Can gastric retention get better by continuously not eating?

In general, whether gastric retention can improve by continuously not eating depends on the underlying cause of the gastric retention. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Can improve

Gastric retention refers to the accumulation of a large amount of food and fluid in the stomach. If gastric retention is caused by indigestion, abstaining from food may allow the existing stomach contents to gradually be digested and absorbed, thereby alleviating the condition.

2. Cannot improve

If gastric retention is due to conditions such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, or duodenal ulcer, simply avoiding food will not only fail to relieve symptoms but may also worsen the condition. Therefore, recovery cannot be achieved merely by refraining from eating. Patients are advised to undergo appropriate medical treatment based on the specific cause to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment, which could lead to unpredictable complications.

In daily life, patients should pay attention to their diet, consuming light and easily digestible foods while avoiding greasy, heavy, spicy, and irritating foods, all of which contribute to better recovery.