Stomach prere often occurs in conjunction with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion or nausea. (Image: staras/fotolia.com)
Feeling of prere in the stomach can have many reasons
Numerous diseases can cause considerable gastric prere, which is often accompanied by stomach or abdominal pain and other complaints of the gastrointestinal tract. Not infrequently, prere in the stomach is a concomitant symptom of a quite serious disease, which is why a medical examination should be urgently carried out, especially in the case of persistent or recurring complaints.
Definition
Gastric prere describes a sensation of prere in the area of the stomach, which can occur painlessly or in conjunction with severe pain. Since the localization of the prere sensation is often relatively difficult for those affected, corresponding complaints that do not directly affect the stomach area are also often described with the term gastric prere. For example, stomach prere is often equated with a feeling of prere in the abdomen (the area of the trunk between the rib cage and the pelvis), although this is not entirely correct anatomically.
Symptoms
Pressing in the stomach area is only rarely observed as a stand-alone symptom. In most cases, those affected are also plagued by other significant complaints of the digestive tract, such as abdominal pain, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
It is not uncommon for the symptoms to occur directly in connection with food intake as a temporary complaint, but they can also be completely independent of nutrition and persist permanently. Depending on the trigger of the complaints, different accompanying symptoms can be observed, which are subsequently described in more detail in connection with the various causes of gastric prere.
Causes of gastric distention
The spectrum of possible causes for prere in the stomach area is extremely broad. It ranges from psychosomatic complaints such as functional dyspepsia (irritable stomach), anatomical anomalies, constipation and food intolerances to serious physical diseases such as gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer or even stomach cancer. Since the accompanying symptoms are very similar in many cases, a thorough medical examination is usually essential to clearly determine the cause of gastric distention.
Constipation
In constipation, the natural emptying of the bowels is disturbed, which can lead to increased prere in the digestive tract. The affected person has difficulty passing stool or, under certain circumstances, does not pass stool at all for a longer period of time. The rarer form of acute constipation is characterized by massive pain, swelling of the abdomen and sometimes the extremely unpleasant, so-called vomiting (oral emptying of the contents of the large intestine). The affected person is also threatened with circulatory shock. Patients with this life-threatening condition require immediate and appropriate medical care.
Chronic constipation, on the other hand, is much less dangerous for patients, but in the long term it can become a considerable burden, since it can lead to hemorrhoids and anal fires, among other things. In the worst case, the chronic blockages can also cause a life-threatening intestinal obstruction, which is a medical emergency and often requires surgical intervention.
Constipation can be triggered or promoted by numerous factors, ranging from poor diet, food intolerances and lack of exercise to the late effects of abdominal surgery and chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease or Crohn's disease.
Stomach prere can be caused, for example, by constipation. (Image: rob3000/fotolia.com)
Bloating and flatulence
The formation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract is a normal part of the digestive process and, as long as the gases can escape unhindered, is not associated with physical symptoms. Under certain circumstances, however, the formation of gas in the body increases and/or the gases cannot escape unhindered, which leads to a painful increase in prere in the digestive tract. The symptoms of this excessive accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract are also called flatulence (meteorism).
In extremely severe cases, not only a distended abdomen but also a diaphragmatic hernia can be observed due to the increase in prere. If the diaphragm exerts prere on the heart, patients may experience significant cardiovascular problems such as palpitations, dizziness or cardiac arrhythmias. Not infrequently, the affected persons are tormented by accompanying shortness of breath. An uncomfortable feeling of tightness in the chest (similar to angina pectoris). Such complaints are summarized under the medical term Roemheld syndrome.
Causes of increased gas formation in the digestive tract can be, for example, food intolerances (lactose intolerance) and the consumption of certain foods such as legumes, onions or cabbage. Furthermore, a high fiber diet is generally associated with increased gas production in the gastrointestinal tract. Pathological proliferation of certain intestinal fungi should also be considered as a possible cause. Flatulence can also be caused by indigestion and, in rare cases, intestinal obstruction, pancreatic disease, cirrhosis of the liver or peritonitis.
inflammation of the mucous membrane or ulcers
Bacteria of the genus Helicobacter pylori are one of the most common – although by no means the only – triggers for pathological changes in the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis), stomach ulcers, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the duodenum (duodenitis) and duodenal ulcers are typical consequences of an infection with Helicobacter pylori. A chronic Helicobacter pylori infection is also considered a possible cause for the development of gastric carcinoma (stomach cancer).
Often, colonization of the stomach with these bacteria initially proceeds without further symptoms. Only when the protective function of the gastric mucosa is additionally impaired, for example as a result of excessive alcohol consumption, the use of medications or increased stress, do the pathological changes in the mucosal structures become apparent. In addition to bacterial damage to the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum, chemical irritants such as those caused by medications (special non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g., anticoagulants) can also cause gastric ulcers.B. contained in aspirin and ibuprofen) or alcohol as a cause of mucosal inflammation and ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. Certain autoimmune diseases and other rather rare diseases can also be the cause of the symptoms.
