What causes a cold feeling in the stomach. How to differentiate between normal sensations and potential medical issues. When should you see a doctor for stomach coldness. What are the treatment options for cold stomach sensations.

The Science Behind Cold Sensations in the Stomach

Have you ever experienced a cold or tingly feeling in your stomach, even when you haven’t consumed anything chilled? This phenomenon is more common than you might think. Our bodies are equipped with thermoreceptors – specialized nerve cells that detect temperature changes. These receptors are found throughout the body, including deep within the abdomen.

Thermoreceptors play a crucial role in maintaining our body’s core temperature. While those near the skin’s surface help regulate obvious responses like shivering or sweating, the deeper thermoreceptors in areas like the stomach tend to produce more subtle signals. These signals are processed by the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions.

How Thermoreceptors Work in the Stomach

The stomach’s thermoreceptors are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. When activated, they can create sensations of cold or tingling that may feel unusual or even concerning. However, in many cases, these sensations are simply a sign that your body is acutely aware of its internal processes.

• Thermoreceptors detect temperature changes
• Signals are sent to the nervous system
• The body responds to maintain core temperature
• Abdominal thermoreceptors can create subtle cold sensations

Common Causes of Cold Stomach Sensations

While a cold feeling in the stomach can sometimes be a normal bodily response, it’s essential to understand the potential underlying causes. Several factors can contribute to this sensation, ranging from harmless to more serious conditions.

Digestive System Sensitivity

Some individuals have a heightened awareness of their digestive processes. This sensitivity can manifest as a cold or tingly sensation, especially after eating or during periods of stress. It’s often harmless but can be uncomfortable.

Gastroenteritis

Commonly known as stomach flu, gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining. It can cause various symptoms, including a cold sensation in the stomach, along with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Gastroenteritis can be caused by viruses or bacteria.

Infections

Various infections, both bacterial and viral, can affect the digestive system and cause unusual sensations, including coldness. These infections may also be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, chills, and abdominal pain.

Distinguishing Between Normal Sensations and Medical Issues

How can you tell if your cold stomach sensation is just a quirk of your body or a sign of something more serious? The key lies in observing additional symptoms and the duration of the sensation.

Normal Sensations

• Temporary and mild
• Not accompanied by severe pain or other symptoms
• Often related to recent food or drink consumption
• Subsides on its own within a short time

Potential Medical Issues

• Persistent or recurring cold sensations
• Accompanied by severe abdominal pain
• Associated with fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
• Interferes with daily activities or sleep

When to Seek Medical Attention for Cold Stomach Sensations

While occasional cold sensations in the stomach are often harmless, certain situations warrant medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize these signs to ensure timely treatment if necessary.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Prolonged nausea or vomiting
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever lasting more than a few days
• Signs of dehydration

If you experience any of these symptoms along with cold stomach sensations, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform necessary tests and examinations to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Diagnostic Approaches for Cold Stomach Sensations

When you visit a doctor for cold stomach sensations, they may employ various diagnostic methods to determine the cause. Understanding these approaches can help you prepare for your medical visit.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The first step in diagnosis typically involves a thorough review of your medical history and a physical examination. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any factors that seem to trigger or alleviate them.

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests and stool samples may be requested to check for infections, inflammation, or other abnormalities. These can help identify conditions like gastroenteritis or more serious digestive disorders.

Imaging Studies

In some cases, your doctor might recommend imaging studies such as:

• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI

These can provide detailed images of your abdominal organs and help detect any structural abnormalities or inflammation.

Endoscopy

For persistent or severe cases, an endoscopy might be suggested. This procedure allows the doctor to visually examine your digestive tract using a small camera attached to a flexible tube.

Treatment Options for Cold Stomach Sensations

The treatment for cold stomach sensations depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Lifestyle Changes

For mild cases or those related to sensitivity, simple lifestyle modifications can be effective:

• Adjusting diet to avoid trigger foods
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Staying hydrated

Medications

Depending on the cause, your doctor might prescribe:

• Antacids for acid reflux
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Anti-nausea medications
• Proton pump inhibitors for stomach acid reduction

Treatment for Underlying Conditions

If the cold sensation is due to a specific medical condition, treatment will focus on addressing that issue. This could involve:

• Medications for inflammatory bowel diseases
• Dietary changes for food intolerances
• Therapy for stress-related digestive issues

Preventing Cold Stomach Sensations

While not all causes of cold stomach sensations can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce their occurrence or severity:

Dietary Considerations

• Identify and avoid trigger foods
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber
• Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas
• Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption

Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate digestive issues and increase sensitivity to bodily sensations. Consider:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Adequate sleep
• Seeking support when needed

Regular Check-ups

Routine medical check-ups can help catch potential issues early. Don’t hesitate to discuss any recurring digestive symptoms with your healthcare provider.

