Irritable stomach

definition

The irritable stomach is also colloquially called nervous stomach and technically as functional dyspepsia designated. In Germany, around 10 to 20% of people suffer from it. Under the term irritable stomach various complaints of the upper abdomen are summarized, which are often very unspecific. These include, for example Bloating, stomach pain or nausea. The complaints are not based on any recognizable or known organic causes.

In a sense, the digestive system has its own brain. Emotional stressful situations such as stress or grief are registered and the stomach can react to them by causing various complaints.

causes

The exact causes of an irritable stomach are not yet known. Since the diagnosis is normal in patients with an irritable stomach, it has so far been assumed that there is no organic cause of an irritable stomach. So there is neither inflammation nor any other disease of the stomach that could explain the symptoms.

In patients who have an irritable stomach, this is The nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract is very sensitive towards stimuli. There is also stomach acid, which can lead to pain. The stomach of these people also reacts frequently very sensitive to stress and other psychological factors. Increased stomach problems typically occur more frequently in emotionally stressful situations.

It is also believed that a increased activity of the stomach muscles could be the trigger. The increased contraction of the muscles can take the form of discomfort Stomach cramps cause. Reduced activity of the stomach muscles can also cause an irritable stomach if the food remains in the stomach for too long.

They also have Diet and the way of life have a significant impact on the stomach and general well-being. Diets high in fat and sugar, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes can damage the stomach in the long term and lead to discomfort.

Please also read our topic: Diet for indigestion

diagnosis

To the diagnosis Irritable stomach or Irritable bowel syndrome other organic diseases of the stomach must be excluded. That is why it is very important to have a thorough investigation carry out so no disease like a Inflammation of the stomach lining or a Gastric ulcer is overlooked. In addition to the physical examination, the blood and stool should also be examined so that any abnormalities can be detected. In addition, a Ultrasound scan of the abdomen and a Gastroscopy carried out so that other diseases can be excluded with certainty.

It is often helpful to keep a diary of the symptoms that arise when making a diagnosis. This makes it possible to identify in which situations the symptoms are more pronounced and whether they are triggered, for example, by certain foods. Stomach cramps after eating could also be caused by incompatibilities.

Pass the stomach discomfort longer than three months and are without a recognizable cause, one speaks of an irritable stomach.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an irritable stomach can very different and occur both individually and in combination. They can be permanent or only occur in certain situations. Symptoms can either be more pronounced before or after eating, or they can be completely independent.

Typical symptoms include Upper abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and possibly even Vomit. Also indigestion like Gas or stool irregularities can be due to an irritable stomach. Often times it comes because of the discomfort Loss of appetite added. Acid regurgitation and heartburn are other possible symptoms. It can too Circulatory problems or palpitations come in the context of the irritable stomach.

The general well-being of the patient is usually affected by the symptoms. In addition, most of them are afraid that a serious illness, such as a stomach ulcer or stomach cancer, is behind the symptoms. Often there are also rapid fatigue, sleep disorders, headaches, nervousness or poor concentration due to the upset stomach.

Please also read our topic on this Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

therapy

As a rule, the symptoms are mild no drug treatment necessary. Often one is enough Change in diet and lifestyleto ease the discomfort. Herbal teas and relaxation techniques can help calm the stomach and, above all, avoid cramps. In addition is regular exercise the best conditions for normal stomach muscle activity. It should several smaller meals a day be consumed to relieve the stomach. The last meal should be about three hours before going to bed, as the stomach also comes to rest during the night. Often times it brings relief when the patient Refrain from coffee, alcohol, cigarettes and hot spices. Also excessively high-fat diet should be avoided. If there are symptoms of heartburn, it is helpful to raise the head of the bed to prevent the food from flowing back into the esophagus.

Lie to the irritable stomach excessive stress or other psychological factors, in some cases it is necessary to take psychotherapeutic measures in order to be able to deal with them better.

Read about this too Abdominal pain from stress

If the symptoms are very pronounced, it may be necessary to start drug therapy in order to improve the quality of life. However, this can only fix the symptoms, not the underlying cause. Especially anti-gastric drugs how Proton pump inhibitors are used in the treatment of the irritable stomach. So-called prokinetics can also help alleviate the symptoms, as they accelerate gastric emptying. If the symptoms are mainly stomach cramps, then antispasmodics can help.

Many patients also experience relief from their symptoms when taking the herbal medicine Iberogast.

Please also read our topic on this Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

Homeopathy for irritable stomach

Homeopathic remedies can also be tried to relieve the symptoms of an irritable stomach. Depending on which complaints predominate, different means can be used. These include Chamomilla (chamomile), Nux vomica (Nugget), Colocynth (Colocinth), Natrum muriaticum, Pulsatilla pratensis (Pasque flower) and Staphisagria (Stephansraut). It is recommended to suck this once a day as a tablet in dosage D12.

Globules or drops can also be used. Asa foetida, Asarum, cerium oxalicum and Delphinum Staphisagria can be taken in potencies D6 to D12 or in lower potencies. The recommended dose is 5 globules or 5 to 20 drops three times a day.

Please also read our topic: Homeopathy for irritable bowel syndrome

Kijimea® irritable bowel syndrome

Kijimea® irritable stomachs have been developed for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. They help relieve typical symptoms such as diarrhea, gas and bloating. These complaints also occur in an irritable stomach, but the Kijimea capsules are not really effective here, as they only work in the intestine. Kijimea capsules contain a specific bacterium, the bacterium bifidum MIMBb75. In the intestine, the bacteria lead to the so-called plaster phenomenon, they attach to the mucous membrane of the intestine and close it, similar to how a plaster closes a wound. This prevents harmful bacteria from entering and causing inflammation.

You can find more information on the topic here: Kijimea® irritable stomach