Irritable stomach

A Irritable stomach or functional dyspepsia is a disease of the stomach. This leads to a functional disorder, with external and internal stimuli causing a pathological change within the stomach. Typical signs of an irritable stomach are a feeling of fullness, stomach pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and occasionally vomiting. The exact causes have not yet been fully clarified. However, one assumes mainly psychological causes and stresses.

What is an irritable stomach?

A Irritable stomach, medically too Functional dyspepsia called, occurs when the human digestion is disturbed.

It is a medical finding that is characterized by chronic or recurring pain in the upper abdomen.

A significant feeling of fullness, even with little food intake, indicates repeated occurrence of an irritable stomach.

Concomitant symptoms can be gas, frequent belching, nausea or heartburn.

causes

Of the Irritable stomach is a common phenomenon and not infrequently results from gastroesophageal reflux disease or gastritis. Bad habits in eating also play a big role. Fatty, spicy, or artificial foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine, are common triggers. Occasionally, drugs can also cause stomach irritation, such as calcium channel blockers, which are used for angina or high blood pressure.

Theophylline for lung diseases, bisphosphonates for osteoporosis or corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs that are used as pain relievers can also trigger an irritable stomach that requires treatment if used over a long period of time. Sometimes the reason for an upset stomach is also psychological, e.g. when persistent stress burdens the person concerned or crisis situations overwhelm him.

In some cases, an irritable stomach can also be the first sign of a gastric ulcer and, in rare cases, gastric cancer. This means that the first or unexpected appearance of an upset stomach should definitely be a warning sign and should give rise to further investigations.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

With an irritable stomach, numerous symptoms can occur that have a noticeable effect on the quality of life. The complaints are not limited to the stomach, stomach and digestive system. As a symptom of an irritable stomach (functional dyspepsia) a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen can occur, which increases. This can be followed by pain radiating in a belt shape.

Symptoms of an irritable stomach can also be heartburn and acid regurgitation. It can also lead to gas and irregular bowel movements. Nausea and vomiting can also indicate an irritable stomach. Those affected report a loss of appetite and an aversion to special foods. One of the typical perceptions of an irritable stomach is the feeling as if there was a stone in the stomach.

Further signs of an irritable stomach can be a premature feeling of satiety and a feeling of fullness. The symptoms can appear individually or in combination. You can adjust depending on or independent of the diet. Signs of a nervous stomach can also be headaches, nervousness and inner restlessness as well as sleep disorders, dizziness or poor concentration.

The disease can also be accompanied by vegetative disorders such as palpitations, heart palpitations and circulatory problems as well as excessive sweating. The symptoms caused by an irritable stomach also include back pain and joint problems. Atypical symptoms of an irritable stomach also include difficulty swallowing and weight loss. Painful symptoms caused by an irritable stomach increase with exertion.

Course of disease

Characteristic for the course of the disease Irritable stomach is an aggravation of the pain on exertion, excessive sweating and an increasing sensitivity when touching or palpating the abdominal wall.

Occasionally, severe swallowing difficulties, weight loss or gastrointestinal bleeding occur. In such cases, if you have an irritable stomach, you should see a doctor immediately. The prognosis for an irritable stomach is generally good. In any case, people with an irritable stomach are not at increased risk of developing an ulcer or malignant stomach disease.

Complications

If an irritable stomach remains untreated for a longer period of time, chronic stomach pain and other gastrointestinal complaints can set in. For example, heartburn or diarrhea often occurs, both of which are associated with risks and possible secondary diseases (e.g. intestinal infections and esophageal cancer). When infected with Helicobacter pylori, inflammation of the gastric mucosa can later develop.

Gastritis is associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer. Occasionally, an irritable stomach can also cause difficulty swallowing or gastrointestinal bleeding. The latter can lead to anemia and subsequently to life-threatening complications. The often accompanying weight loss can lead to deficiency symptoms and dehydration.

A chronic irritable stomach has psychological consequences and can cause depression or anxiety disorders. Complications can also arise with treatment. Drugs such as omeprazole or pantoprazole often cause gastrointestinal complaints, muscle and limb pain and a number of other side effects and interactions.

In addition, excessive consumption of these preparations can lead to addictive behavior.In the course of a surgical procedure, which is necessary in the event of a resulting cancer, nerve damage, bleeding, secondary bleeding, wound healing disorders, infections and other problems can occur.

When should you go to the doctor?

