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Stomach neurosis is an ailment of the digestive system resulting from excessive stress and low resistance to stressful situations. The abdominal cavity has always been considered the central organ of psychophysical reactions and suffering. “Anger reflects in the stomach,” says an old folk saying. Yes, strong emotions can cause pain in this organ.
Mr. Bogdan complained of chronic stomach pains and difficulty swallowing. The most troublesome ailment, however, was the need to defecate, which always appeared in a wrong time. Every day, due to the need to quickly look for a toilet, he had to stop driving to work, even though the trip lasted only an hour and during that time nothing special happened. Various ailments were suspected. In the end, it turned out that he was suffering from neurosis. Mr. Bogdan’s problem concerns a large number of people. Stomach neurosis, otherwise known as spastic bowel or irritable bowel syndrome, affects several million people worldwide. Strong stress, tension, anxiety causes a reaction in their bodies from the digestive system manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders. They are accompanied by severe stomach cramps and pain.
People affected by these ailments often do not know for a long time what causes such a reaction in the body, go from doctor to doctor and seek help in vain. But even a diagnosed neurosis is not taken seriously enough. Indeed, it is not a life-threatening condition, but its symptoms are bothersome, troublesome and cause great discomfort.
When we notice any disturbing symptoms, it is worth consulting a psychologist. This is the fastest way to get help. Make an appointment via the haloportal.pl portal.
Checkwhat are gastric polyps
Stomach neurosis – circumstances
According to specialists, neurotic symptoms disrupting the functioning of organs in healthy people resemble symptoms of various serious somatic diseases. However, their causes and circumstances in which they appear, as well as the role they play, are different. The very borderline between the norm and the neurotic reaction is difficult to define unequivocally. Strong emotions, nervous and mental tensions, a state of danger, anxiety, fear – all these contribute to the formation of physiological disorders, causing temporary changes in the functioning of organs, e.g. gastric and intestinal dysfunctions.
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The frequency of each symptom varies. They can appear in such a perverse way that it is difficult to even associate cause with effect. Sometimes the state of tension and neurotic symptoms are so distant in time that we do not associate one with the other. In addition, somatic dysfunctions resulting from emotional tension may appear in different organs, not necessarily the same. They are often identical to disease symptoms, and therefore always require careful examination. What is neurosis? It is often described as excessive nervousness characterized by the presence of overwhelming anxiety. In general, anxiety is a natural reaction in situations that we have to deal with every day, but in patients with neurosis it occurs constantly, often without any reason. In severe cases of neurosis, a state of complete emotional exhaustion, insomnia, and finally physical exhaustion may occur.
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See also: Nightmares, sweating and feeling anxious. Don’t take these symptoms lightly
The causes of gastric neurosis
The relationship between somatic disorders in neuroses and experiencing emotions seems obvious, but most likely it is more complex than we think. Reports from neurologists confirm this. It is known that the human brain weighs an average of 1,5 kg and has 100 billion nerve cells. However, the network of neurons in … the abdomen plays a much greater role in the often occurring, seemingly without a cause, pain, burning or gastrointestinal cramps. The research confirmed – to the surprise of specialists – the similarity of the nerve centers in the brain and in the abdominal cavity. It turned out that almost all substances transmitting nerve stimuli in the brain also function in the gastrointestinal tract, such as serotonin, dopamine, glutamate or noradrenaline, and the digestive nervous system itself produces 24 different proteins and a certain amount of psychoactive chemicals. It has also been found that the nerve centers within the abdominal cavity have a kind of blood filter that protects nerve cells from substances that are toxic to them.
It’s still unclear what causes stomach neurosis, but experts believe microbial agents may play a key role. Scientists linked gastric neurosis to food poisoning. In fact, 1 in 9 people who experience food poisoning develop gastric neurosis at a later date. It appears that microbes involved in infectious gastroenteritis can affect the immune system, leading to long-term changes in the gut.
