A nervous stomach is a common problem that can be caused by emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression or by digestive disorders. It may include symptoms such as feeling “butterflies” in your stomach or experiencing a “gut-wrenching” feeling. Nervous stomach every now and then is no cause for concern. If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms, you may want to consider seeing a healthcare provider.

This article will explain common symptoms of nervous stomach, what causes it, and when to see a healthcare provider.

Symptoms of Nervous Stomach

Nervous stomach symptoms can vary. When caused by stress and anxiety, it can lead to physical symptoms. Physical symptoms may also lead to stress and anxiety. This is because the brain and gut are closely connected and communicate about which hormones and neurotransmitters to release and when.

Common nervous stomach symptoms:

  • Upset stomach or indigestionBloating and flatulenceCramping pain"Butterflies" or unsettled feeling in the stomach"Gut-wrenching" feelingDiarrhea and/or constipationNausea, dry heaving, or feeling “sick to your stomach"Loss of appetite or off-sync hunger cuesIncreased need to urinate or have bowel movements

Causes of Nervous Stomach

Common causes of nervous stomach include emotional distress such as stress or anxiety. In most cases, a nervous stomach isn’t anything to worry about. It will come and go.

Nervous stomach can also be caused by disorders or diseases such as anxiety disorder, depression, or gastrointestinal and digestive disorders. Brain health contributes to gut health, and gut health contributes to brain health. The brain is always sharing information with the digestive system, and the digestive system is always sharing information with the brain.

Causes of nervous stomach include:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression and depressive disorders such as bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Certain lifestyle factors, including smoking, drinking coffee, and alcohol use which upset the stomach lining

What Medications Can Cause Nervous Stomach?

Over-the-counter and prescription medications may cause a nervous stomach as a side effect. This can happen when taking a single medication or more than one medication simultaneously. It may also occur in people with ingredient sensitivities or other medical conditions. This is why it’s always important to consult and update a healthcare provider on your current list of medications (including over-the-counter medications).

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers can be a cause of nervous stomach symptoms and a result of untreated nervous stomach.

Some medications may irritate the stomach, while others can cause constipation or diarrhea leading to discomfort and nervous stomach symptoms.

Common medications that may cause stomach side effect symptoms include:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen which can weaken the stomach lining.
  • Iron, antacids, and pain medications, particularly narcotics that cause constipation.
  • Antibiotics, which can cause diarrhea.

How to Treat Nervous Stomach

The method of treating nervous stomach will depend upon the cause. Nervous stomach that occurs infrequently may benefit from over-the-counter remedies to calm the stomach or lifestyle changes to reduce stress.

The following are tips for reducing stress and anxiety to help with nervous stomach:

  • Take more frequent short breaks during the dayPractice slow and deep breathingWork on saying “no"Add exercise to your daily routineAccept stomach problems as part of anxiety (ie., worrying about your stomach symptoms may make them worse)Listen to guided meditations for lasting stress-relief

If nervous stomach is a side effect from medication or certain foods, your healthcare provider can make suggestions about effective treatment which may include transitioning to another medication option that is easier on the stomach or seeing a dietician.

Medical Treatments for Nervous Stomach

If you or a loved one may benefit from additional support, you may want to discuss the following treatment options with a healthcare provider:

  • Antidepressant treatment for nervous stomach or irritable bowel syndrome
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for stress-relief and learning how to cope with anxiety
  • Medical hypnotherapy

Complications Associated With Nervous Stomach

Left untreated, symptoms of nervous stomach can contribute to future symptoms. One study demonstrated a relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and a range of psychiatric disorders. Bear in mind correlation is not the same as causation. So this is not the same as saying that nervous stomach is caused by psychiatric disorder or psychiatric disorder is caused by nervous stomach. It’s much more likely a mix of both.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

A nervous stomach may resolve on its own. But there are certain signs and symptoms that it’s time to see a healthcare provider. If you discuss your symptoms, the healthcare provider may order routine lab tests to check for underlying causes like anemia.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says the types of chemicals that are released when a person is stressed have a negative effect on gut health. This creates imbalances known to be risk factors for digestive conditions.

See a healthcare provider for nervous stomach immediately if you notice the following:

  • Unexplained weight reduction (ie., you lose weight without trying or knowing why)Blood in stool or blackish, tarry stoolsChronic or unresolved gastrointestinal issues including heartburnVomitingYour symptoms are causing work or social life challenges

If you have family history of digestive disorders or digestive cancers such as stomach cancer or colon cancer, this is helpful information for a healthcare provider.

You may be referred to a gastroenterologist (digestive disorder and disease specialist) and/or a mental healthcare provider such as a counselor or psychiatrist, depending on your overall symptoms and family medical history.

Summary

A nervous stomach is usually nothing to worry about. Symptoms include indigestion, feeling “butterflies” or a gut-wrenching feeling. Causes of nervous stomach include underlying psychological and physical health conditions and certain medications and lifestyle factors. If you experience chronic or ongoing symptoms, see a healthcare provider. Treatments include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

A Word From Verywell

Living with a nervous stomach takes a toll over time. If you experience stress and anxiety about how your stomach will react to certain people, places, and things, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you. Speaking with a healthcare provider about your full range of symptoms can help them help you.