Nervous stomach: What does it mean?

Is there such a thing as a "nervous stomach"? I was told at an early age that I have one.

- Edward / Oregon

Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

"Nervous stomach" is not a specific diagnosis or a recognized disease. Some doctors may use the term to generally describe symptoms of indigestion, bloating or changes in bowel habits, especially after diagnostic tests fail to reveal a specific cause, such as an ulcer or gallstones.

If you are told you have a nervous stomach, ask your doctor to be more specific about what the term means in your individual situation. You may also ask if appropriate tests have been performed to exclude other possibilities.