Some factors that make people more likely to have problems with gastric neurosis include:
- Being a woman. About twice as many women as men suffer from this disease. It’s unclear why, but some researchers believe that fluctuating hormones throughout the menstrual cycle may have something to do with it. So far, studies have not confirmed this.
- Age. Stomach neurosis can affect people of all ages, but is more likely in those between the ages of teenagers and 40.
- Family history. The condition appears to run in families. Some studies have shown that genes may play a role in this.
- Emotional problems. Some people with gastric neurosis appear to have stress problems, have mental health problems, or have had a traumatic event in their lives, such as sexual abuse or domestic violence. According to specialists, people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a higher risk of developing gastric neurosis. However, it is not contagious and is not related to cancer. It is not clear which comes first – stress or gastric neurosis. However, there is evidence that stress management and behavioral therapy can help relieve symptoms in some people with the condition.
- Food sensitivity. Some people may have a nervous rumbling digestive system when they eat dairy, wheat, a sugar in fruit called fructose, or a sugar substitute with sorbitol. Fatty foods, carbonated drinks, and alcohol can also interfere with your digestion. There is no evidence that any of these foods cause gastric neurosis, but they can cause symptoms.
- Anxieties. Studies have shown an association between the symptoms of gastric neurosis and antibiotics, antidepressants, and drugs made with sorbitol.
Other digestive issues, such as stomach flu, travelers’ diarrhea, or food poisoning, may also have something to do with gastric neurosis. A small study published in January 2021 suggests that a gastrointestinal infection may alter the immune system to react to certain foods as if they pose a threat, such as germs or viruses. Scientists so far are looking at these early discoveries.
See also: How does the immune system work?
Stomach neurosis – symptoms
The most common symptoms of gastric neurosis include:
- changes in intestinal habits;
- abdominal pain and cramps which often go away with passing stools;
- a feeling that the intestines are not empty after passing stools;
- passing excess gases;
- outflow of mucus from the rectum;
- sudden, urgent need to use the bathroom;
- abdominal swelling or bloating.
Symptoms often worsen after meals. An exacerbation may take several days and then symptoms subside. Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. They often resemble symptoms of other diseases and conditions, and can also affect different parts of the body.
They can be:
- frequent urination;
- bad breath, or bad breath;
- Headache;
- joint or muscle pain;
- persistent fatigue;
- in women, painful sex, or dyspareunia;
- irregular menstruation.
Anxiety and depression can also occur, often due to the discomfort and embarrassment that may accompany gastric neurosis.
Gastric neurosis – diagnosis
There is no test to confirm the diagnosis of gastric neurosis. A doctor can usually diagnose it based on common symptoms.
The doctor will check that nothing is happening. This usually includes an examination of the abdomen and anus (rectum) and some simple examinations.
A blood test and a stool test are often performed to rule out other conditions. Studies that are often considered to exclude other problems include:
- Complete blood count – to rule out a lack of iron in the blood (anemia), which is associated with various bowel disorders.
- Red blood cell sedimentation (ESR) or CRP testing – which can indicate whether your body is inflamed (which is not found in gastric neurosis).
- Blood test for celiac disease.
- In women, a blood test to rule out ovarian cancer, called the CA 125 marker test.
- Test your stools to look for a protein called calprotectin. It may be present if we have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, but is not present in gastric neurosis. A stool test can also be used to check if we have any bleeding in the gut.
More complicated tests, such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy (to view the intestine through a special telescope) are usually not needed. However, they can be performed if the symptoms are not typical or if the symptoms of gastric neurosis appear later in life (over 50 years of age) when other conditions have to be ruled out.
Many people experience different types of gastric neurosis over time. A doctor can often diagnose this disorder by asking about symptoms, for example:
- Have there been any changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation?
- Do you have abdominal pain or discomfort?
- How often do you feel bloated?