Persistent or recurring stomach problems should be examined and assessed by a doctor. If you experience pain, nausea, or vomiting, this is considered worrying and should be referred to a doctor. Loss of appetite, refusal to eat, and weight loss are all signs of a health problem. A doctor is needed as soon as the symptoms persist for several days or increase in intensity and scope.

Flatulence, a feeling of sickness and internal weakness are other symptoms that require a doctor's visit. If the person concerned suffers from insomnia, dizziness and a decrease in physical and mental performance, research into the cause is required. Cardiovascular problems, heartburn, or a feeling of pressure in the stomach area should be investigated.

If the daily obligations can no longer be fulfilled or if the habitual lifestyle is restricted, action is required. Excessive sweating, increased body temperature, diarrhea, inner restlessness and problems with swallowing must be clarified by a doctor.

Cramps, irregularities in the joints and poor concentration lead to a reduction in wellbeing. Medical care is needed to prevent further deterioration. If the symptoms are due to an unhealthy meal, in many cases no doctor is required. As soon as the food has been digested, it heals spontaneously.

Treatment & Therapy

Patients who are younger than 55 years can have a Irritable stomach usually be treated without further examination. At most, infection with Helicobacter pylori should be excluded. In people over 55 years of age, gastrointestinal endoscopy of the upper abdominal area is recommended in order to rule out gastric or duodenal ulcers or other rare malignant diseases, as well as in the case of drug-induced irritable stomach.

The treatment of an irritable stomach depends on the exact appearance of the symptoms, i.e. on whether they are functional or subjectively perceived, unpleasant. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or pantoprazole usually provide quick relief from heartburn, a main symptom of an irritable stomach. H2 antagonists such as cimetidine or simple chewable tablets with the active ingredient simeticone help with flatulence and bloating. Over-the-counter preparations containing ranitidine can be used to counteract unpleasant symptoms such as belching, reflux or acidity in the stomach. Sometimes tried and tested herbs and home remedies such as peppermint, caraway seeds and aniseed are enough to effectively counteract an irritable stomach.

prevention

One Irritable stomach You can prevent this by changing your diet accordingly. That means avoiding hot spices, coffee or other “sour” foods. Susceptible people should also remove foods that are high in fat and gas, as well as alcohol, from the menu. Sustainable stress reduction and relaxation techniques can support the treatment of irritable stomachs.

Note: It is important to distinguish with an irritable stomach whether it is a harmless symptomatology that is relatively easy to get under control with or without medical advice, or whether it is a serious illness, such as gastritis. An acute or chronic inflammation of the stomach or digestive tract that requires antibiotic treatment.

Aftercare

After an acute episode of the disease, a light diet is indicated after a day or two of food abstinence. Care should always be taken to ensure sufficient fluid intake. In addition, still mineral water and unsweetened tea are particularly suitable. When eating, it is recommended to start with small amounts of unseasoned and unsweetened food.

Rusks, crispbread, bananas, boiled potatoes or rice hardly burden the stomach. Restraint is advisable when it comes to fruit with a lot of acid and gas that is bloating. In the further course and if the food consumed is well tolerated, chicken and bread can expand the menu. After a few days you can eat normally again.

Mental stress, stress and hectic pace favor an aggravation of the irritable stomach and should be avoided. Luxury foods such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee and sweets are contraindicated. This also applies to foods that are very high in fat and difficult to digest. A vitamin-rich and light diet, with vegetables and fish, has the best effect on functional dyspepsia.

Acidification should be avoided. Regulated meal times with small portions, enough sleep and exercise can ensure a less irritated stomach. If food intolerance is the trigger, these foods should generally be avoided.

You can do that yourself

Those affected by an irritable stomach are limited in everyday life. When it comes to nutrition, there are a few things that should be considered. Those affected can help themselves with the help of "self-help tips" and alleviate the symptoms and discomfort caused by the irritable stomach.

On the one hand, no sharp or spicy foods should be consumed. These irritate the stomach even more and even make symptoms worse. Furthermore, those affected by an irritable stomach should refrain from carbonated drinks. These stimulate the production of acid in the stomach and lead to irritation of the mucous membranes in the stomach. A varied and healthy diet should be aimed for.

Exercise is also advisable for those affected. Short walks in the fresh air or yoga help reduce stress. Many sufferers do not know that stress can also contribute to worsening the irritable stomach.

Natural remedies can also help with treatment. Herbal teas soothe the stomach and its mucous membranes, so that cramps or heartburn can be relieved. Lightly dosed drugs can also be helpful. If the symptoms worsen, a visit to the doctor is inevitable.