Coughing is one of the most common reflexes that human beings have. It can be caused by numerous factors such as allergies or respiratory infections. While coughing may seem like a simple bodily function without any significant repercussions, it can occasionally lead to strange sensations in our bodies, particularly your stomach.
What Does it Mean when Your Stomach goes into a Knot?
It's natural for us to feel a little discomfort in our abdomen during prolonged cough attacks. But what happens when you start feeling weird sensations such as knotting and tightening along with abdominal pressure? This sensation is called visceral hypersensitivity which occurs because the nerves between your digestive system and pelvic floor are connected.
This connection allows for triggering an involuntary reaction of tightness around the gut area whenever there's distress on either end. As per research from the Journal of Neurogastroenterology & Motility [1], these hypersensitive nerve endings are linked to greater chances of developing IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
So essentially, when you're doing sudden jerks via exertive coughs (eventually leading up to gasping at times) (ahem...not something one would look forward too) - these heightened neurons send mixed signals causing acute abdominal pain and knot-like contractions throughout contiguous muscle layers.
Symptoms Associated with Visceral Hypersensitivity And What Causes them?
Some people experience nausea, bloating or indigestion from visceral hypersensitivity while others feel heart palpitation-like symptoms alongside their triggered bowel movements due to nervous excitement within your core muscles.
Health conditions including Crohn's disease, GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), or acid reflux that lead toward esophagal inflammation helps increase chances promoting higher sensitivity; coupled organ dysfunctionality results in making someone more prone towards contracting this condition.
People who suffer from anxiety disorder, panic attacks or PTSD often exhibit hypersensitivity within their gut region as well due to nerve overstimulation causing pain and twisting sensations.
Treatment Options for Visceral Hypersensitivity
When dealing with visceral hypersensitivity, the first step is always to address any underlying conditions that may be causing it. Additionally, some lifestyle changes can help mitigate this condition:
- Avoiding triggering foods [2] such as spicy or fatty meals
- Reducing the consumption of carbonated drinks & alcohol
- Intake of soluble fiber supplements along with simple non-spicy food habits are also quite essential.
Doctors may prescribe antispasmodics like peppermint oil capsules or dicyclomine which are anti-spasm medications that target bowel inhibition pathways linking brain-gut mechanisms in a bidirectional manner producing instant relief from contractions and tension caused by coughs.
When to Visit A Doctor for Visceral Hypersensitivity
If you're experiencing frequent abortive gags accompanied by severe chest heaviness or gastrointestinal discomfort (especially if dietary restrictions haven't alleviated them), contact your doctor right away. This could symbolize an oncoming pulmonary illness waiting-to-happen - such as bronchitis pneumonia, coupled with Crohns's disease activating hyper inflammation almost immediately after the initial onset.
Additionally, if they're indicative towards gallbladder dysfunctionality alongside bile accumulation accumulating gas bubble-like sensations under your throat - suggesting gastroparesis; motility-based GI disorders commonly strike shoulders whence advancing age while abdominal achy cramps follow notably after post-surgical recuperation.
Lastly,if you feel that intensified anxiety about impending doom regarding every gagging fit, seeks professional counselling sessions for recovery purposes alone.
Final Thought
Visceral hypersensitivity isn't something human beings should ignore easily; considering its linkages towards other physiological anomalies (such as mental stress indicators). Moreover it warrants cardiovascular check-ups in speedy fashion when an individual's health or well-being is concerned. Therefore ensure you consult with your doctor if any of the symptoms associated are evidenced within your daily routine!
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy body!
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25096320/
[2]https://www.aboutibs.org/living-with-ibs/managing-ibs-diet.html