Normal Gastric Emptying Time​

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Gastric Emptying?

Normal Gastric Emptying Time​​ is the emptying of food/liquid from the stomach into the intestines. In a normally functioning GI-system, stomach muscles contract to digest and push food/liquids out of the stomach in a timely fashion.

What are common signs/symptoms of delayed gastric emptying?

o Projectile or frequent vomiting

o Decreased appetite (does not indicate hunger)

o Limited volume intake during feedings

o Signs of gastroesophageal reflux, presence of food in vomit which was eaten many hours earlier

How can a delay in gastric emptying affect feeding?

When gastric contents remain in the stomach for long periods of time, a child may experience a constant feeling of fullness. They in turn do not exhibit signs of hunger, and often refuse feedings or greatly limit food intake. This becomes very stressful for parents/caregivers who know that their child has not eaten for a long period of time and should be hungry. This is especially stressful when weight gain becomes a concern because parents know that in order for their child to grow and thrive, they need a certain number of calories. Unfortunately, feeding times often become unpleasant and forcing may become an issue. When a child with delayed gastric emptying does eat/drink, it may result in gastric contents moving upward (reflux) instead of down into the intestines. Reflux and delayed gastric emptying should be addressed immediately to reduce the potential negative effect on feeding and typical feeding development.

Children with delayed emptying may also have feeding difficulties. Gastric emptying delay can make a child uncomfortable during feeding and can result in the pairing of negative feelings or pain with feeding. As a result, a child may refuse appropriate volumes of food. When good willing parents and caregivers over encourage or force children into eating volumes that are age appropriate but not appropriate for their bodies, behavioral feeding difficulties and aversive behaviors may result. When a child’s system is intact and healthy, he will eat the amount of food appropriate for growth and development. Delayed gastric emptying can interfere with a child’s ability and desire to eat appropriate amounts of food. Early identification and management of delayed gastric emptying is essential to avoid potential feeding difficulties, behavioral difficulties and relationship difficulties.

What should be done to manage feeding behaviors likely related to delayed emptying?

If you have not already done so, have your child’s feeding and swallowing skills evaluated by a feeding specialist. A comprehensive oral sensori-motor feeding evaluation will identify interfering factors and ways to support feeding. Recommendations will focus on how to improve volume intake and food acceptance in a safe and appropriate manner without adding extra stress to an already stressed GI system. Force feeding should be eliminated, as this will only increase stress during mealtimes. Negative associations regarding feedings are often difficult to reverse even after the underlying GI condition is addressed.

What should I do if I suspect my child may have a problem with gastric emptying?

Contact your pediatrician. A GI evaluation, a gastric emptying scan, or a trial of a medication that increases gastric motility may be recommended. Certain clinical changes such as sitting more upright or in a right sidelying position, and small but frequent feedings may be recommended to help increase motility.

What is a gastric emptying scan?

A gastric emptying scan (gastroesophageal or nuclear scintigraphy) is a non-invasive procedure that measures the length of time it takes for the stomach to empty while evaluating for the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Isotopes will be added to your child’s food/liquid allowing a camera to take pictures of the GI tract. This scan is typically completed in the radiology department at a hospital.

If a delay in gastric emptying is detected, what can be done to help?

A medication may be prescribed to increase gastric motility. If reflux is identified, reflux mediation may also be prescribed. Until your child’s system is able to accept a larger volume of food, it may be recommended to increase the calories of foods offered or to increase the frequency of feeding providing smaller meals. Your pediatrician, feeding specialist, and/or nutritionist can help you determine nutritious and calorie-rich food choices. Goals to increase eating desire and food volume may be addressed in Oral Sensori-motor Feeding therapy.