Nervous Stomach Ache

Nervous stomach cannot really be categorized under any specific disease. Doctors generally use this term for an array of stomach related conditions or problems such as indigestion, bloating or even changes in bowel habits. However, a nervous stomach diagnosis is usually made by the doctor after diagnostic tests fail to reveal a specific cause or rule out other possibilities. Most of the time, the reasons that can cause a nervous stomach ache are stress and/or anxiety.

Nervous Stomach and Anxiety
One can get a stomach ache if one is stressed out! I know it's hard to believe unless one has gone through it. However, it is true, our digestive system and its processes can get severely affected by the altering emotions and conditions of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Our mental state affects our physiological state as well. Some doctors believe that when a person is stressed, excess acid is produced by a churning stomach leading to symptoms mimicking heartburn. Chronic stress can induce as well as aggravate stomach ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The condition of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with a combination of stress and anxiety can cause a nervous stomach ache. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, people tend to worry about issues such as health, money or careers all the time, and the one's suffering from irritable bowel syndrome tend to have their condition more aggravated if they have any form of psychiatric illness. Nervous stomach ache in children is often seen as a fallout of the peer and academic pressure they have to undergo.

Nervous Stomach Symptoms
As a nervous stomach is not a disease, its symptoms depend upon what has caused or aggravated it. However, some of the common symptoms are diarrhea, constipation, diarrhea alternating with constipation, mucus or blood in the stools and a chronic abdominal pain.

Other nervous stomach symptoms include ulcers, vomiting, nausea, regurgitation (acid reflux), heartburn, abdominal fullness, bloating after a meal, stomach discomfort or pain, belching and flatulence. At times, overeating or eating foods one is allergic to can also lead to the above symptoms. Most symptoms last for a couple of days, but when it becomes a regular feature, it can cause a whole lot of complications that can easily disrupt one's daily routine.

Nervous Stomach Remedies
Nervous stomach ache can be managed with medication and certain lifestyle changes. Depending upon the diagnosis and severity, your doctor may prescribe psychotropic medications, anti-nausea, some diarrhea and constipation medication. And for those suffering from nervous stomach anxiety, antidepressants would be the prescribed. Antacids are also prescribed to help alleviate stomach by reducing the bloating, acid secretions and gas.

Beside these medications, herbal remedies help one to de-stress and reduce indigestion problems. Herbs such as peppermint, ginger, chamomile, etc have carminative properties that prevents the formation of gas in the alimentary tract or eases its passing. They are mild and can help alleviate common gastrointestinal problems. Valerian, kava kava, catnip, tarragon, angelica, fennel, anise, etc are all herbs that can not only relax an upset stomach but also soothe the mind. Regular exercise and healthy diet will help keep the mind and body nourished and happy.

Stress, anxiety and depression definitely contribute to causing or aggravating the condition of nervous stomach ache. In most cases the aches are temporary, however when it becomes a chronic feature, it is time to go to the doctor. It's important to judge whether it's just "butterflies in stomach" or a nervous stomach disorder.