Gastric pressure - causes and therapy

Pressure in the stomach can have many reasons

Numerous diseases can cause considerable stomach pressure, which is often accompanied by stomach or abdominal pain and other complaints of the gastrointestinal tract. Not infrequently it is in pressure in the stomach to an accompanying symptom of a very serious disease, which is why especially in case of persistent or recurrent complaints urgently a medical check should be made.

contents

• Pressure in the stomach can have many reasons
• definition
• symptoms
• Causes of stomach depressions
• blockages
• Flatulence and bloating
• Mucosal inflammations or ulcers
• Gastric pressure due to irritable stomach and irritable bowel syndrome
• diagnosis
• Treatment for stomach depressions
• Naturopathy with stomach depressions
• Homeopathy and Schüssler salts against pressure in the stomach

definition

Gastric pressure describes a sensation of pressure in the area of ​​the stomach, which can occur without pain or in connection with severe pain. Since the localization of pressure sensation is often relatively difficult for those affected, corresponding complaints that do not directly affect the stomach area are also often described by the term stomach pressure. Thus, stomach pressure is often equated with a pressure sensation in the abdomen (area of ​​the trunk between the chest and the pelvis), although this is not anatomically correct.

Gastric pressure is often associated with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion or nausea. (Image: staras / fotolia.com)

symptoms

The gastric pressure is rarely seen as a stand-alone symptom. Most of the sufferers are concomitantly tormenting other significant complaints of the digestive tract such as abdominal pain, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

It is not uncommon for the symptoms to be a direct result of food intake as a transient symptom, but they can be completely independent of the diet and persist. Depending on the trigger of the symptoms, different concomitant symptoms can be observed, which are then presented in more detail in connection with the various causes of gastric pressure.

Causes of stomach depressions

The spectrum of possible causes of pressure in the stomach area is very broad. It ranges from psychosomatic complaints such as functional dyspepsia (irritable stomach) to anatomical anomalies, constipation and food intolerances to severe physical diseases such as gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer or even stomach cancer. Since the concomitant symptoms in many cases are very similar, a detailed medical examination to clearly determine the cause of the gastric distress is usually essential.

blockages

Constipation (constipation) disturbs natural bowel movement, which can lead to increased pressure in the digestive tract. The bowel movement is difficult for those affected or may remain completely off 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 Koterbrechen (oral emptying of the colon contents). Those affected also risk a circulatory shock. Patients need immediate medical care for this life-threatening complaint.

However, the chronic constipation is much less dangerous for the patient, but can be a significant burden in the long term, as it promotes, among other things, the occurrence of hemorrhoids and anal fissures. 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 a poor diet, food intolerance and lack of exercise on the sequelae of a stomach operation to chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease or Crohn's disease.

Gastric pressure can be caused for example by blockages. (Image: rob3000 / fotolia.com)

Flatulence and bloating

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, not associated with physical discomfort. However, it may increase the formation of gas in the body and / or the gases can not escape unhindered, resulting in a painful pressure increase in the digestive tract. The symptoms of this excessive accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract is also referred to as bloating (meteorism).

In extremely pronounced cases, not only a bloated abdomen, but also a diaphragmatic high is observed due to the pressure increase. If the diaphragm exerts pressure on the heart, significant cardiovascular complaints such as palpitations, dizziness or cardiac arrhythmias may occur. Not infrequently, those afflicted concomitantly torment respiratory distress and an uncomfortable 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, for example, food intolerances (lactose intolerance) and the consumption of certain foods such as legumes, onions or cabbage. Furthermore, a high-fiber diet is commonly associated with the increased gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract. Also morbid propagation of certain intestinal fungi are to be considered as a possible cause. Digestive disorders and, in rare cases, bowel obstruction, pancreas disorders, cirrhosis of the liver or peritonitis may be responsible for a bloated stomach.

Mucosal inflammations or ulcers

Bacteria of the genus Helicobacter pylori are one of the most common - though by no means the only - cause of pathological changes in the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum. Gastritis, gastric ulcers, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the duodenum (duodenitis) and duodenal ulcer are typical consequences of Helicobacter pylori infection. Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection is also considered a possible cause of gastric cancer (gastric cancer).

Often a colonization of the stomach with these bacteria initially proceeds without further discomfort. Only with additional impairments of the protective function of the gastric mucosa, such as, for example, as a result of excessive alcohol consumption, the ingestion of drugs or increased stress, the pathological changes in the mucosal structures. In addition to the bacterial impairments of gastric and duodenal mucous membranes, chemical stimuli are also known, for example, from drugs (special nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, contained in aspirin and ibuprofen) or alcohol as the cause of mucous membrane inflammation and ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. Certain autoimmune diseases and other rare diseases can also be the cause of the discomfort.

