Treatment Options

There are many treatment options for motility disorders, including medication, diet modification and surgery. Your gastroenterologist will work closely with you to understand your diagnosis, symptoms and goals for treatment. Together, you will create a unique plan that addresses your concerns and relieves your symptoms.

At Temple Health, our team is experienced in developing treatment plans that address common digestive disorders, including:

Medications

There are many medications that can help provide relief from the symptoms of a wide range of motility disorders. Your gastroenterologist will work closely with you to recommend medicine that is right for you, depending on the condition you suffer from and the severity of your symptoms.

Achalasia

Calcium-channel blockers and nitrates – These types of medicines can help decrease blood flow to the esophageal sphincter. This may be an effective treatment for individuals with severe symptoms.
Botulinum toxin injections – Botox injections can help relax the esophagus to make swallowing easier.

GERD

Common medication for GERD includes:

Antacids – Available over-the-counter, antacids help neutralize stomach acid to relief heartburn and indigestion.
Foaming agents – Foaming agents coat food and liquids with a thick layer of foam to prevent it from entering the esophagus.
H2 blockers – H2 blockers, such as Pepcid AC or Zantac, help reduce the stomach’s production of acid.
Proton pump inhibitors – Over-the-counter medicine to treat frequent heartburn, including Nexium, Prevacid or Prilosec, help reduce acid production.

Gastroparesis

Medication may be used to help manage gastroparesis, including:

Prokinetic agents – Also called promotility agents, these medications help manage symptoms of gastroparesis and help the stomach empty more quickly.
Antiemetic agents – Medications can help treat nausea and vomiting, but do not help move food through the stomach.
Botulinum toxin injections – Botox may help improve symptoms and move stomach contents through the digestive tract more quickly.

Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet and making small changes to your eating habits can help manage many different motility disorders. Your gastroenterologist will discuss which diet is best for you and may refer you to a dietician to help you make healthy changes.

Your motility diet may include:

Well-cooked fruits and vegetables
Soft pasta
Liquid-based diets
Ground or pureed meat, poultry or seafood
Low-fat dairy

Many individuals who suffer from motility disorders should avoid foods that are high in fiber, unless you suffer from hard-to-treat constipation or your provider specifically recommends including more fiber in your diet.

Surgery

There are several effective surgical options for motility disorders. If a conservative, nonsurgical approach fails to address your symptoms and manage your condition, your gastroenterologist may discuss surgical treatment options.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), for example, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to release constricted esophageal muscles. It's most commonly used to treat achalasia.

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