Stomach pain from stress

definition

Long-term physical or psychological stress can project itself onto the stomach and cause discomfort there. The reason for this is usually a reduced blood flow to the lining of the stomach, which slows down the metabolic processes of the cells located there.

Physiologically, these produce a layer of mucus that lies against the inner surface of the stomach and is supposed to protect it from the acid. If this protective mechanism fails, the mucous membrane can be attacked and damaged by the acid.
The consequences are chronic stomach inflammation up to the development of gastric ulcers, as well as subjective complaints such as bloating, nausea or stomach pain.

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causes

Long-term stress without adequate compensation mechanisms can be the cause of a variety of stomach problems. In such a situation, the body is on constant alert, which is associated with increased levels of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These in turn play a major role in regulating the blood flow in many organs, including the organs of the digestive tract.
This alarm condition causes increased blood flow to the heart and muscles so that in an emergency, you can escape from danger at any time. Body functions such as digestion, excretion or sexual function, which are more related to a resting organism, are therefore shut down and the affected organs can be impaired in the long term.

In the case of stomach pain due to stress, it is therefore important to urgently eliminate the cause in order to be able to relieve the stomach in the long term. Relaxation exercises, a restructuring of everyday life, a conscious diet and sufficient exercise are far more sustainable in this situation than taking medication.

Also read our topic: How can you reduce stress?

diagnosis

For diagnosis this is Anamnesis interview initially of great importance. The doctor should consciously ask about stressful stress factors in order to identify potential triggers for the symptoms. Also specific questions about the Nature and frequency of bowel movements are of interest.

This is usually followed by the physical examinationwhere the Abdominal wall felt and listened to in order to be able to rule out threatening clinical pictures.
If necessary, an ultrasound examination can also be carried out if the physical examination reveals a specific suspicion. Last the Complaints for more than four weeks on or exists A stomach ulcer is suspected can a Gastroscopy to get a more accurate picture of the stomach lining.

Symptoms

The symptoms of stomach pain due to stress can vary from person to person can be very different in their characteristics and are also subject to fluctuations in the same person.
Often there is a unspecific feeling of pressure over the stomach region. This can also be done with permanent Bloating or even nausea accompanied. In some cases, those affected also complain heartburnwhich can be aggravated by the consumption of nicotine or coffee. Changes in bowel movements are also conceivable, but both constipation as well as Diarrhea manifest.

Is there already one advanced inflammation of the lining of the stomach or even a Gastric ulcer before, it can too spontaneous bleeding come in this area. These often make up as so-called Tarry stool noticeable. The reason for this is that the blood first comes into contact with the stomach acid and thus turns black. There may be severe, acute bleeding from a stomach ulcer also with bloody vomiting accompanied. In this case one should Immediate transport to the nearest clinic as the blood loss can be potentially life threatening.

Duration

Usually it can be assumed that stomach pain is caused by stress for the duration of the psychological stress last for. Acute can with various means a short-term improvement in symptoms be achieved, a long term healing however, is usually only possible if the Fixed the cause becomes.

What to do with stomach pain due to stress

In the case of stomach pain caused by stress, the main aim should be to reduce the stress level in order to be able to guarantee the body sufficient relaxation intervals.

Consciously following a healthy diet is also very important. For this purpose, you should take specific meal breaks, during which you can concentrate exclusively on eating. The selection of balanced food components and the conscious chewing of the food usually have a positive effect on the digestive process. If the next appointment is due immediately after eating, low-fat meals with lots of vegetables should be preferred.
The consumption of substances that irritate the gastric mucosa should also be reduced or avoided entirely. These include nicotine, alcohol and coffee. At the workplace, the stress level can be reduced somewhat by introducing specific relaxation phases or short stays in the fresh air.

A long-term reduction in stress levels can be achieved with sufficient physical activity or relaxation exercises such as yoga or meditation.

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In the acute situation, medication can also be used. Proton pump inhibitors, for example, lead to a reduction in gastric acid production, which in turn has a protective effect on the gastric mucosa.

Home remedies for stomach pain with stress

There are also a number of home remedies that can help relieve stomach pain. The application of a Hot water bottle is probably the best-known example. The background to this is that warmth relaxing and antispasmodic works. Besides, it does short term also one increased blood flow the affected area.

Sometimes also can clothing that is too tight trigger the complaints so that these avoided should be. There are also several teas that can soothe the stomach lining and help with stomach pain. For this purpose, the Fennel and of the Camomile tea counted. And last but not least, of course, that has an effect Rest and lie down Of course, it also has a positive effect on stomach pain.

Homeopathy for stomach pain due to stress

In the case of stomach pain caused by stress, there are also a number of suggestions from homeopathic experts as to which substances can be taken. In the case of stomach problems without an organic correlate (e.g. due to stress), for example Staphisagria mentioned as an option. That too Okoubaka made from the bark, Chamomilla and Nux vomica are said to have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Schüssler salts

There are a number of different ones Schüssler salts, not all of which are suitable for stomach pain. In this clinical picture, the Schüssler salt No. 3 (Ferrum phosphoricum) and No. 9 (Sodium phosphoricum) recommended. You should metabolism activating act and balance the body's acid-base balance.