Most mucosal inflammations and ulcers accompany significant stomach problems, which in addition to abdominal or stomach pain also trigger a greater feeling of pressure in the stomach or upper abdomen. Not infrequently, the pain behind the breastbone (chest pain) or as a stinging in the chest is perceived in a gastritis or gastric ulcer, which initially makes those affected think of a disease of the heart.

Gastritis, duodenitis, gastric ulcer and ulcer in the region of the duodenum are usually associated with a latent long-term pain. This usually decreases in the course of food intake in the mucosal inflammation and duodenal ulcer and then returns increasingly strengthened. If a gastric ulcer has formed, the pain usually increases with the intake of food.

As a result of infection with Helicobacter pylori, e.g. a gastritis (gastritis) or a gastric ulcer occur. (Image: lom123 / fotolia.com)

Nausea and vomiting are increasingly observed in mucosal inflammation as well as in ulcers. In addition, bleeding from the inflamed mucous membranes of the duodenum or stomach, as well as bleeding from the ulcers, sometimes results in a change in the bowel movements of the patients. Black stool or so-called tarry stool are the result here.

Also, vomiting of blood and so-called coffee grounds vomiting may be a consequence of ulcer and mucosal bleeding. In case of persistent bleeding the affected person is also threatened with anemia (anemia). An extreme blood loss can quickly reach life-threatening levels, so if you have any signs of bleeding from the mucous membranes or ulcers, urgently consult a doctor.

Both the gastric ulcer and the duodenal ulcer, the perforation of the organ, so a breakthrough in the abdomen, possible. This fortunately extremely rare complication usually results in a life-threatening peritonitis, which in turn manifests itself in the form of a so-called acute abdomen ("acute abdomen"), which is characterized in addition to the strong abdominal pain mainly by the extreme defense tension of the abdominal muscles. The belly appears rock hard. Many suffer from fever and show symptoms of circulatory shock. Here immediate medical help or surgery is required.

Gastritis and gastric ulcer are known risk factors for the development of gastric carcinoma, which in turn is also to be considered as a possible cause of gastric pressure. Loss of appetite, feelings of fullness, nausea and vomiting as well as occasional problems with swallowing and late-stage, prolonged pain are among the possible symptoms of gastric cancer.

Gastric pressure due to irritable stomach and irritable bowel syndrome

In addition to the organic causes already mentioned, psychosomatic or functional impairments in the gastrointestinal tract may also be the reason for the symptoms. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (functional dyspepsia) or irritable bowel syndrome often show prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence, gastric pressure, stomach cramps, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, without any organic cause.

Often a connection between the symptoms and mental stress or stress is observed. Although irritable and irritable bowel syndrome do not cause serious health problems, sufferers are often severely impaired by their quality of life.

diagnosis

In order to determine the cause of the feeling of pressure in the stomach, first of all a thorough questioning of the patients about the occurrence of the complaints, already known illnesses and other possible factors such as the alcohol consumption or the medication should be done. This is followed by palpation and listening of the abdomen, often providing relatively clear indications of the cause of the gastric pressure.

However, a clear diagnosis requires in many cases the stomach or colonoscopy and removal of a tissue sample. Blood tests provide indications of inflammatory processes and chronic diseases. Also, the examination of a urine and stool sample can serve the diagnosis.

Ultrasound examination of the abdomen and other imaging techniques (X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) are used, for example, in suspected peritonitis or intestinal obstruction. If no causes of gastric pressure can be determined with the above-mentioned methods, further special examination methods such as, for example, manometry or electromyography can be used.

An ultrasound examination is possible, for example, if there is a suspicion of peritonitis. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

Treatment for stomach depressions

In general, the treatment approaches are based on the causes of the complaints. The range of therapeutic measures used is correspondingly broad. A change in diet and lifestyle is in most cases the basis of a promising therapy. Abandonment of alcohol, tobacco and other toxic substances as well as sufficient exercise in many cases already lead to a significant relief of gastric pressure. Nutritional therapy taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient (for example, fructose or lactose intolerance) can also produce considerable treatment success. Nevertheless, in many cases patients are not spared further medical or even surgical treatment.

For example, if exercise and nutritional therapy fails to achieve the desired result in the event of constipation, laxatives are used to facilitate or enable the affected person to defecate. If these also fail, an operative treatment may be required. In the case of intestinal obstruction, the likelihood of elimination of the symptoms without surgery is much lower than with obstruction. Here, the laying of a gastric tube is usually required so that the gastrointestinal secretion can proceed through these. If a tumor is the cause of intestinal obstruction, surgery remains essential anyway.

In case of flatulence, it may also be advisable to change your diet or refrain from eating certain foods in order to avoid excessive gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, many home remedies for flatulence are available, some of which are explained below in the section "Naturopathy on stomach depressions". An abdominal belly can often be eliminated without extensive medical treatment, however, for example, in the case of a causative pancreatic disease, a drug therapy may be required. If peritonitis is the cause of bloating, surgery becomes inevitable.

