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Abdominal pain is a common condition that can be the result of both minor ailments and serious health problems. Abdominal pain can be caused by diarrhea, poisoning or even the stress that accompanies us every day.
Abdominal pain – what is it?
Abdominal pain is a condition that affects the inside of the abdomen, including the liver, pancreas, stomach, spleen, small and large intestines. Abdominal pain also affects the urinary bladder and female genitals. It happens that this unpleasant ailment is caused by a completely different organ (lungs, kidneys, heart). Patients often complain of radiation pain in the abdomen in the area of the chest or back. Abdominal pain can suggest both minor and serious health problems.
Also read: Abdominal cramps – symptoms, tests, treatment
Abdominal pain – causes
Abdominal pain may be caused by:
- inflammation: appendix, colon diverticulum;
- intestinal obstruction;
- the closure of the duct that leads bile out of the gallbladder through the stone;
- enlargement of the liver or spleen caused by circulatory failure etc;
- blood supply disorders;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- diarrhea;
- constipation;
- poisoning;
- stress;
- food allergy, including lactose intolerance;
- endometriosis;
- Crohn’s disease.
Abdominal pain can also happen during your period. This is due to the hormonal changes taking place in the woman’s body. At the start of the cycle, the endometrium that lines the uterus begins to forcefully peel off, accompanied by painful contractions of the uterine muscles. Such pain can even radiate to the back and last up to several days.
Abdominal pain can also accompany us during the so-called intestines, or gastric flu, which is caused by the action of rotaviruses, noraviruses, adenoviruses, as well as fungi, bacteria or parasites. Abdominal pain is usually stabbing, and the person has nausea, often profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Abdominal pain may also be related to gastroesophageal reflux. This is due to the regurgitation of stomach contents which causes pain as well as belching, a sour taste in the mouth and nausea.
It also happens that abdominal pain is due to an overactive thyroid gland or celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disease caused by an allergy to gluten found in rye, barley and wheat. Symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and gas. Excluding gluten from your diet can stop the effects of the disease.
For diarrhea – Klimuszko’s father’s herbal mixture is available at a favorable price on Medonet Market. Try it prophylactically and as an aid in the treatment of diarrhea.
It should be added, however, that abdominal pain may also be caused by the side effects of some medications. For example, medicines used to treat blood pressure, the side effects of which include: constipation and sometimes abdominal pain. In addition, abdominal pain can be caused by injuries. Abdominal pain caused by injuries usually disappears after a few minutes, but sometimes the situation requires medical attention because the injury may have damaged internal organs in the abdominal cavity.
It should also be added that abdominal pain may be symptoms of cancer (e.g. pancreas, stomach, colon, liver or ovary). In addition to pain, other symptoms are also: bloating, abdominal enlargement, eating problems, unintentional weight loss, and a feeling of a full stomach.
For stomach ache and digestive problems, it is worth drinking Pukka Lemongrass & Ginger – tea with lemongrass and ginger that improves the functioning of the digestive system.
Also check: Gurgling in the belly – symptoms, causes, treatment
Abdominal pain – types and duration
Abdominal pain varies in intensity and variability in individual diseases, and the duration of pain often depends on the cause of the ailment.
- Acute intestinal obstruction is characterized by severe cramping abdominal pain.
- Biliary colic: the pain is continuous and stabbing, it may last from several to several dozen minutes.
- Acute pancreatitis: in this case, the pain spreads across the epigastrium and spreads to the shoulder blades.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Abdominal pain may appear from time to time, and may last for months or years.
- Gastric and duodenal ulcers: the pain associated with this disease can be annoying for years, it has its periods of intensification (spring, autumn) and periods of remission.
The abdominal pain that accompanies various types of inflammation worsens when we cough, sneeze or just move. Abdominal pain in some conditions can go hand in hand with other conditions: fever, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, vomiting.
The expert explains: What does belly throbbing mean?
