Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that primarily affects a person's movement. People with PD often experience tremors, an increase in their muscle tone, called rigidity, and move slowly and in an seemingly uncoordinated fashion, called bradykinesia. Parkinson's disease can include a range of non-motor symptoms as well. The digestive system is one area of the body that can be affected.
Constipation
According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, many people who have PD suffer from constipation. This digestive complaint stems from several different directions. Digestion slows along with movement in people with Parkinson's disease, which can lead to infrequent bowel movements. The muscles may be weak, making a bowel movement difficult to produce, especially if the movement disorder makes exercising difficult. People who have trouble swallowing may need to be on a special diet, and if the foods are lacking in fiber, constipation may be the result. Finally, medications that are used to treat Parkinson's disease can cause constipation as a side effect.
Nausea
Indigestion that may lead to nausea and vomiting is not an unusual non-motor symptom of Parkinson's. The slowed-down digestive system that is characteristic in some people with PD can cause nausea. Drugs that help control movement may cause nausea as well.
Bloating
The same nerve damage that contributes to motor problems in Parkinson's disease can also affect the digestive tract. The muscles that move food along through the digestive system may suffer from inertia, a lack of movement or a slowed response. The inability of the stomach muscles to push food through to the intestines can cause delayed gastric emptying. Delayed gastric emptying is called gastroparesis; symptoms of the condition include bloating in addition to nausea and vomiting. Medications may be used to stimulate the stomach muscles into action.