A blood test can help rule out other possible conditions, including:
- lactose intolerance;
- bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine;
- gluten intolerance;
If certain signs or symptoms suggest a different condition, further tests may be needed. They include:
- localized swelling in the rectum and abdomen;
- unexplained weight loss;
- stomach ache at night;
- gradually worsening symptoms;
- significant amounts of blood in the stools;
- family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer or celiac disease.
See also: Where to perform a blood count? Morphology at the National Health Fund and in private
Gastric neurosis – when to see a doctor?
If we have a symptom of gastric neurosis that persists for a long time, a new symptom appears, the pain is worse than usual, or the pain occurs elsewhere, see your doctor. If we usually take over-the-counter medications, but now they don’t relieve problems such as diarrhea, gas or cramps, we also need to see a doctor.
Even if we don’t think the problem is physically part of the gastric neurosis, but it bothers us, let’s tell our doctor about it. For example, if we are stressed or concerned about this problem, or if we are unable to sleep because of the problem, let your doctor know.
Stomach neurosis usually doesn’t lead to more serious illness, but there are some ‘signs’ that could mean something more serious is happening. They include:
- Rectal bleeding: This could simply be a side effect of constipation in gastric neurosis caused by a tear in the anus. Bleeding can also be caused by hemorrhoids. However, if we have a large amount of blood in our stool or if the bleeding is just not going away, we should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Weight Loss: If you find yourself losing weight for no reason, it’s time to check it out.
- Fever, vomiting, and anemia: If we have one or more of these symptoms or think so, see your doctor.
See also: Reasons for weight loss and weight deficiency
Gastric neurosis – treatment
Stomach neurosis cannot be cured with medications or special diets. The primary preventive measure is the identification and avoidance of individual triggers. Treatment options may include:
- a slight increase in dietary fiber along with plenty of clear fluids;
- reducing or eliminating common gas-inducing foods such as beans and cabbage;
- reduction or elimination of dairy products if lactose intolerance is the triggering factor;
- anti-diarrheal drugs – can be an important part of treatment in people with gastric neurosis with predominant diarrhea;
- Pain relievers – Opiates, such as codeine, can be effective at relieving pain. One of their most common side effects, constipation, can also relieve the diarrhea that occurs in gastric neurosis;
- constipation treatments;
- antispasmodics that can soothe spasms – examples are mebeverine, belladonna, hyoscine and peppermint oil capsules;
- establishing eating habits and avoiding sudden changes in routine.
It is now believed that a group of carbohydrates known as FODMAPs contribute strongly to the symptoms of gastric neurosis in many people. In such cases, you can try the FODMAP diet. This diet can be started under the supervision of a dietitian experienced in the treatment of gastric neurosis.
In addition, neurosis can be treated under the supervision of a neurologist. In this case, sedatives and anxiolytics are used that block the conduction of nerve impulses, which reduces the feeling of nervousness, anxiety, restlessness and related ailments. However, these drugs cannot be used continuously (maximum 12 weeks without a break). In addition to pharmacology, psychotherapy is also used to help the patient understand the disease, assess anxiety, manage stress, or hypnotherapy that can help change the way the unconscious mind responds to physical symptoms. Various types of relaxation techniques (exercise or meditation) are also helpful, including activities such as Tai Chi or yoga, music therapy, massage and regular exercise.
In the case of gastric neurosis, certain dietary changes may also help, such as:
- avoiding sugar alternatives in certain chewing gums, diet foods, and sugar-free sweets as they can cause diarrhea;
- eating more oat-based foods to reduce gas or bloating;
- not skipping meals;
- eating at the same time every day;
- eating slowly;
- reducing alcohol consumption;
- avoiding carbonated and sweet drinks;
- limiting the consumption of certain fruits and vegetables;
- drinking at least 8 cups of fluids a day.
Avoiding gluten can also reduce the risk of exacerbations. Gluten-free foods and alternatives are now widely available.
For problems related to the digestive system, you can use DLA GUT – a herbal tea with a soothing and relaxing effect. It contains cumin, chamomile, fennel, lemon balm and wheat fiber.
