What Is a Nervous Stomach?

From a nervous child anxiously awaiting the first day of school to a new-hire nervously anticipating a performance review, nervous stomach can affect anyone. While the symptoms associated with the condition can prove immobilizing for some, others are able to significantly reduce their symptoms using relaxation techniques and basic over-the-counter medications. Learn what signs and symptoms to look for to determine if you have nervous stomach.

Identification

• Also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or spastic colitis, nervous stomach is a condition characterized by a number of symptoms that can be brought on by anxiety, stress and tension. Common symptoms include diarrhea, diarrhea alternating with constipation, constipation, mucus in the stools and abdominal pain.

Types

• A person with nervous stomach can suffer predominantly from constipation or predominantly from diarrhea, or symptoms can manifest as an alternation of diarrhea and constipation. Based on the dominant manifestation of the condition, prescription and over-the-counter medications can be taken orally to reduce or minimize symptoms. Each type of IBS has a specific medication that can treat and target the associated symptoms.

Causes

• According to Michael Picco, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic, nervous stomach is a term commonly used to describe symptoms of indigestion, bloating or changes in bowel habits. While the term does not rule out certain cancers, gallstones and other conditions, it can be used when a larger condition has not been diagnosed but common symptoms of IBS are still present. While traditional cases of nervous stomach are generally connected to stress, anxiety and displaced nervous energy, other causes may also be identified. According to the IBS Treatment Center, a microbial imbalance in the digestive tract can cause a nervous stomach.

Treatment

• Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to sufferers of nervous stomach, with common over-the-counter medications including stomach soothers, antacids, antihistamines and medicines containing simethicone, such as Gas-X or Phazyme. Sufferers looking for a natural remedy can try Valerian Root or Kava Kava as directed by the manufacturer.

Warning

• If symptoms persist, consult a physician. Generally, sufferers of nervous stomach observe a reduction in symptoms with the use of prescription medication; natural remedies, including herbs and oils; and other over-the-counter medications. However, if symptoms continue to intensify, a more serious digestive condition or imbalance may be present and should be diagnosed by a medical professional.