Fluttering in stomach is a common symptom. Though common in females, it can also occur in males. In some cases, it can be accompanied by flushed skin and an attack of sweat. Here are some is the meaning, causes, and symptoms of the fluttering.
What causes fluttering in stomach
Most cases of stomach flutters are short-lived. Most will disappear after some time, whereas others may recur from time to time. When the twitches and jerks persist for more than a day, finding the underlying cause may be required.
Understanding the underlying cause of the fluttering makes it easier for you to stop, control, treat, and prevent them from occurring in the future. Possible causes of the fluttering might include the following:
1. Crohn’s disease
Stomach spasms in the abdominal area can be a sign of Crohn’s disease. This is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. The inflammation can cause:
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic diarrhea
- Weight loss
If untreated, the inflammation may spread deep into the layer of the affected bowel tissue. The condition, according to the mayo clinic, can be both painful and deliberating and could lead to life-threatening complications.
2. Starvation
Starvation is also a possible cause of the fluttering and butterfly feeling in the stomach. Normally your stomach secretes enzymes and juices that aid in the digestion of foods.
When starving as a result of not eating anything, the juices and enzymes secreted by the stomach may cause harm to the walls and lining of your stomach.
3. Anxiety disorders and Panic attack
Fluttering in the stomach is a common symptom of anxiety or a panic attack. The fluttering can occur before eating, immediately after eating or some hours after eating. When anxiety is the cause of fluttering, it can be described as a nervous stomach.
Anxiety, emotional stress, and fear are the leading causes of fluttering and jumpy feeling in the stomach. The fluttering is often how your body responds to fear caused by the release of hormones adrenaline and cortisol.
Apart from the hormones, the butterflies feeling in the stomach can be attributed to decreased blood circulation and the secretion of stomach acid in response to fear or being anxious.
4. Menopause
Hot flashes in the stomach is a common symptom in around 75% of premenopausal women. During this time, your upper body may flush red, causing you to break out into a sweat while experiencing a flicker of anxiety in the stomach.
To control the flushes, medical experts recommend you cut down on spicy foods, alcohol, and excess coffee. You are also required to exercise regularly to prevent the flashes and manage anxiety. In severe cases, hormonal therapy and alternative medicine may be prescribed.
5. Magnesium deficiency
According to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, magnesium deficiency affects at least 68% of the United States population.
Magnesium deficiency has been tied to innumerable medical conditions, including insomnia, morning sickness, to muscle spasm. Magnesium has a lot of biological functions in the body, its deficiency, therefore, affects a lot of your body function.
Known symptoms of magnesium deficiency will include the following:
- Seizures
- Muscle cramps and spasm
- Heart arrhythmia
- Stomach cramping and fluttering
- High blood pressure among many others
6. Indigestion
Indigestion can be described as pain and discomfort in the stomach associated with difficulty in digesting food. It often produces gasses in the stomach, which can irritate the vagus nerves, which innervate the stomach and the heart.
It is the irritation of the vagus nerve that causes palpitation or fluttering in the heart and the stomach.
Fluttering in stomach male
Though common in females, fluttering can also occur in men. Apart from the already mentioned causes, others will include:
7. Gas and hyperacidity
Lots of gasses are produced during digestion. Increased levels of these gases and acid in the digestive system can result in the stimulation of the abdominal muscles. It is this stimulation that may cause fluttering in the lower abdomen.
In women, the fluttering can be mistaken for early fetal movements. In such cases, it can be difficult to tell the two apart. If, however, the fluttering is accompanied by flatulence or belching, then the most likely cause might be intestinal gas.
To prevent this, avoid junk or spicy foods. Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated and also increase your physical activity to enhance proper digestion.
8. Bacteria and virus infection
Viral and bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract can also be the underlying cause of the fluttering in the stomach. These infections can result from eating raw or contaminated food or water.
When the cause of the fluttering is an infection, other symptoms will include chronic diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating, and decreased appetite. Some, especially children, might have a bloody stool and high fever.
Fluttering in the stomach during pregnancy
Fluttering or butterflies feeling in the stomach and abdomen is common among pregnant 
women. In this case, the movements of the fetus are often responsible for the fluttering. The flutters in the stomach during this period are called quickening.
The fluttering during pregnancy will often begin as early as 13 weeks into the pregnancy. This can occur when the fetus reacts to external noises or due to hiccups. Fluctuation in hormones, especially estrogen. This may cause hot flashes confined to the head, neck, and chest.
Fluttering in the stomach are frequent during the second and third trimesters.
Fluttering in the lower abdomen
In the lower abdomen, the fluttering can be felt as a twitching sensation in areas underneath the belly button. Some people describe the fluttering as an irregular heartbeat, it may not hurt, but it feels kind of weird to have.