Against gastritis and gastric ulcer is often worked on the drug level with so-called proton pump inhibitors, which cause a decreased formation of gastric acid. If Helicobacter pylori triggers mucosal damage, antibiotics are also administered. If serious complications occur in a stomach ulcer, surgical intervention is also required. Inflammations of the mucous membranes in the duodenum and duodenal ulcers are treated in a similar manner as the gastritis and gastric ulcer. However, surgery is rarely needed nowadays because the drugs (proton pump inhibitors and possibly antibiotics) usually cause a cure.

Irritable bowels and irritable bowel syndrome are only conditionally treatable at the current medical level, as on the one hand the complaints of the patients may differ significantly - while some suffer from constipation, others show massive diarrhea - and on the other hand so far hardly effective drugs are available. In addition, the remedies usually aim only at alleviating the symptoms, a cure is not possible with your help.

On the psychotherapeutic route (eg behavioral therapy) many patients can achieve a significant improvement, but by no means applies to all those affected. Herbal ingredients (such as peppermint oil, lemon balm) are also credited with a positive effect, but a targeted therapy, which is successful in all patients with irritable bowel syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome, is also not available here.

Naturopathy with stomach depressions

In addition to nutritional and exercise therapy, phytotherapy (herbal medicine) plays a major role in the naturopathic treatment of gastric pressure, but also manual procedures and hydrotherapy are attributed a very positive effect.

In bloating and constipation, a stomach massage can be very helpful and beneficial. (Image: Helmut / fotolia.com)

For example, manual procedures to alleviate digestive problems and flatulence include abdominal massage, which involves a circular movement in a clockwise direction to assist the passage of the bowels and to clear entrapped gas collections. A similar purpose is fulfilled by alternating lying on the right and left side of the body. Also, external heat, for example, by placing a hot water bottle, a soothing effect is attributed to digestive complaints.

Furthermore, in case of gastric pressure due to indigestion hydrotherapeutic measures such as a cold foot bath, cold abdominal washings or warm sitz baths can be applied. Intestinal flushing and enemas are among the naturopathic procedures that are often used in gastric pressure. They are to promote, for example, constipation in the rectum area, the emptying of the intestine 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 Mellissenblättern, which can be used against the irritable bowel syndrome, for example, offers potato juice 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 because of their anti-inflammatory effect, for example in gastric mucosal inflammation or inflammation of the duodenum, caraway oil to help against spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Overall, herbal medicine offers promising approaches to treat most digestive problems, but the selection of appropriate remedies should be left to experienced therapists, especially as there are a number of contraindications for some medicinal plants.

Against neurological digestive complaints can be based on the natural healing, for example, using the so-called biofeedback.

The "Healing Practice Guide for the stomach and intestine" provides a comprehensive overview of the possible causes of stomach discomfort, the therapeutic approaches and available home remedies. Here you can buy the guide.

Due to the relationship between the complaints and the diet in most cases, a special diet is recommended to avoid or minimize the onset of the symptoms. Also, a permanent diet change may be required. Depending on the cause, an increased intake of dietary fiber is either of benefit or may also cause an increase in the symptoms.

Alkaline foods are considered to have a positive effect on inflammation of the mucous membranes and, at the same time, they can be used to counteract a general overacidification of the organism that may exist or to achieve equilibrium in the acid-base balance.

Since indigestion but also mucosal inflammation in the digestive tract often in connection with mental health problems and stress plays a significant role, the naturopathic treatment is often on an accompanying psychotherapeutic care of patients including the learning of certain techniques for stress treatment or prevention (for example, yoga or Autogenic training).

Overall, naturopathy offers numerous approaches to the treatment of pressure in the stomach. However, if the complaints are based on serious illnesses such as peritonitis, intestinal obstruction or even stomach cancer, naturopathic therapy can only be useful as a supplement or following the required procedure. Self-therapy without expert support is generally discouraged, as the pressure on the stomach, especially if it occurs repeatedly, urgently requires medical supervision.

Homeopathy and Schüssler salts against pressure in the stomach

If the feeling of pressure in the stomach is caused by flatulence, various homeopathic remedies such as Aloe, China officinalis or Asa foetida can be used. Also against mucosal inflammation of the stomach, an irritable stomach and irritable bowel syndrome Asa foetida application. Many other homeopathic remedies are also available for the treatment of indigestion and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract available. However, the selection of suitable remedies also belongs here in the hands of experienced therapists.

From the area of ​​the Schüssler salt therapy also some means for the treatment of single causes of the Magendrückens are available. For example, Schuessler salts # 8 (sodium chlorate) and # 9 (sodium phosphoricum) promise alleviation in gastritis. For flatulence, the Schuessler salt no. 3 (Ferrum Phosphoricum) can be used and against a stomach irritant potassium phosphoricum (Schüssler salt no. 5) offers. (fp, last updated on 5.3.2018)