[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 112 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S4995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL GASTROPARESIS AWARENESS MONTH

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I would like to bring attention to the 
estimated 5 million Americans suffering from gastroparesis in 
observance of National Gastroparesis Awareness Month in August.
  Gastroparesis is a chronic medical condition in which the stomach 
cannot empty properly in the absence of any observable blockage. The 
condition can affect people of all ages, but it is four times more 
likely to affect women than men. The symptoms of gastroparesis, which 
include nausea, vomiting, and inability to finish a normal-sized meal, 
can be debilitating and sometimes life threatening. The condition can 
lead to malnutrition, severe dehydration, and difficulty managing blood 
glucose levels.
  While there is no cure for gastroparesis, some treatments, such as 
dietary measures, medications, procedures to maintain nutrition, and 
surgery, can help reduce symptoms. Unfortunately, gastroparesis is a 
poorly understood condition, and so patients often suffer from delayed 
diagnosis, treatment, and management of this disorder. As such, further 
research and education are needed to improve quality of life for this 
patient population.
  I want to recognize the important efforts of the International 
Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, IFFGD, an 
international organization based in my home State of Wisconsin, as well 
as other patient organizations, in providing education and support to 
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 for gastroparesis. 
Furthermore, I encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to 
recognize and include Gastroparesis Awareness Month in their list of 
National Health Observances.
  Thank you.

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