Understanding Churg-Strauss Syndrome (CSS) and Its Relation to Stomach Sensations

While less common, it’s worth noting that certain rare conditions like Churg-Strauss Syndrome (CSS), also known as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), can cause various symptoms including stomach discomfort and sensations.

What is Churg-Strauss Syndrome?

CSS is a type of vasculitis, a disorder characterized by blood vessel inflammation. It often affects the lungs, skin, nerves, and stomach. Asthma is the most common sign of CSS/EGPA, but it can also cause various other symptoms, including stomach pain and numbness in extremities.

Stages of CSS/EGPA

CSS/EGPA typically progresses through three stages:

1. Allergic stage: Characterized by asthma and allergic rhinitis
2. Hypereosinophilic stage: Marked by high levels of eosinophils in the blood
3. Systemic vasculitis stage: Severe blood vessel inflammation affecting multiple body parts

CSS/EGPA and Stomach Symptoms

In the context of stomach sensations, CSS/EGPA can cause:

• Abdominal pain
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Numbness or tingling sensations

These symptoms, combined with others like asthma and skin rashes, can help doctors diagnose this rare condition.

Diagnosis and Treatment of CSS/EGPA

Diagnosis of CSS/EGPA involves a combination of:

• Patient history
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies (chest X-rays, CT scans)
• Biopsies of affected organs

Treatment typically includes steroids or other immunosuppressive medications. In some cases, newer biologic drugs may be used. With proper treatment, CSS/EGPA can often be controlled, and complete remission is possible.

While CSS/EGPA is a rare cause of stomach sensations, understanding its existence highlights the importance of comprehensive medical evaluation for persistent or unusual symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms.

Churg-Strauss Syndrome Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Management

Overview

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyarteritis (EGPA) is a type of vasculitis. These are disorders characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. This inflammation often affects the lungs, skin, nerves and stomach. Asthma is the most common sign of CSS/EGPA. Symptoms may also include other lung problems, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), skin rashes, stomach pain and numbness in the hands and feet.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

CSS/EGPA can result in a variety of symptoms, from mild to very severe and life-threatening. Symptoms often occur in stages, though not all people will develop these stages in the same order. If caught early, later stages can be prevented through treatment.

The earliest stage is the allergic stage. Common symptoms in this stage include:

•    Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath

•    Itchy, runny and stuffy nose

•    Sinus pressure and pain that can be associated with nasal polyps

The next stage is hypereosinophilia, meaning that there are abnormally high levels of a certain type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, in the bloodstream. Hypereosinophilia can result in:

•    Fever

•    Night sweats

•    Fatigue

•    Weight loss

•    Coughing

•    Abdominal pain

•    Sometimes gastrointestinal bleeding

The third stage is the systemic vasculitis stage, marked by severe blood vessel inflammation in multiple parts of the body, including:

•    Skin

•    Heart

•    Nerves

•    Muscles

•    Bones

•    Gastrointestinal tract

Many possible symptoms include:

•    Weight loss

•    Fatigue

•    Joint pains

•    Rashes

•    Numbness

•    Tingling in hands or feet

•    Abdominal pain

•    Cough

•    Chest pain

•    Shortness of breath

The diagnosis of CSS/EGPA is based on a patient’s history in addition to abnormal blood tests and chest x-rays or CT scans. Biopsies may be required of the affected organ.

Treatment & Management

CSS/EGPA is a serious disease that can be fatal without treatment. However, with treatment, CSS/EGPA can often be controlled and complete remission is possible. Treatment typically includes steroids or other immune suppressing medications. Some newer medications called biologics have also been used to treat this disorder.

Keep pace with the latest information and connect with others. Join us on Facebook and Twitter.

