By Are There Treatment Options Available?
Fortunately, there are treatment options available for those who suffer from DTP. However, most of the treatments available only alleviate unpleasant symptoms. Simple things such as changing dietary habits or taking a prescription medication can treat certain symptoms in both gastroparesis and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. For example, DTP patients oftentimes are advised against eating certain foods that are more difficult and slower to digest, including apples, berries, nuts, whole grains, cabbage, and green beans, and they are also advised to drink fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated.
In terms of medication, patients grappling with nausea or diarrhea are often prescribed anti-kinetic and anti-vomiting meds designed to treat the specific problem. But there’s one main problem with all of these treatment options: They’re short term and don’t treat the overall problem. Fortunately, trials are in the works to design and test a pacemaker-like gadget that, if approved, would be placed inside the actual digestive tract to help stimulate gastric muscles, effectively tackling the root issue of DTP.
Upcoming Awareness Month Events
Now that we’ve established what DTP is and the ways it can be treated, let’s get back to the importance of Digestive Tract Paralysis Awareness Month. As mentioned before, this month is a great time for people across the country to learn more about DTP and what DTP patients have to go through. In order to raise awareness, G-PACT has a few events planned throughout the month, including an informative online scavenger hunt on Aug. 23 and a celebration of the 16th Anniversary of G-PACT. The 16th anniversary is particularly noteworthy because it’s a celebration of everything that G-PACT has accomplished since its founding.
So what do you think? Will your office be taking part in Digestive Tract Paralysis Awareness Month? Do you have any DTP patients yourself? What awareness month does your office celebrate? As awareness for DTP increases, more effective, long-term treatment plans hopefully will become available