Those who have experience fluttering in lower abdomen say it feels like a palpitation occurring in the stomach; in some people, it can be more intense than a palpitation. A common cause of this kind of fluttering is said to be muscle spasms.
This is common during pregnancy, but If you are not pregnant, the underlying it might be caused by wind, gas, or an abnormal bowel condition. Check with your health care provider if the fluttering persists for more than a day or two.
Fluttering in upper stomach
Fluttering in the lower and upper stomach can also be caused by bowel disorders. Common such disorder is the spastic colon, another name for irritable bowel syndrome. These disorders are characterized by increased contraction of the muscle of the large and small intestines.
The fluttering is often nothing serious. These contractions are referred to as spasms. Other symptoms will include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Constipation and
- Diarrhea
The severity and cause of bowel disorders vary in different individuals. Treating the disorder involves relieving the symptoms; this will involve dietary changes, controlling your emotional stress, and increasing physical exercise.
Fluttering in the stomach before a period
It is common for women to experience some flutters just before the period. Most of the symptoms shown during this time can be attributed to hormonal changes and fluctuations caused by anxiety and emotional stress.
When stressed out, your body releases stress hormones. The central nervous system is stimulated by these hormones, which result in the fluttering of the abdominal muscles. You are also likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Muscles tension
- Abdominal cramps
- Pain in head, headaches
- Palpitations
- Change in appetite
- Dizziness, shaking, sweating, insomnia
Fluttering in the left side of the stomach
The twitching of the abdominal muscles is very common and could be the underlying cause of fluttering in the right or left side of the stomach. The condition can occur due to a number of reasons which include the following:
a) Hyperactivity of the central nervous system
People with conditions such as Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may experience these kinds of symptoms. ADHD is a condition in which a person has an unusually high activity level and a short attention span.
Other symptoms of this disorder may include panic attacks, insomnia, nervousness, palpitations, and high blood pressure, among others. Proper medical attention is required. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can also help manage and control some of the symptoms of this disorder.
b) Muscle fatigue
Fluttering on the left side of the stomach can also occur as a result of muscle fatigue. In such cases, you are also likely to experience muscle weakness and lack of energy.
c) Imbalance of the electrolytes
For optimal functioning of the body, even the balance of electrolytes needs to be maintained. Fluttering in the lower, upper, right or left side of the abdomen can result from an imbalance of one of the electrolytes (potassium, magnesium or sodium)
In cases of an electrolyte imbalance, you are likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Irregular heartbeats, palpitations
- Fatigue
- Mild to severe headaches
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
Fluttering in the stomach not pregnant
Not cases of fluttering in the stomach are as a result of being pregnant. It is not uncommon to have fluttering feeling like a baby kicking. This is mostly on the left side of the abdomen. The pain can be worsened when one coughs or sneezes.
Most of the people with this symptom describe it as not being painful. If no other symptoms are not shown, then we would recommend you take a blood test to confirm for sure that you are not pregnant.
Most healthcare providers describe this as a sympathy pregnancy where your body reacts to suggestions or unconscious wants.
Other possible causes of the fluttering can include muscle spasm, fatigue, or excessive gas in the stomach. Regardless of what the underlying cause of the fluttering is, we recommend you visit your health care provider if it persists for more than two days.
How to stop fluttering in the stomach
As said, most cases of stomach flutters are temporary and subside on their own without treatment. If that happens, there is no need for treatment. This includes cases such as pregnancy. Women have to mentally prepare, given that it is normal for the kicks and movements of the baby to increase as the pregnancy continues to grow.
When the fluttering is caused by anxiety or fear, then stopping or relieving the flustering may involve finding a way to reduce anxiety. Some important steps in such cases include yoga, meditation, and anxiety medication.
Generally, you will need to stick to a healthy diet that does not produce gas or cause indigestion. Cut your consumption of products containing caffeine, such as a lot of tea and coffee.
References:
- A fluttering feeling in the lower abdomen: https://www.enkimd.com/fluttering-in-lower-abdomen.html
- Painless spasms in the abdominal area: http://www.crohns-disease-and-stress.com/painless-spasms-in-abdominal-area.html
- Butterflies in the stomach and hot flashes: http://www.livestrong.com/article/434814-butterflies-in-the-stomach-hot-flashes/
- Fluttering in the stomach, causes and how to stop it: http://www.tandurust.com/self-help/fluttering-in-stomach-how-to-stop.html
- Fluttering in the stomach, everything you need to know: https://www.thehealthyapron.com/fluttering-in-stomach/
- Fluttering in the lower abdomen, early pregnancy: http://www.steadyhealth.com/medical-answers/fluttering-in-the-lower-abdomen-early-pregnancy-or-something-else
