Q: My elderly husband suffers from stomach pain that we both know is due to stress. Can you give me some help on how we can cope with his problem?
A: I must begin by indicating that while you may believe the stomach/abdominal pain stems from stress, there are literally countless other reasons for this to occur and we must look at a larger picture. He could be lactose intolerant, suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diverticulitis, an aneurysm, cholecystitis, food poisoning, kidney stones, and a great deal more. However, let me touch on your issue and perhaps offer some guidance.
Stress can have a great deal of impact on the abdomen by causing pain and discomfort. An individual may react to physical or emotional stress that can affect those hormones that help with the digestive process. When digestion is affected, bloating and pain can result. When the gastrointestinal system can no longer process foods in an appropriate manner, stomach discomfort and irritable bowel syndrome can result. Stomach pain from anxiety makes for extra acids that, when left untreated, can result in stomach ulcers and esophageal irritation. So while pain may be present, this doesn’t specifically mean that an individual has an ulcer. It’s simply an indication that stress is having an impact on your overall health. There is a definite link between anxiety and stomach pain. That anxiety may lead to an individual hyperventilating that can in turn lead to bloating, that may progress to stomach pain. However, it is possible to experience stomach pain, even when there is no anxiety involved. Those individuals that suffer from anxiety may become more sensitive to other issues such as gas and mild indigestion.
There are a number of reasons why a person can be stressed. To begin with, a work environment, home life issues, lack of funds, and feeling unappreciated may be to blame. A poor diet weakens the immune system and creates stress on the body. Not eating a sufficient amount of food, eating too much, erratic hours for meals, consuming greasy foods, and more may be to blame. Exercise can help reduce stress. This does not imply everyone should run a marathon every weekend. Perhaps a rousing game of checkers, chess or even solitaire can lead to a feeling of well being. Taking in a movie or good documentary on television can be helpful.
To begin with, it is important to determine the trigger for this issue and to take appropriate measures to bring it under control. Some situations may be relatively easy to remedy such as making dietary modifications, initiating an exercise regimen (with prior physician knowledge and approval), and coming up with activities that afford a feeling of well-being. If diet modification is difficult for you on your own, a visit to a nutritionist can easily be arranged through your physician. Anxiety and stress issues might be handled through psychotherapy, yoga, tai chi, and perhaps even acupuncture.
One last warning! If you find your husband’s abdominal pain continues, I urge you to see a health care professional. He could have an undisclosed issue that truly requires professional assistance.
Because IBS has been mentioned, readers who are interested in learning more can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Irritable Bowel Syndrome” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
