Nervous Stomach Pain

Nervous stomach pain is also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The disorder affects the large colon and causes stomach pain among other symptoms. Women generally suffer from the condition more than men. Changes in food products and lifestyle routines can help reduce nervous stomach pain.

Causes

• Causes of nervous stomach may include eating certain foods, stress, hormonal changes and illness. You may experience stomach pain after consuming foods such as chocolate, caffeine, fruits, vegetables and milk. A stressful day at work or arguments in the family can aggravate a nervous stomach. Illness such as the flu can lead to nervous stomach pain. Hormonal changes are thought to influence nervous stomach since more women than men suffer from the disorder.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of nervous stomach will include abdominal pain that comes and goes, occurs soon after eating and pain that reduces or leaves after a bowel movement. Stomach pain normally occurs with chronic constipation or diarrhea. Other symptoms include gas, bloating, abdominal distention, emotional stress, appetite loss and mucus in the stool.

Treatment

• The goal in treating nervous stomach is to control symptoms since it is not clear what is actually causing the disorder. Fiber supplements such as Metamucil can help control constipation. Medications such as Imodium can help reduce diarrhea episodes. Anticholinergic medications can relieve painful bowel cramps. Antidepressants such as Prozac may help nervous stomach pain if emotional stress is the cause. Antibiotics may be prescribed if an overgrowth of bacteria has occurred in the colon.

Lifestyle Changes

• Keep a food journal listing what you eat and when painful stomach cramps occur. This will help you avoid foods that trigger symptoms. Eat at regular times to keep bowels regulated and eat smaller meals as they are better for digestion than larger ones. Drink plenty of water as this helps avoid constipation. Exercise routinely to alleviate emotional stress and keep your intestines stimulated.

Prevention/Solution

• Nervous stomach pain may be avoided by finding ways to deal with emotional stress and eliminating certain foods in your diet. Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine since they can stimulate intestines causing painful spasms. A therapist can help with emotional problems that may be affecting your stomach and overall health. Relax by listening to soothing music, reading a favorite book or sitting in a nice warm bath. Meditation tapes may teach you breathing techniques to keep you relaxed when stressful times occur.