DUMPING SYNDROME

 Basic information

description

Dumping syndrome is a group of symptoms that are usually a complication of stomach surgery. Most patients experience the problem to a minor degree for 1 to 6 months after surgery. The symptoms are of 2 types—early dumping syndrome and late dumping syndrome. Symptoms of the first begin a few minutes to 45 minutes after every meal. Symptoms of the second begin 2 to 3 hours after eating. Most persons experience late dumping syndrome (you cannot have both types). People with a rare disorder called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may also have dumping syndrome.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Early dumping syndrome:
  • Weakness and fainting.
  • Sweating.
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat.
  • Decreased blood pressure.
  • Skin gets flushed (reddens).
  • Dizziness.
  • May become hard to breathe.
  • Vomiting.
  • Explosive diarrhea and stomach cramps.
• Late dumping syndrome:
  • Sweating, anxiety, and tremors.
  • Exhaustion and faintness.
  • Decreased blood pressure.
  • Headache.

causes

• Early dumping syndrome: rapid entry of food and fluids directly into the small intestine, producing decreased blood pressure and increased blood flow to the intestines.
• Late dumping syndrome: low blood sugar caused by too much insulin being made by the body in response to sudden dumping of food and fluids into the intestine.

risk increases with

The larger the amount of stomach removed, the more severe the dumping syndrome.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Cannot be prevented. Recurrence and severity can be reduced with changes in the diet.

expected outcomes

The problem clears up on its own for most patients. Early dumping syndrome usually lasts 3 to 4 months. Late dumping syndrome usually lasts 1 year, but it may persist for many years.

possible complications

• Poor nutrition and weight loss.
• Anxiety.
• Electrolyte problems such as low potassium.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and surgery history. Medical tests may include glucose tolerance test, x-rays, and gastric emptying study.
• Treatment includes diet changes and sometimes drugs. In ongoing, severe cases of dumping syndrome, surgery may be considered.
• Lie down as soon as you finish any meal. This helps reduce the symptoms.
• To learn more: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892; (800) 891-5389; website: www.niddk.nih.gov.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe drugs to help with digestion or lower blood sugar.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements to compensate for poor absorption may be prescribed.

activity

• Between symptoms, there are no limits.
• With symptoms, rest until they pass.

diet

Diet control is the most important treatment. Eat a diet low in sugar and other simple carbohydrates. Increase fat and protein food items. Avoid milk and milk products. Avoid foods that are very hot or very cold. Eat 6 small, evenly spaced meals a day. Take meals dry without water or beverages and drink fluids only between meals.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of dumping syndrome not relieved by diet changes.
• You vomit blood, have black, tarry stools, or other signs of internal bleeding.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

Special Notes: