Symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and gases may indicate changes in the intestine, often associated with stress. Although not the only origin, it is one of the main triggers or aggravating factors of the so -called functional gastrointestinal disorders and, in some cases, is the predominant factor.

The emotional state significantly influences the functioning of the gastrointestinal system because there are a number of nerve, hormonal and immunological pathways between brain and intestine. Given this, in a stressful scenario, there is the release of a hormone that alters movement, sensitivity, secretion, regeneration and microbiota gut.

Common symptoms and diagnoses

According to Dr. Isaac Altikes, gastroenterologist at Santa Catarina Hospital – Paulista, signs of stress received by the body are translated into inflammatory and neurochemical responses in the gastrointestinal tract by mast cells (cells of the immune system) and neuroendocrine mediators (hormones and neurotransmitters produced by neuroendocrine cells that control motility and digestive secretion).

In this scenario, in addition to the initial symptoms, the person may have abdominal swelling, feeling of incomplete evacuation and evacuating urgency. In some cases, body signs exceed the boundaries of the intestine, leading to fatigue and headache. Visceral and abdominal hypersensitivity without a clear and identifiable cause are characteristic evidence of functional disorders related to emotional overload.

According to the doctor, for these cases, the most common diagnoses are:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (Give them);
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD);
• Functional dyspepsia;
• Exacerbation of symptoms of inflammatory intestinal diseases (DII), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative retocalitis.

“In irritable bowel syndrome, it is common for the patient to experience recurrent abdominal pain when changes in intestinal habit, such as diarrhea or constipation there are. In these cases, psychological stress ends up intensifying pain. These disorders affect individuals through persistent symptoms, reduced quality of life, absence at work and decline of welfare,” explains Dr. Isaac Altikes.

Multidisciplinary treatment

Treatment for gastrointestinal disorders when the stress It is the main cause needs to be multifactorial, including medications directed to predominant symptoms, as well as psychotherapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), intestine -directed hypnotherapy and emotional management techniques.

“Psychological interventions help reduce symptoms and moderation of stress response. Therefore, taking care of mental health is essential for clinical improvement. Continuous communication between gastroenterologist, psychologist and psychiatrist is also beneficial for more complete and effective treatment,” says Dr. Isaac Altikes.

Habits that favor well-being

Even after treatment, education on the brain-intestine axis and the strengthening of the relationship between doctor and patient are important behaviors to protect intestinal health, even in times of stress. The adoption of daily health habits also makes all the difference, such as regular physical activity, relaxation techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation and yoga, and a diet balanced with fiber and probiotic consumption.

By Camila Parreira