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Yet Another Use For Botox

by Medindia Content Team on May 9 2004 9:59 AM

Botox commonly used for cosmetic purposes to erase the signs of aging. However at present researchers are using it for medical reasons.Now, the toxin is being used to treat a chronic condition known as gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis is where there is delayed emptying of the stomach after a meal. 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.

Medications offer relief but often with side effects like restlessness and fatigue. Some doctors are now turning to Botox as an alternative to drug therapy. Botox has a very local treatment, so you do not get side effects related to it, and it works right in the area that is involved with gastroparesis. Botox is injected into the muscle that sits at the end of the stomach. There, it goes to work. The muscle relaxes and then there is more rapid emptying of the stomach for solids and for liquids.

Thus researchers say there's good reason to believe Botox will mean success however the benefits usually last between three months and six months, so repeat treatments are necessary.


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