Can stress actually cause stomach problems?
March 8, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Babette Kleine
Dear Doctor,
My name is Marcus Wunderlich and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing increased stomach issues lately. I am 35 years old, have a demanding job, and have been under a lot of stress in the past few months. My symptoms include frequent abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, and occasional stomach cramps. These symptoms often occur when I am in stressful situations or under pressure.
I am very concerned about whether my stressful lifestyle could be the cause of my stomach problems. Can stress really trigger such strong gastrointestinal symptoms? Is there a connection between psychological stress and stomach issues? Should I change my work situation or are there possible treatment options to alleviate my symptoms?
I have already incorporated some stress management measures into my daily routine such as yoga, meditation, and taking regular breaks, but so far they have not significantly improved my stomach issues. I eat healthily, drink enough water, and do not have any other known health problems.
Therefore, I would like to ask for your professional assessment and recommendations on how to manage my stomach problems. I would like to know if there are specific tests that I should undergo to determine the exact cause of my symptoms. I am also interested in knowing if there are medication treatment options that could help me.
Thank you in advance for your support and assistance in addressing my health issues.
Sincerely,
Marcus Wunderlich
Dear Mr. Wunderlich,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms and your situation. I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering from stomach problems that seem to be related to stressful situations. Your suspicion that psychological stress can indeed trigger strong gastrointestinal symptoms is absolutely correct. There is a close connection between psychological stress and stomach problems, as the gut is very sensitive to emotional stress. The so-called "gut-brain" is closely connected to the brain and can be influenced by stress, leading to symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, and cramps.
It is commendable that you have already integrated measures for stress management such as yoga, meditation, and regular breaks into your daily life. These methods can help you better cope with stress and alleviate your symptoms. However, it is important to understand that a lifestyle change alone may not be sufficient to fully treat your stomach problems.
I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist to further investigate your symptoms. The doctor can perform specific tests such as an endoscopy to rule out possible organic causes for your complaints. In addition, a stool test or blood test may provide information on possible inflammations or infections in the gastrointestinal tract.
Regarding medication treatment options, there are various possibilities depending on the diagnosis and cause of your stomach problems. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors can help with heartburn and gastritis, while antacids can alleviate symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. Antispasmodic medications can be prescribed for severe gastrointestinal cramps.
It is important that you discuss your entire situation with your doctor and develop an individualized treatment plan together. Additional measures such as dietary changes or psychological counseling may also be helpful in improving your stomach problems in the long term.
I wish you all the best and hope you find a suitable treatment soon to alleviate your symptoms.
Kind regards,
Babette Kleine
