Dumping syndrome
What is dumping syndrome?
The stomach normally stores food and releases it into the bowel in a controlled way. After an operation to remove the stomach or part of the oesophagus, food can travel more quickly through the digestive system. This can cause symptoms called dumping syndrome.
There are 2 types of dumping syndrome. These are:
- early dumping syndrome
- late dumping syndrome.
Late dumping syndrome is more common after an oesophagectomy.
Related pages
Early dumping syndrome
This can happen within 30 minutes of eating a meal. You may feel dizzy and faint, and your heart might beat faster.
These symptoms may last for about 10 to 15 minutes. You may also have:
- tummy cramps
- diarrhoea.
The symptoms happen when food enters the bowel more quickly. This draws fluid into the bowel from the surrounding organs and tissues, which causes your blood pressure to drop.
Many people find early dumping syndrome gets better on its own in time. After a few months, symptoms can get less severe and happen less often.
Late dumping syndrome
This usually happens a few hours after eating a meal, or when you have missed a meal. You may suddenly feel:
- faint
- sick
- shaky.
The problem is caused by low blood sugar levels.
Controlling early or late dumping syndrome
For most people, the symptoms of dumping syndrome slowly reduce over time. If the symptoms do not stop, tell your cancer doctor or dietitian. If your symptoms continue or are severe, your cancer doctor may give you medicine to help.
You can help prevent or reduce the chances of having early or late dumping syndrome if you:
- eat slowly
- eat small, frequent meals
- drink fluids slowly between meals, rather than at mealtimes – try to leave 15 to 30 minutes between eating and drinking
- eat foods that are high in protein, such as fish, meat and eggs
- eat foods that are high in starchy carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice, bread and potatoes
- avoid having foods or drinks that have a lot of added sugar, such as sugary cereals, sweet drinks and desserts. If you have them, eat slowly and only have small amounts
- rest for 15 to 30 minutes straight after eating a meal.
We have more information about nutritional support.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our dumping syndrome information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
Raymond D. Complications of oesophageal resection In: Up to Date, Louie B (Ed) Wolters Kluwer [Accessed Oct 2022]
Dr Chris Jones
Reviewer
Speciality Registrar in Clinical Oncologist and Clinical Lecturer in Clinical Oncology
Date reviewed
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