Gastritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach lining, does not directly cause physical tremors. While this digestive issue causes symptoms like upper abdominal pain, nausea, and a feeling of fullness, shakiness often results from secondary physiological effects or complications. This trembling is typically a sign that the body’s internal chemistry or stress response has been disrupted. The shakiness a person experiences is usually the result of metabolic imbalances, anxiety, or side effects from necessary medications.
The Role of Metabolic Imbalance
Shakiness is frequently a manifestation of the body’s struggle to maintain stable energy levels while dealing with a painful digestive condition. Gastritis symptoms like persistent nausea, vomiting, or a severe loss of appetite can severely limit the intake of food and fluids. This reduced nutritional intake quickly depletes the body’s stored glucose, leading to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Shakiness, lightheadedness, and a fast heartbeat are classic physical symptoms produced when blood glucose levels fall below the required 70 milligrams per deciliter.
The physical discomfort of gastritis often results in patients avoiding meals, preventing the proper replenishment of carbohydrates necessary for steady blood sugar. Severe cases involving repeated vomiting or diarrhea can also lead to significant dehydration and electrolyte loss. The loss of essential minerals, particularly sodium and potassium, disrupts the delicate balance required for normal nerve and muscle function. This imbalance can cause muscle fatigue, weakness, and tremors perceived as shakiness.
Furthermore, chronic inflammation, such as in atrophic gastritis, can reduce the stomach’s production of intrinsic factor. This significantly impairs the absorption of certain nutrients, including Vitamin B12. Certain medications used to manage gastritis contribute to metabolic disturbances. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a common treatment, can interfere with the absorption of magnesium, leading to hypomagnesemia. Low magnesium levels directly affect the nervous system and muscles, often resulting in muscle spasms and noticeable tremors.
Psychological and External Factors
Beyond direct metabolic disruption, the experience of a chronic or painful illness like gastritis can trigger psychological and physiological stress responses that cause physical trembling. Persistent stomach pain and the disruption of daily life due to digestive symptoms place the body in a prolonged state of stress. This chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increased release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline acts as a stimulant, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, which can manifest externally as nervousness, anxiety, and fine motor tremors.
The long-term effects of chronic gastritis can also lead to nutritional deficiencies that contribute to a feeling of shakiness and general weakness. Malabsorption of Vitamin B12 and iron can result in different forms of anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency, in particular, can cause neurological symptoms, including muscle weakness, dizziness, and difficulty with concentration, which a person might describe as feeling shaky or unsteady.
Specific medications used for treatment can introduce external factors that directly cause tremors. The hypomagnesemia caused by long-term PPI use may result in tremors or muscle spasms. Some pain relievers or other drugs prescribed alongside gastritis treatment may also have side effects that include nervousness or mild hand tremors. It is important to review all current medications with a healthcare provider if new or worsening shakiness develops after starting a treatment regimen.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While mild shakiness is often a sign of temporary low blood sugar or anxiety, certain accompanying symptoms indicate a severe complication that requires urgent medical care. Prompt medical attention is necessary if shakiness or weakness is accompanied by signs of severe dehydration, including:
- Confusion.
- Extreme dizziness or lightheadedness.
- A significant decrease in urination.
- An inability to keep any fluids down for over 24 hours.
Any indication of internal bleeding is a serious red flag that must be addressed immediately. This includes passing black, tarry stools (melena), which indicates digested blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds or contains bright red blood also signals acute bleeding and requires emergency intervention. Shakiness accompanied by fainting, sudden loss of consciousness, or extreme fatigue suggests a life-threatening drop in blood pressure or severe hypoglycemia.