[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 106 (Thursday, July 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF NATIONAL GASTROPARESIS AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2015

  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Americans affected 
by gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, in observance 
of National Gastroparesis Awareness Month in August.
  Gastroparesis is a chronic medical condition where the stomach cannot 
empty properly in the absence of any observable blockage. Factors 
causing gastroparesis may include long-standing diabetes, complications 
from surgeries, or other illnesses, such as MS and Parkinson's disease.
  Gastroparesis is relatively common, affecting an estimated 5 million 
Americans including thousands in my district in Milwaukee. While it can 
strike anyone at any age, gastroparesis is four times more likely to 
affect women than men.
  Gastroparesis can be debilitating and sometimes life threatening. 
Symptoms (including nausea or vomiting, stomach fullness, inability to 
finish a meal, and others) usually occur during and after eating a 
normal sized meal and can result in problems, such as severe 
dehydration, difficulty managing blood glucose levels, obstruction, and 
malnutrition.
  There is no cure for gastroparesis. Treatments like dietary measures, 
medications, procedures to maintain nutrition, and surgery can only 
reduce symptoms and related problems with the hope of maintaining 
quality of life.
  Studies reveal a growing incidence of gastroparesis, as well as 
increasing rates of related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. 
However, as gastroparesis is a poorly understood condition, delayed 
diagnosis, treatment, and management of the condition are frequent 
challenges faced by this patient population.
  Gastroparesis creates a significant burden on individuals and 
families. It also places a burden of direct and indirect costs on the 
community, economy, and U.S. healthcare system.
  I applaud the efforts of nonprofit groups like the International 
Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) from 
Milwaukee, as well as other patient organizations, to provide education 
and support that will help those affected by gastroparesis.
  I urge my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing August as 
National Gastroparesis Awareness Month in an effort to improve our 
understanding and awareness of this condition, as well as support 
increased research for effective treatments of people affected by 
gastroparesis.

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