Botox Used To Treat Stomach Condition

We've all heard about the use of Botox as a wrinkle fighter, and even to stop perspiration.

Now, doctors at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia say Botox can help patients with a chronic stomach problem.

"Gastroparesis is where there is delayed emptying of the stomach after a meal," said Dr. Frank Freidenberg, from Temple. "It may be for solid food or for liquids, which have been taken in by the patient."

The condition causes a person to feel full after just a small meal. It also causes bouts of nausea, upset stomach and bloating.

Ashley Sterling knows how debilitating it can be.

"I go to bed at night scared to death that I'm going to wake up feeling so sick that I can't control my vomiting, which has been happening a lot lately," Sterling said.

Medications offer some relief, but often with side effects such as restlessness and fatigue.

Now, some doctors are turning to Botox as an alternative.

"The idea behind Botox is that it's a very local treatment, so you do not get side effects related to it, and it works right in the area which is involved with gastroparesis," Freidenberg said.

Botox is injected into the muscle at the end of the stomach. Then it goes to work.

"The muscle relaxes and then there is more rapid emptying of the stomach for solids and for liquids," Freidenberg said.

More good news: It's not painful. You get a sedative before the 15-minute procedure.

So far, about half the participants in the Temple study improved with the Botox injections. It lasts three to six months, so repeat treatments are necessary.