Cold Stomach Feeling Causes, When to See a Doctor, Treatment

Do you ever feel a cold or tingly sensation in your stomach — even if you didn’t just eat or drink something cold? If so, you’re not alone.

A cold sensation in your stomach can develop for a number of reasons. Some of these just show that you have a heightened awareness or sensitivity of what is going on inside of your body. Others can indicate a problem or medical issue. Keep reading to learn about the difference.

While you might not think of your stomach as something that can get cold, it can. There are thermoreceptors throughout your body. These are nerve cells that can detect changes in temperature. Temperature signals are transmitted to the nervous system to help your body maintain a safe core temperature.

The thermoreceptors just under the surface of your skin are sensitive and can help your body control shivering or sweating as a means of heating or cooling itself. The reactions of thermoreceptors that are located deeper in the body tend to be more subtle, sending signals to your autonomic nervous system. These types of thermoreceptors are located in the brain, spinal cord, and deep in the abdomen.

There are also a number of medical conditions that can cause the stomach, other abdominal organs, or the abdominal wall to feel rigid or produce a chilled sensation. Abdominal pain and chills have been known to occur with some of the following conditions.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is inflammation that occurs in the lining of your small intestine or stomach. This inflammation can be caused by a number of things, but bacteria and viruses are common. Viral gastroenteritis is commonly referred to as the stomach flu.

There is no cure for viral gastroenteritis, but bacterial forms of the condition may be treated with antibiotics. Supportive care like drinking plenty of fluids and getting rest is important regardless of whether the cause of your gastroenteritis is bacterial or viral.

Infections

There are many infections that can lead to abdominal pain and chills. From a ruptured appendix to food poisoning, any significant infection can cause chills or rigors.

Medical emergency

Seek immediate medical care if you experience abdominal or stomach chills and the following symptoms of severe infection or sepsis.

• high fever
• dizziness
• racing heartbeat
• difficulty breathing

Kidney stones

Kidney stones aren’t associated with chills as much as they are sharp pain over the flank(s). You may also experience chills with kidney stones, especially if they are associated with an infection in your kidneys.

Kidney stones are masses of crystals that form from various substances that can build up in your body, like calcium. These stones can be painful to pass, and can even cause injury or block the flow of urine from your kidneys.

Gastroparesis

This is a condition that develops when your stomach starts to function slower than usual. This can happen for a variety of reasons like:

• diabetes mellitus
• surgeries
• other chronic illnesses

Medical Emergency

With gastroparesis, there is a disruption of the nerve signals in your gastrointestinal tract. This affects your ability to move and digest foods, but it could also impact the work of the nerves that sense temperature. This can be a medical emergency, especially after surgery.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have recently had surgery and experience these symptoms.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation that occurs in your pancreas, specifically. The pancreas is a small organ located just behind your stomach that produces insulin, digestive enzymes, and other hormones.

There are many causes of pancreatitis, and it can be chronic or acute, as well as infectious or non-infectious. In acute pancreatitis, you can have a cold sensation along with severe pain over your mid-left upper abdomen.

Pancreatitis may become severe and require medical treatment with intravenous fluid to prevent dehydration.

Some people report a cold feeling in their stomach, or elsewhere in the body, when there is no other sign of infection. Instead, this sensation may occur with exercise. Studies have investigated why this occurs, and there are several theories.

One theory is that as the surface temperature of skin rises during exercise, cold perceptions in other parts of the body may become more pronounced. Another suggestion is that there is an analgesic (pain-relieving) effect that can occur with exercise. With both of these theories, researchers noted that the effects were greater in people who were more sensitive to cold in the first place, regardless of their actual body temperature.

Other theories have investigated whether increased blood flow to certain muscle groups during exercise reduced blood flow and sensation to other parts of the body, therefore creating a cold or numb sensation. Another study from 2016 found that while things like gender and body weight impacted temperature shifts and cold sensation in extremities during exercise, the same link did not exist with cold sensations in the abdomen. In fact, according to the study, temperatures barely changed when it came to the core or abdominal region.

