10. Autoimmune Conditions: The Body’s Internal War
Last but not least, let’s delve into the realm of autoimmune diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus. These are conditions where the body mistakenly attacks its tissues, and yes, they can be a contributing factor to gastroparesis. The stomach ends up becoming collateral damage in an internal war waged by the immune system.
In cases like Sjogren’s Syndrome, the body attacks its exocrine glands, which produce saliva and tears. When these glands malfunction, they can have downstream effects on the digestive system. The stomach, which relies on a host of fluids for digestion, finds itself in an unenviable position.
Lupus offers a more complex pathway to gastroparesis. It can cause vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels, which in turn impacts various organs, including the stomach. If the blood vessels supplying the stomach are compromised, expect to see a decline in digestive functionality. (10)