In most cases, the mucosal inflammations and ulcers are accompanied by considerable stomach problems, which, in addition to abdominal or stomach pain, also trigger an increased feeling of prere in the stomach or upper abdomen. It is not uncommon for patients with gastritis or peptic ulcer to experience pain behind the sternum (thoracic pain) or a twinge in the chest, which initially makes them think of a heart disease.
Gastritis, duodenitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer are usually accompanied by latent persistent pain. In the case of gastritis and duodenal ulcer, this usually subsides temporarily in the course of food intake and then returns with increased intensity. If a stomach ulcer has formed, the pain usually increases with the intake of food.
As a result of an infection with Helicobacter pylori, z.B. an inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis) or a gastric ulcer occurs. (Image: lom123/fotolia.com)
Nausea and vomiting are more common with both mucosal inflammation and ulcers. In addition, bleeding from the inflamed mucous membranes of the duodenum or stomach, like bleeding from the ulcers, sometimes leads to a change in the patient's bowel movements. Black stools or tarry stools are the result.
Vomiting blood and so-called coffee grounds vomiting can also be a consequence of ulcer and mucosal bleeding. If bleeding persists, sufferers are also at risk of anemia (anemia). Extreme blood loss can quickly ame life-threatening proportions, which is why a doctor should be consulted urgently if there are signs of bleeding from the mucous membranes or ulcers.
Both gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers can lead to perforation of the organ, i.e. a rupture into the abdominal cavity. This complication, which fortunately is extremely rare, usually results in a life-threatening peritonitis, which in turn manifests itself in the form of a so-called acute abdomen ("acute abdomen"), which, in addition to severe abdominal pain, is characterized above all by the extreme defensive tension of the abdominal wall muscles. The abdomen appears hard as a rock. Many of those affected also suffer from fever. Show symptoms of circulatory shock. Immediate medical help or surgical intervention is required in this case.
Gastritis and gastric ulcers are known risk factors for the development of gastric cancer, which in turn is also a possible cause of gastric prere. Loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and vomiting, and sometimes swallowing problems and, in the late stages, increased, persistent pain are among the possible symptoms of gastric cancer.
Stomach prere due to irritable stomach and irritable bowel syndrome
In addition to the organic causes already mentioned, psychosomatic or functional impairments in the gastrointestinal tract can also be the reason for the complaints. Patients with irritable stomach (functional dyspepsia) or irritable bowel syndrome often show massive gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence, stomach prere, stomach cramps, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting over a long period of time, without any organic causes being identifiable.
There is often a connection between the symptoms and psychological strain or stress. Although irritable stomach and irritable bowel syndrome do not cause any serious health problems, the quality of life of those affected is often considerably restricted by the symptoms.
Diagnosis
In order to determine the cause of the feeling of prere in the stomach, the patient should first be thoroughly questioned about the occurrence of the complaints, already known diseases and other possible influencing factors such as alcohol consumption or the use of medication. This is followed by palpation and listening to the abdomen, which often already provides relatively clear indications of the cause of the gastric prere.
In many cases, however, a clear diagnosis requires gastroscopy or colonoscopy and the removal of a tie sample. Blood tests provide indications of inflammatory processes and chronic diseases. Even the examination of a urine-. Stool sample can serve to establish the diagnosis.
An ultrasound examination of the abdomen and other imaging procedures (X-ray, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) are used, for example, if peritonitis or intestinal obstruction is suspected. If no causes of gastric prere can be determined with the above-mentioned methods, other special examination methods such as manometry or electromyography can be used.
An ultrasound examination may be considered if, for example, peritonitis is suspected. (Image: Africa Studio/fotolia.com)
Treatment for stomach prere
In general, the treatment approaches depend on the causes of the complaints. The range of therapeutic measures available is correspondingly broad. In most cases, a change in diet and lifestyle forms the basis of a promising therapy. Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and other toxic substances, as well as sufficient exercise, can in many cases already lead to significant relief of gastric distress. Nutritional therapy that takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient (e.g. fructose or lactose intolerance) can also bring about considerable treatment successes. Nevertheless, in many cases patients are not spared further medication or even surgical treatment.
If, for example, exercise and nutritional therapy do not have the desired effect on constipation, laxatives are used to make it easier or possible for the patient to have a bowel movement. If this also remains unsuccessful, surgical treatment may be necessary. In the case of intestinal obstruction, the probability that the symptoms can be eliminated without surgery is significantly lower than in the case of constipation. In this case, it is usually necessary to insert a stomach tube so that the gastrointestinal secretions can drain through it. If a tumor is the cause of the bowel obstruction, surgical intervention remains essential anyway.
In the case of flatulence, it may also be advisable to change the diet or avoid certain foods in order to prevent excessive gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, there are numerous home remedies available for bloating, some of which are explained below in the section "Naturopathy for gastric distress. A bloated stomach can often be eliminated without extensive medical treatment, however, in the case of a causative pancreatic disease, for example, a drug therapy may be necessary. If an inflammation of the peritoneum is the cause of the flatulence, surgery is unavoidable.
