The rumbling of gas throughout the abdomen, accompanied by the sensation of pressure, tells of unstable nerve control of the intestines, rather than of fermentation. It is nearly always experienced after cathartic medicines have been taken, due to the stimulating effect of the drugs on the nerves that regulate the peristalsis. The shifting of gas from one section of intestine to another brings about the symptoms of gurgling and gas rumbling .
A nervous patient may exhibit gas rumbling on the slightest provocation. A sensitive young person once embarrassed by the occurrence of the symptom can have his or her social life entirely ruined through the fear of a recurrence. It is of all the nervous manifestations one of the easiest to become established. Its onset is in fear and it can be remedied only through an understanding of this fact and an effort made to overcome the fear.
If a section of intestine becomes isolated by a spasm, or in fact, any kind of an obstruction, either temporary or permanent, the organisms (germs) that normally inhabit the intestines, yeast, fungi and bacteria of many kinds, at once begin a fermentation of the fermentable contents and gas under these conditions may very rapidly accumulate.
There is provision in the walls of the intestines for absorption of some of this gas, and its regulation in this manner is normally effected. But if the regular progress of the intestinal contents is interfered with by spasm or other obstructions, this does not occur with the necessary rapidity.
Globulus Hystericus:
Another symptom of nervous indigestion is globulus hystericus. This is a sensation of pressure in the chest. The patients usually describe it as a feeling that there is a large ball stuck just back of the chest bone. This is caused by a spasm of the muscles surrounding the entrance of the stomach (cardiospasm). It is a nervous manifestation and rarely due to any organic change.