While exercise-induced cold sensations in the abdomen are harmless in theory, if this sensation continues or occurs with other symptoms, you may want to schedule a visit with a healthcare professional. These symptoms may include:

• fever
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• shortness of breath
• decreased urination
• decreased bowel movements
• blood in your urine or stool
• black or tarry bowel movements
• sharp abdominal pain
• hard or rigid abdomen

There is a wide range of causes for the conditions listed above. For exercise-induced cold sensations in the stomach, there is really no treatment. In many cases, this appears to be a matter of blood flow and cold sensitivity.

For conditions with a bacterial cause, like bacterial gastroenteritis or other infections, antibiotics may help clear up your discomfort. More serious conditions like gastroparesis, appendicitis, and pancreatitis can require hospitalization and possibly surgery.

Even if surgery isn’t required, conditions that affect your metabolism could disrupt your body chemistry, leading to other problems. Dehydration can be a serious related effect, too, and intravenous fluid or other supportive care might be needed.

If you experience a cold sensation in your stomach or abdomen while you are exercising, chances are you have increased cold sensitivity and are noticing the change in blood flow caused by your activity.

If this feeling happens when you’re not exercising, or it’s accompanied by symptoms of infection, pain, or bowel problems, you should see a doctor. There are a number of conditions that include abdominal chills in their list of symptoms that require medical attention.

Why there is a burning sensation in the stomach? Causes, symptoms, treatment

Burning in the abdomen in diseases of the stomach

The most common condition in which there are burning pains in the upper abdomen and in the chest is gastroesophageal reflux, when gastric juice containing hydrochloric acid is thrown into the esophagus. This can occur with diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, chalazia cardia (insufficient closure of the muscle sphincter, which is located in the lower part of the esophagus), hiatal hernia.

Our expert in this field:

Ryabov Konstantin Yurievich

Surgeon, oncologist, endoscopist

Call the doctor
Reviews about the doctor

In addition to burning pain, this condition is characterized by heartburn – a burning sensation in the abdomen, in the chest. Symptoms usually worsen after eating, while bending forward, in the supine position.

According to statistics, the backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus occurs at least once a week in every fifth adult.

Sometimes “heartburn” is actually a manifestation of coronary heart disease. This condition will be more serious than gastroesophageal reflux. And in some cases, “stomach pain” may even be a manifestation of an atypical form of myocardial infarction. Therefore, you should consult a doctor in any case. And if the burning sensation is strong and does not go away for a long time, the state of health has deteriorated greatly – it is better to call an ambulance.

Burning in the upper abdomen is also characteristic of stomach ulcers. Sometimes burning pain begins to disturb immediately after eating, sometimes after a couple of hours, and sometimes on an empty stomach (hungry pains are also characteristic of duodenal ulcers).

Rarer causes of burning pain and heartburn associated with diseases of the stomach and esophagus:

• Cancer of the esophagus. Occurs very rarely. Smokers and people who drink a lot of alcohol are at increased risk.
• Gastroparesis. One of the possible complications of diabetes mellitus, when a constant increase in blood sugar leads to damage to the nerves that provide contraction of the stomach wall.
• Dangerous condition – dissecting aneurysm of the abdominal aorta with a rupture. The aorta is the largest artery in the human body, the blood pressure in it is the highest. In some people (most often in men over 50 years old, suffering from arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis), the inner layer of its wall may rupture, as a result, it exfoliates from the outer one, blood flows between them. One of the possible manifestations of such a condition is severe burning pain around the navel, which occurs suddenly and radiates to the lower back. The patient needs emergency medical help, if aortic dissection is suspected, an ambulance should be called immediately.

We will call you back

Message sent!

expect a call, we will contact you as soon as possible

Burning pain in the lower abdomen

Burning in the lower abdomen usually first of all suggests an infection of the genitourinary system. The correctness of this assumption is confirmed by the following symptoms:

• pain and burning during urination;
• fever;
• frequent trips to the toilet;
• blood impurities and other changes in the urine.

A burning sensation in the abdomen can be a symptom of serious diseases, up to those that threaten life. The best way to understand why burning pain bothers you and how to deal with it is to visit a doctor and get tested. The center of gastroenterology of the International Clinic Medica24 employs experienced specialists of various profiles, uses modern diagnostic equipment, and has its own clinical laboratory. Make an appointment with a doctor by phone: +7 (495) 120-19-58.

