Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous contractions of the stomach that help propel food through the digestive tract. In a normal person, those contractions quickly move the food through the stomach and into the small intestine. In patients with gastroparesis, those normal contractions are slowed or absent, and that results in food or liquids staying in the stomach for long periods of time. That causes symptoms for patients. There are multiple causes for gastroparesis, some of which include its association with poorly controlled diabetes. Medications can also slow and delay gastric emptying. Even viruses can impact the nerves that supply the stomach and result in delayed gastric emptying.