[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 141 (Thursday, August 23, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5911-S5912]
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 call attention to the 
estimated 5 million Americans suffering from gastroparesis in 
observance of National Gastroparesis Awareness Month in August.
  Gastroparesis is a chronic digestive disease in which the stomach 
cannot empty properly in the absence of any observable blockage. 
Symptoms of gastroparesis, which include nausea, vomiting, and the 
inability to finish a normal-sized meal, can lead to malnutrition, 
severe dehydration, and difficulty managing blood glucose levels. This 
debilitating and sometimes life-threatening disease can affect people 
of all ages, but it is four times more likely to affect women than men.
  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. 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 the 
millions of Americans, including thousands of Wisconsinites who suffer 
from this disease.
  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

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Wisconsin, as well as other patient organizations, in providing 
education and support to help those affected by gastroparesis.
  In an effort to improve our understanding and awareness of 
gastroparesis, I urge my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing 
August as National Gastroparesis Awareness Month.
  Thank you.

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