Abdominal pain – diagnosis
Abdominal pain is often a one-off condition. If symptoms persist and are disturbing, see a doctor who will diagnose the type of disease. Abdominal pain may also be a symptom of a disease process that has exceeded the limits of home treatment and requires hospital observation in a surgical ward or surgery. The basis of each medical examination is, of course, a medical history as well as a physical and additional examination. The doctor collects information about the type of pain and its location.
Abdominal pain can be acute and chronic. Acute pain might indicate some sudden and serious cause, while less pain might suggest that the fault is with a medical condition that has been going on for some time. The location of abdominal pain is especially importantThis applies, for example, to appendicitis, where the pain is located in the center of the abdomen and gradually moves to the lower right side of the abdomen. Do you suffer from gallstones? You may feel pain in the abdomen under the right hypochondrium, it looks like colic.
Laboratory and imaging tests are helpful in finding the causes of abdominal pain. The doctor will refer the patient to a blood count, ESR, liver and pancreatic enzymes, and a general urine test. Patients whose tests have detected an elevated percentage of white blood cells become inflamed. If the test shows blood in the urine, we can be almost sure that there is nephrolithiasis, while elevated liver enzymes show up when the patient has biliary colic.
Imaging tests in the diagnosis of abdominal pain mainly include an abdominal X-ray, which is useful if we suspect an obstruction. Another examination may be an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, which helps to recognize, for example, gallstone disease, appendicitis, rupture of the cyst / ovary or cholecystitis. In the diagnosis of abdominal pain, computed tomography is also important, which is recommended in the case of suspected pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis or abscesses in the abdominal cavity.
IOther imaging tests useful in the diagnosis of abdominal pain: angio-CT (blood vessel assessment), gastroscopy, rectal infusion, colonoscopy, EUS (endoscopic ultrasound). Sometimes, in extreme cases, doctors are forced to perform a laparoscopy or laparotomy.
In case of severe abdominal pain, without consulting a doctor, you must not:
- give any laxatives (e.g. castor oil) and drink and eat
- apply hot compresses,
- put pressure on the abdomen.
In the event of abdominal pains, you should immediately see a doctor, because timely surgery saves the patient’s life, and surgery performed too late may end in a fiasco.
The most important disease entities characterized by sudden abdominal pain include the following:
- appendicitis,
- inflammation of the gallbladder,
- stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer,
- gastric or duodenal perforation
- renal colic
- hepatic (biliary) colic,
- bowel obstruction,
- pancreatic diseases,
- enteritis.
Appendicitis and, very often, the gallbladder, especially subacute and acute conditions accompanied by urolithiasis, perforation of the stomach, duodenum or intestines, and their obstruction require surgical treatment.
Abdominal pain – treatment
Emergency home help: if in our presence a sudden and severe abdominal pain occurs, immediately call a doctor and place the patient in a comfortable place (the patient should be lying down with his legs tucked up). A cold compress can also provide temporary relief. No medications should be given until the doctor arrives.
Treatment of abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause and may be medication: antispasmodics, analgesics (from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. ibuprofen or ketoprofen), anti-diarrheal drugs or antibiotics. If the stomach ache is caused by indigestion, herbal infusions may be a good idea, the effect of which will increase the secretion of digestive juices and relax the muscles of the digestive system (e.g. chamomile, peppermint, dandelion root). In the case of peptic ulcer disease, it is also worth paying attention to flaxseed. The seeds contain mucilages that cover the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach and partially the duodenum, which protects them against the aggressive effects of hydrochloric acid.
- Buy a chamomile basket today at Medonet Market.
However, in some situations, surgery is necessary. Irritable bowel syndrome is a difficult condition to treat, in which it is difficult to prevent abdominal pain.
Worth knowing: What does tummy pouring mean?
For kids who complain of abdominal pain, it’s a good idea to do the Toddler Testing e-Pack. Thanks to it, you can assess the state of health and check whether there are any nutrient deficiencies. You can also purchase a Child health check – diagnostic tests package at Medonet Market, offered by the uPatient company.
