I’ve always had a "nervous stomach." Does this mean I’m more
likely to have serious gastrointestinal (GI) problems later in life?
The term "nervous stomach" is often used as another name for
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS most often occurs in people in their late
teens to early forties. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal cramps, diarrhea
alternating with constipation, and excess gas. It gets the name "nervous
stomach" because symptoms can occur at times of emotional stress, tension,
and anxiety.
Although this condition can be uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening. IBS
does not make a person more likely to develop other colon conditions, such as
colitis, Crohn’s disease, or colon cancer.
Is there really such a thing as a "nervous stomach?" What is it,
what causes it, and what can be done to prevent or treat it?
The term "nervous stomach" is often used as another name for
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Others call it "irritable bowel,"
"irritable colon," or "spastic colon."
IBS is a common, though uncomfortable, disorder of the colon or lower bowel.
While the basic cause of IBS is unknown, researchers have found that the colon
muscle in people with IBS contracts more readily than in people without IBS.
Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhea alternating with
constipation, and excess gas. IBS gets the name "nervous stomach"
because symptoms can occur at times of emotional stress, tension and anxiety.
Other factors that can "trigger" IBS include certain foods and
medicines.
Nearly all people with IBS can be helped, but no one treatment works for
everyone. Usually, with a few basic changes in diet and activities, IBS will
improve over time. Here are some steps you can take to help reduce symptoms of
IBS:
- Avoid caffeine (found in coffee, chocolate, teas, and sodas).
- Increase fiber in your diet (found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts).
- Drink three to four glasses of water per day.
- Don't smoke.
- Learn to relax, either by getting more exercise or by reducing stress in
your life.
- Try limiting how much milk and cheese you consume. Eat smaller meals
more often or smaller portions. However, if you have IBS and are concerned
about your calcium intake, you can try other sources of calcium including
broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, tofu, yogurt, sardines and salmon with
bones, calcium-fortified milk and breads, calcium supplements, and some
antacid tablets.
- Keep a record of the foods you eat so you can figure out which foods bring
on bouts of IBS. Common food "triggers" of IBS are red peppers,
green onions, red wine, wheat, and cow's milk.
- Talk to your health care provider if your symptoms persist. He or she can
perform an examination and order tests to make sure that there is no other
cause for your symptoms.