Why there is heaviness in the stomach after eating and how to deal with it

Possible causes of heaviness in the stomach after eating

There are quite a few reasons for this agonizing symptom, but there are two main possible mechanisms of development: a decrease in the body’s ability to digest food due to various disorders in the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract and a slowdown in progress

food bolus from stomach to intestines ^{1, 2} . The possible reasons are listed below.

Nutrition errors

Overeating and associated symptoms can be attributed to situational indigestion, and other errors in nutrition are also important ^{2, 3} . Fatty foods are known to significantly slow down gastric motility ⁴ . In addition, a change in the rate of gastric emptying may be associated with disorders of the digestive processes or the motor function of the duodenum ^1.5 .

Some food products (mayonnaise, red pepper, coffee, citrus fruits) have been noted to increase unpleasant symptoms in a number of patients with functional indigestion* ⁵ .

Stress

Some scientists consider this functional indigestiona as a psychosomatic process ⁶ . Patients with functional indigestion* may have an increased level of anxiety, depression, and neuroticism. In disorders accompanied by a slowdown in the evacuation of food further into the intestine, there may be heaviness in the abdomen after eating ⁶ .

Liver diseases

The liver is directly involved in the processes of digestion, therefore, with its diseases, symptoms of impaired digestion may occur: nausea, vomiting, unstable stools, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen. Such complaints are often accompanied by symptoms of asthenia (fatigue, weakness, headache). Of the possible common causes of liver damage, it is worth noting alcohol abuse and the presence of excess body weight. As the disease progresses, in addition to complaints, during examination, the doctor may detect an increase in the liver, its hypersensitivity ⁸ .

Gastritis

By itself, inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis) may not cause symptoms. But when a violation of motor skills and sensitivity joins it, complaints appear. There are two possible developments here. In the first, the symptoms of epigastric pain syndrome become dominant – pain in the epigastric region, discomfort, burning sensation behind the sternum ⁷ .

The second variant is usually accompanied by regular occurrence of heaviness after eating, stomach fullness, early satiety when taking small amounts of food. If the patient tries to eat a significant amount of food at once, heaviness in the abdomen can reach the level of pain. Such symptoms may be due to impaired coordination of gastric motility ⁷ .

Pancreatitis

Among the possible causes associated with the development of inflammation of the pancreas, the dominant place is occupied by alcohol consumption and pathology of the biliary tract. A common symptom is pain that occurs in the upper or middle abdomen in the form of a “belt” or “half-belt”. In addition, it may be accompanied by enzymatic deficiency with violations of the processes of digestion and absorption. Patients complain of loss of appetite, early satiety, loose, fatty stools, flatulence, and other digestive symptoms such as abdominal heaviness ^{2, 9, 10} .

Pathologies of the gallbladder

In diseases of the gallbladder with a violation of bile excretion, there may be a feeling of discomfort from the digestive system. This may be due to a violation of the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients. Difficulty in digestion may be accompanied by a decrease in appetite, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, flatulence, and stool disorders. Also, diseases of the gallbladder can be characterized by pain, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, vegetative reactions: a feeling of fear, numbness of the limbs, palpitations, headaches ^{2, 11} .

Diagnostics

The main research methods include ^{5, 12} :

Clinical

and Chemistry

Abdominal ultrasound

Diagnosis of H. pylori infection

Fecal analysis

Gastroduodenoscopy

By itself, the symptom of heaviness in the abdomen is not specific, therefore, additional studies are needed to determine the cause of the pathology ⁵ . A doctor can help with this, who needs to be told in detail about the nature of the complaints, the time of their appearance and localization. It is the doctor who can understand the true causes of heaviness in the abdomen and give the necessary recommendations.

How to help yourself cope with feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating

Therapeutic measures aimed at combating the symptoms of impaired digestion, including a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, include lifestyle changes. It is recommended to stop smoking and alcohol. Meals should be fractional and frequent (6 times a day), frequent, with restriction of fatty and spicy foods, spices, coffee. It is also recommended to eliminate or reduce the use of drugs that can cause stomach discomfort (for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) ^{5, 12} .

To improve the digestion of food with nutritional errors, polyenzymatic preparations can be used, for example, Festal® ^{2, 13} . The pancreatic enzymes contained in this drug promote the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, bile acids facilitate the absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins A, E, K, and the hemicellulase enzyme helps break down plant fiber, thereby helping to reduce gas formation ^{2, 13} .