managed with diet and lifestyle changes after gastric surgery.
The treatment of dumping syndrome, which has two types: early and late dumping syndrome, may differ depending on the symptoms and medical history of the person. For this reason, people who experience this condition should consult a health professional and get information about treatment options.
What are the Symptoms of Dumping Syndrome?
Dumping syndrome symptoms usually appear quickly after a meal. They can be divided into two main categories: early and late symptoms.
Early Dumping Syndrome Symptoms:
- Stomach Pain and Cramps: Fast food transit can lead to stomach discomfort and cramps.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Fast food transit can irritate the stomach and cause nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea: The rapid flow of food into the small intestines can cause diarrhea.
- Fast Heartbeat (Tachycardia): The heart rate may increase, which can cause a person to breathe quickly and have a rapid heartbeat.
- Sweating: Intense sweating is another symptom of early onset syndrome.
- Dizziness: A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness may occur.
Late Dumping Syndrome Symptoms:
- Weakness and Fatigue: There may be a feeling of weakness and fatigue due to a drop in blood sugar after a meal.
- Trembling: Trembling or shaky hands may be experienced.
- Sweating: Intense sweating may be a symptom of late stage syndrome.
- Fainting Sensation: Some people may feel faint, but fainting is very rare.
- Loss of Consciousness: In very rare cases, loss of consciousness can occur due to extremely low blood sugar levels.
What Causes Dumping Syndrome?
It is a condition where food leaves the stomach and passes into the small intestine quickly, usually after stomach surgery or due to some stomach diseases. The causes of dumping syndrome can be the following:
Gastric Surgery: It commonly occurs after stomach surgery. In particular, this syndrome can be seen after stomach surgeries, stomach cancer treatment or extreme weight loss surgeries (bariatric surgery). Such surgeries can reduce stomach capacity or affect the connection between the stomach and the small intestine, which can cause food to pass quickly into the small intestine.
Stomach Diseases: Some stomach diseases can speed up gastric emptying and lead to this condition. For example, in a condition called gastroparesis, the stomach muscles do not work normally, which can cause food to leave the stomach quickly.
Diet and eating habits: Rapid digestion of certain foods or high sugar content can trigger this type of syndrome. Sugary foods and high glycemic index carbohydrates can increase the symptoms of this syndrome.
Genetic Factors: It is thought that some people may be more at risk due to genetic predisposition.
How is Dumping Syndrome Treated?
Dumping syndrome treatment is individualized depending on the severity and cause of the symptoms. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Some common methods used in the treatment of dumping syndrome are as follows:
Dietary Changes: Dietary changes play an important role in alleviating symptoms. These changes include eating smaller and more frequent meals, chewing food slowly and not swallowing. In addition, avoiding sugary foods and high glycemic index carbohydrates can also help control symptoms.
Medications: Your doctor may recommend medication to manage symptoms. Medications may be used to regulate blood glucose levels, especially to control late symptoms.
Regulating Fluid Intake: Drinking fluids with meals can increase symptoms. Therefore, drinking fluids about 30 minutes before and after meals can alleviate symptoms.
Medical Intervention When Needed: Some people with severe symptoms may require hospitalization. Especially if there are severe symptoms such as fainting or loss of consciousness, medical intervention may be required.
Support After Bariatric Surgery: The susceptibility to dumping may increase after bariatric surgery (extreme weight loss surgeries). Therefore, people who have undergone bariatric surgery should be in regular contact with their doctor or dietitian and receive appropriate care and guidance.
How to Prevent Dumping Syndrome?
Some measures can be taken to prevent Dumping syndrome, especially after gastric surgery or in people who are prone to stomach problems. Here are some measures that can help prevent this condition:
Maintaining a Balanced Diet: Maintaining a carefully planned and balanced diet can help prevent food from leaving the stomach quickly. This may involve eating smaller and more frequent meals.
Slow Eating Habits: Chewing and swallowing food slowly gives the stomach more time to digest food. This can reduce the severity of symptoms.
Avoiding High Sugar and High Glycemic Index Foods: Sugary foods and high glycemic index carbohydrates can trigger symptoms. Try to keep blood sugar under control by avoiding such foods.
Not Drinking Liquids with Meals: Try to drink fluids about 30 minutes before and after meals. Drinking liquids with meals can cause food to leave the stomach quickly.
Monitoring After Gastric Surgery: People who have undergone bariatric surgery or gastric surgery for any other reason should follow their doctor's recommendations and regular follow-up. Postoperative monitoring is important to detect and treat potential complications early.
Seeking Support from a Dietitian or Healthcare Professional: Guidance from a dietitian or health professional to create a customized diet plan and manage symptoms can help prevent the syndrome.