Definition
Long-term physical or psychological stress can sometimes be projected onto the stomach and cause discomfort there. The reason for this is usually a reduced blood supply to the mucous membrane of the stomach, which slows down the metabolic processes of the cells located there. Physiologically, these cells produce a layer of mucus that lies against the inner surface of the stomach and is intended 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 a chronic inflammation of the stomach up to the development of gastric ulcers, as well as subjective complaints such as a feeling of fullness, nausea or stomach pain. What could be of additional interest to you: Abdominal pain due to stress, symptoms of stress
Causes
Prolonged 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 accompanied by increased levels of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These in turn play a major role in the regulation of blood flow to many organs, including the organs of the digestive tract.
This state of alarm causes an increased blood flow to the heart and muscles, so that in an emergency you can always flee from danger. Body functions such as digestion, excretion or sexual function, which are more associated with a dormant organism, are therefore shut down and in the long term there can be impairments in the affected organs. It is therefore important to eliminate the cause of stomach pain caused by stress in order to relieve the stomach in the long term. Relaxation exercises, a restructuring of everyday life, a conscious diet and sufficient sport are therefore far more sustainable in this situation than taking medication.
Diagnosis
The anamnesis interview is initially of great importance for the diagnosis. The physician should consciously ask about stressful factors in order to identify potential triggers for the complaints. Specific questions about the nature and frequency of bowel movements are also of interest.
This is usually followed by a physical examination, in which the abdominal wall is scanned and listened to in order to rule out threatening clinical pictures. If necessary, an additional ultrasound examination can be performed if the physical examination reveals a concrete suspicion. If the symptoms persist for longer than four weeks or if there is a suspicion of a stomach ulcer, a gastroscopy can be performed to obtain a more precise image of the stomach lining.