If tummy problems recur, give your child Terranova intestinal microflora for children 4-12 years, available on Medonet Market. We also recommend Pro + Pre Biotic For Children – Doctor Life dietary supplement, which is currently available at a promotional price.
Abdominal pain – prevention
Not all forms of abdominal pain are preventable. However, you can minimize the risk of abdominal pain by following certain rules:
- eat a healthy diet;
- often drink water;
- exercise regularly;
- eat smaller meals.
For bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease, be sure to follow the diet prescribed by your doctor to minimize discomfort. In turn, in the case of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should not eat two hours before going to bed.
Be aware that lying down too early can cause heartburn and stomach pain. Therefore, it is better to wait at least two hours after eating before going to bed.
To improve the functioning of the digestive system, try a Calm Stomach – Panaseus dietary supplement.
Find out more: What can be caused by stinging in the abdomen?
Abdominal pain and pregnancy
If a woman experiences severe abdominal pain during pregnancy, she should contact her doctor immediately. Of course, abdominal pain is a normal part of pregnancy. As your uterus grows and stretches, you may experience all kinds of abdominal cramps, ranging from sharp pricks to dull pains that look like menstrual cramps.
The difference between pain that requires immediate medical attention and normal pregnancy cramps is that normal pregnancy cramps do not usually cause severe pain and usually go away after a few minutes, especially when you are resting. In the event of pain, which can be called severe, be extremely careful and see a doctor immediately.
Find out more about it: Abdominal pain in pregnancy
Abdominal pain during sex
In women, abdominal pain usually results from a specific position at the time of intercourse or from the alignment of the uterus. Certain sexual positions allow for deeper penetration during vaginal or anal sex, which can cause pain. The best solution in this case is to avoid deep thrusts and try other positions, for example where the woman has more control over the depth of penetration (she is over her partner). Sometimes, however, the pain may result from the uterine inclination, then it is also worth trying to change the position.
In women, abdominal pain during sex can also be a symptom of diseases such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, interstitial cystitis, uterine fibroids, uterine adhesions, or sexually transmitted infections. It also happens that abdominal pain may be associated with pelvic inflammatory disease or urinary tract infection.
For men, abdominal pain during sex may be due to inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostatitis can be acute or chronic. Chronic prostatitis is the most common urological disease, according to specialists, in men under the age of 50. Abdominal and back pain are common symptoms. Some people also experience pain during or after ejaculation.
Abdominal pain during sex, which is either one-off or that goes away with repositioning, usually doesn’t require a doctor’s appointment. However, if the pain is severe, occurs regularly, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as bleeding or signs of infection, it’s best to make an appointment with your doctor to find out the cause.
What could be the cause of a hard, bloated stomach?
Abdominal pain – inflammation of the appendix
The symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain. It begins in the peri-umbilical region and moves to the right iliac fossa after a few hours. The pain of appendicitis is much stronger than that of normal abdominal pain, and you can’t just relieve it with painkillers. Other symptoms of appendicitis include vomiting, nausea, and fever. If we are unable to assess the pain we are dealing with, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Stomach pain – facts and myths
You shouldn’t eat too fast – a fact
Sometimes we eat food too quickly because we are hungry or in a hurry. In such situations, we often hear that we should slow down, otherwise our stomach will hurt. In fact, this is true because eating quickly causes the stomach to be unable to regulate acid levels for proper digestion. Eating quickly also draws in extra air to be expelled through gas and gas.
You shouldn’t drink cold water – a myth
Sometimes you can find that drinking cold water can cause stomach ache. In fact, the temperature of any food or drink adjusts quickly to your body’s internal temperature, and does not cause abdominal pain.
Stress can cause stomach ache – fact
Stress can result in overeating or not eating at all. This irregular food intake means that there is too little or too much gastric juice, causing gas and stomach pain.
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