Visceral hypersensitivity is the term used to describe an overall increase in internal organ pain perception. It is typical of IBS patients. If you have this, you will experience discomfort from an inside stimulus that you would not typically perceive. You may also experience extreme pain if you are exposed to a stimulus that would cause modest discomfort to someone who is not affected.
For instance, rectal stimulation is significantly more unpleasant or uncomfortable for IBS patients than it would be for a healthy person.
The “enteric” neural system of the stomach is nearly as large as the brain. Thus, it is not unexpected that things could go wrong in this situation. Though psychological elements are thought to be involved in hypersensitivity, there may not be a problem in the brain itself, but rather local issues with the gut nerves or the connections between the gut and brain.
Furthermore, the well-established correlation between stress, anxiety, depression, and IBS may also be explained by visceral hypersensitivity. It is crucial to emphasize, nevertheless, that not everyone who suffers from this issue also has mental health issues.
Signs and Origins
How does one experience visceral hypersensitivity?
The term “visceral” in language denotes an innate, instinctive emotion, as in “a visceral reaction.” It also has a strong connection to your stomach, or “gut feeling.” Visceral pain possesses several attributes.
Even at its most strong, it feels dispersed, or less specifically placed than bodily pain from an injury. It frequently affects your digestive system, producing symptoms such as nausea, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort even in cases where the pain originates elsewhere.
It could also seem strongly connected to your psychological or emotional state. Mental or emotional anguish can both cause and be a cause of pain in the visceral organs.
What symptoms are visceral?
Individuals who have visceral hypersensitivity often have persistent pain in their abdomen, lower organs, or chest. Pain that persists continuously for longer than three months is referred to as chronic pain. It might come and go or be brought on by specific body processes, such as ingesting food or having a full bladder. Among the afflicted organs could be your:
- The stomach.
- Heart.
- lungs.
- stomach.
- pancreas.
- Little intestine.
- Big Intestine.
- bladder.
- Urethra.
- uterus.
- Rectum.
Medical Interventions
Prescription medications that interfere with the gut’s nerves’ ability to function are one of the initial treatments for visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients. Reducing these nerves’ irritability is the goal. The medications used are the same ones that are more frequently prescribed for neurological problems of the brain, including depression. However, the dose required to address gastrointestinal issues is typically far less.
Among the medications typically utilized are:
- Tricyclic medications, like trimipramine or amitriptyline
- Citalopram is one example of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
- Serotonin and noradrenaline selective inhibitors (SNRIs), like duloxetine
Although the dosage of these medications is far less than for depression, they nevertheless inhibit part of the pain signals that are transmitted from the colon to the brain, which lessens any increased pain reactions you may experience.
Non-medical complementary therapies
Visceral hypersensitivity has also been successfully treated with certain complementary therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis. These treatments are supposed to reduce worry and stress, which are known to be major initiators of many IBS symptoms, including hypersensitivity.
Numerous studies have been conducted regarding the effectiveness of “gut health-related self-hypnosis.” This extremely successful invention was made in Manchester in the 1990s. After a 6–12 week session, participants learn how to hypnotize themselves with ease. This allows them to lessen the suffering when it occurs.
If you want to attempt this therapy and we believe it is appropriate for you, we can suggest practitioners.
Acupuncture is supposed to alleviate IBS symptoms and lessen visceral hypersensitivity by blocking pain signals that travel from the colon to the brain. Studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating this illness have just been published in academic journals. If you decide to look into this option, visit a qualified, respected acupuncturist.
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