What Causes Gastric Spasms?
Sep 28, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Zhenqin
Introduction
1. Improper diet—such as overeating or consuming spicy, irritating foods—can cause gastric colic.
2. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption significantly damage the stomach due to harmful substances present in tobacco smoke and alcohol.
3. Psychological factors—excessive mental stress or intense emotional agitation—can trigger gastric contractions.
4. Underlying diseases—such as bile reflux, gastric ulcers, or gastritis—may also lead to gastric colic.
Gastric spasm refers to involuntary contractions or cramping of the stomach muscles, caused by spasmodic contractions of the smooth muscle in the gastric wall. It is a common clinical symptom that may occur independently or concurrently with various underlying diseases, causing significant discomfort and distress to patients. So, what causes gastric spasm? Below, we address this question.
What Causes Gastric Spasm?
1. Improper Diet
Dietary irritants represent one of the most common direct triggers affecting the stomach in daily life. Overeating or consuming highly irritating foods can lead to excessive gastric acid secretion, thereby triggering gastric colic. Gastric spasm induced by dietary factors typically manifests acutely—often within two hours after eating—and becomes particularly noticeable during this period. However, once food has been fully digested, the symptoms of gastric spasm gradually subside.
2. Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Smoking
Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are common unhealthy habits that significantly damage the stomach. This is because harmful substances in alcohol and tobacco first come into contact with the gastric mucosa upon entering the body. Consequently, they can impair gastric blood flow and promote inflammatory cytokine production early on, disrupting normal gastric mucosal secretion and weakening the stomach’s defensive capacity—potentially triggering gastric spasm.
3. Psychological Factors
Excessive mental stress or intense emotional excitement commonly induces gastric muscle contraction. Though this physiological response often goes unnoticed in daily life, many individuals may only experience a burning sensation in the abdomen—or even no pain at all. However, prolonged or severe psychological stress or emotional agitation may provoke gastric spasm, a condition referred to as “neurogenic gastric pain.”
4. Underlying Medical Conditions
Pre-existing gastric disorders—such as bile reflux, gastric ulcers, or gastritis—can cause abnormal gastric muscle contractions, thereby precipitating gastric spasm. Additionally, certain chronic systemic diseases—including basophilic leukemia, hepatic disorders, chronic renal failure, and rheumatoid arthritis—may also be associated with gastric spasm.
The above outlines the primary causes of gastric spasm. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
