Parkinsons disease GI disorders

Gastrointestinal issues are common in Parkinson's disease, including nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, reflux, and constipation. Managing these symptoms involves various approaches, including medication adjustments, dietary modifications, and rehabilitation therapy to improve the patient's quality of life. Sialorrhea and drooling are also prevalent and can be addressed through appropriate measures.

2024-01-07 01:23:30 - Editor

GI Disorders in Parkinson Disease: Symptoms and Management

Nausea and Vomiting:

GI disorders associated with Parkinson disease include nausea and vomiting as a side effect of medications or due to autonomic neuropathy. Certain nausea drugs, such as, metochlopramide and halopredol can worsen the disease and should be avoided. Domperidone 10mg three times daily as needed, cyclizine 50 mg three times daily as needed and ondansetron 4-8 mg twice daily as needed with proper hydration are preferred treatments. (1)

Dysphagia and Reflux:

Dysphagia and reflux which are due to motility disorder, may respond to levodopa or dopamine agonists. However, in advanced stage, dietary modification and swallow rehabilitation therapy may help with mild dysphagia. In severe dysphagia, the use of enteral nutrition for patients with a risk of aspiration is advisable. (2)

Constipation:

Also, constipation is caused by autonomic neuropathy, slow gastrointestinal motility and/or medications. Please refer to previous heading for more details. (3)

Sialorrhea and Drooling:

Sialorrhea and drooling are common in Parkinson disease. For details, please refer to the heading Parkinson disease: Dysautonomia.

References

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