See also: Yoga for beginners – positions, asanas, yoga benefits
Gastric neurosis – diet
Dietary factors can play a large role in causing the symptoms of gastric neurosis.
Symptoms often worsen after eating certain foods, such as chocolate, milk, or alcohol. They can cause constipation or diarrhea. Likewise, some fruits, vegetables, and sodas can cause gas and discomfort. It is unclear whether food allergy or intolerance plays a role.
Common dietary triggers for cramp or bloating include foods that cause gas, such as:
- beans;
- celery;
- onions;
- carrot;
- raisins;
- bananas;
- moral;
- Dried plums;
- Brussels
- precells;
- bajgle.
Other foods that can trigger flatulence include:
- dairy;
- sugar-free gum;
- sweets;
- caffeine-containing products, which may be due to sugar, sorbitol or caffeine intolerance, not to gastric neurosis.
Nutritional steps that may help a person reduce the risk of a stomach nerve exacerbation include:
- Managing your fiber intake: Some people with gastric neurosis need to increase their fiber intake, while others should consume less. A balanced level of fiber in your diet can help promote healthy digestion.
- Probiotic supplements: Taking probiotics may help some people. These are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. A person may not feel their effects right away, so should take them for several weeks to assess their effect on gut health over the long term.
- Food intake diary: Keeping a record of certain foods in your diet and their physical effects will help you identify major foods that are causing problems.
Changes in eating habits can help control symptoms. Unfortunately, no diet for gastric neurosis is universal. Therefore, some may need to go through a trial-and-error process to find a diet that’s right for them.
See also: Probiotics ranking – how to choose the best probiotics for various ailments?
Stomach neurosis – complications
Since it may take time to find an effective treatment for gastric neurosis, other health problems may arise in the meantime. However, none of the complications are life-threatening. Stomach neurosis does not lead to cancer or any other more serious gut-related conditions. Here are some of the health problems it can cause:
- Fecal stones: If we are constipated for a long time, the stools can become blocked in the colon. Sometimes it can be so hard that we can’t push it out, then we talk about the so-called fecal stones. The condition can be painful and can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea and vomiting. It happens most often in the elderly. It is recommended that you contact your doctor immediately.
- Food intolerances: Certain foods can worsen the symptoms of gastric neurosis. Which foods they are varies from person to person, but some people feel better off eating wheat, dairy, coffee, eggs, yeast, potatoes and citrus fruits. It’s good to know that fats and sugars can make diarrhea worse. The doctor may suggest that the patient try the FODMAP diet to eliminate some carbohydrates that are difficult to digest.
- Malnutrition: Restricting certain types of food can alleviate symptoms of gastric neurosis. However, our body may not get all the nutrients it needs. In such cases, a dietitian can help.
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels around the anus, the opening that allows stools to exit, can hurt and bleed. Very hard or very loose stools can make this situation worse. If the swollen vessels are inside the anus, they can drop far enough to protrude. You can often treat hemorrhoids at home with an over-the-counter cream. You can also try to sit on a cold compress and remember personal hygiene
- Pregnancy complications: Hormonal changes and the physical pressure your baby exerts on the gut wall can cause digestive problems. Many women also decide to stop taking medications for gastric neurosis. This may be better for the baby, but it can make expectant mothers have heartburn and indigestion.
- Quality of life: Relapse can happen without warning. You may also have diarrhea for a while and then become constipated. Not being able to predict how we will feel can make everyday life difficult. The patient probably also needs to see their doctor frequently and will likely waste a lot of time doing this. At work, on the other hand, it can be harder for him to focus. Managing stress, for example through exercise or meditation, can help.
- Depression and anxiety: People with gastric neurosis often feel that they are losing control of their lives. Since there is a connection between the brain and the gut, this type of stress can worsen gastric neurosis. The pain and awkward symptoms that a person suffers from can affect their mood. It can be helpful to talk to your therapist about what is going on.
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