How might stress influence a patient's experience of abdominal pain?

Stress can significantly heighten the perception of pain in individuals. When a person experiences stress, the body's response includes the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase muscle tension and lead to heightened awareness of bodily sensations, including pain. This heightened state of arousal means that individuals may become more sensitive to discomfort and may perceive pain more intensely than they would in a relaxed state.

Additionally, psychological factors associated with stress, such as anxiety and worry, can exacerbate the experience of abdominal pain by focusing attention on physical sensations and increasing the emotional response to those sensations. This interplay of psychological and physiological responses illustrates how stress amplifies the perception of pain, making it a relevant consideration in the assessment and management of patients experiencing abdominal pain.