Against gastritis and gastric ulcers, so-called proton pump inhibitors are often used as medications to reduce the formation of gastric acid. If Helicobacter pylori is the cause of the mucosal damage, antibiotics are also administered. If a gastric ulcer threatens more serious complications, a surgical intervention is also necessary here. Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the duodenum and duodenal ulcers are treated in a similar way to gastritis and gastric ulcers. Nowadays, however, surgery is only rarely necessary, since the drugs (proton pump inhibitors and, if applicable, gastric acid inhibitors) can be used to treat gastric ulcers. antibiotics) usually bring about a cure.
Irritable stomach and irritable bowel syndrome can only be treated to a limited extent at the current medical level, since on the one hand the complaints of patients can differ considerably – while some suffer from constipation, others have massive diarrhea – and on the other hand there are hardly any effective medications available at present. In addition, the medicines are usually aimed only at alleviating the symptoms, a cure is not possible with their help.
Psychotherapeutic methods (e.g. behavioral therapy) can achieve a significant improvement in many patients, but this is by no means the case for all sufferers. Herbal substances (e.g. peppermint oil, lemon balm) are also said to have a positive effect, but a targeted therapy that is successful in all patients with irritable stomach or irritable bowel syndrome is not available here either.
Naturopathy for stomach bloating
In addition to nutrition and exercise therapy, phytotherapy (herbal medicine) plays an important role in the naturopathic treatment of gastric prere, but manual methods and hydrotherapy are also considered to have an extremely positive effect.
For flatulence and constipation, abdominal massage can be very helpful and beneficial. (Image: Helmut/fotolia.com)
Manual procedures to relieve digestive problems and flatulence include abdominal massages, which involve a clockwise circular motion to assist intestinal transit and release trapped gas accumulations. Alternately lying on the right and left side of the body serves a similar purpose. Also external heat supply, for example by putting on a hot-water bottle, is attributed with digestive complaints a soothing effect.
In addition, hydrotherapeutic measures such as a cold foot bath, cold abdominal washings or warm sitz baths can be used for gastric prere due to digestive complaints. Colonic irrigation and enemas are among the naturopathic procedures that are frequently used for gastric prere. For example, they are thought to promote bowel emptying in cases of rectal constipation and generally stimulate digestion.
From the field of phytotherapy, various medicinal plants are used both externally and internally. In addition to the already mentioned peppermint oil and Mellissen leaves, which can be used against irritable bowel syndrome, potato juice, for example, can be used against hyperacidity of the stomach.
Other medicinal plants, such as artichokes, angelica root, wormwood or centaury are said to have a stimulating effect on digestion. Chamomile flowers are used for their anti-inflammatory effect, for example, in the case of gastritis or inflammation of the duodenum, and caraway oil is said to help against cramps in the gastrointestinal tract.
Overall, herbal medicine offers promising approaches for the treatment of most complaints of the digestive tract, but the selection of the appropriate means should be reserved for experienced therapists, especially since for some medicinal plants there is also a whole series of contraindications.
Neurologically caused digestive complaints can be treated on the basis of naturopathy, for example with the help of so-called biofeedback.
The "Heilpraxis Ratgeber fur Magen und Darm" (Healing Practice Guide for Stomach and Intestine) offers a comprehensive overview of the possible causes of stomach complaints, therapeutic approaches and available home remedies. Here you can purchase the guide.
Due to the connection that exists in most cases between the complaints and the nutrition, a special diet is offered to avoid or minimize the occurrence of the complaints. A permanent change in diet may also be necessary. Depending on the cause, an increased intake of dietary fiber is either beneficial or can also cause an increase in symptoms.
Alkaline foods are said to have a positive effect on inflammation of the mucous membranes, and at the same time they can be used to counteract a general over-acidification of the organism or to achieve a balance in the acid-base equilibrium.
Since digestive complaints as well as inflammation of the mucous membranes in the digestive tract are often associated with psychological problems of the affected persons, and stress plays a significant role in this, naturopathic treatment often relies on accompanying psychotherapeutic care of the patients, including the learning of certain techniques for stress processing or avoidance (for example, yoga or autogenic training).
Overall, naturopathy offers numerous approaches to the treatment of the feeling of prere in the stomach. However, if the complaints are based on serious diseases such as peritonitis, intestinal obstruction or even stomach cancer, naturopathic therapy can only be useful as a supplement or following the necessary intervention. Self-therapy without professional support is generally not recommended, since gastric distress requires urgent medical supervision, especially in case of repeated occurrence.
Homeopathy and Schuessler salts against prere in the stomach
If the feeling of prere in the stomach is caused by flatulence, various homeopathic remedies such as aloe, China officinalis or Asa foetida can be used. Asa foetida is also used against gastritis, irritable stomach and irritable bowel syndrome. Numerous other homeopathic remedies are also available for the treatment of digestive complaints. inflammation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the selection of the suitable means belongs also here into the hands of experienced therapists.
From the field of Schussler salt therapy there are also some remedies available for the treatment of individual causes of gastric distress. For example, in the case of gastritis, the Schussler salts no. 8 (Natrium Chloratum) and no. 9 (Natrium Phosphoricum) Relief. Against flatulence can the Schussler salt no.