Abdominal pain

SHARE WITH FRIENDS:

How to distinguish abdominal pain?

The following main types of abdominal pain are distinguished:

Spastic pain in the abdomen

Spastic (watery) - occurs in a wavy appearance, the pain suddenly increases or the pain suddenly decreases. The pain is based on the deformation (expansion or contraction) of the bowel, the hyperpersitality of the bowel. Such pains can be found in the accumulation of excess gas in the intestines, during stress, and in infectious inflammatory diseases of the intestines. It is the most dangerous and unpleasant process in this type of pain, which can be explained by the term "acute abdomen" (acute pancreatitis, peritonitis). In this case, the pain is strong, sudden, diffuse, aggravated, the body temperature rises, there is a strong nausea, and most importantly, the anterior walls of the abdomen are strongly contracted. It is forbidden to give the patient any painkillers, to wait for the doctor to come or to take him to the surgical department. Appendicitis does not come with severe pain at the time of onset, the pain is slow, persistent, may begin in the right subcostal area of ​​the abdomen or on the left side, the body temperature may rise slightly, and vomiting may occur. The general condition worsens over time and eventually gives the symptom of an “acute abdomen”.

Persistent pain in the abdomen

Persistent abdominal pain - characterized by the presence of constant pain in the abdominal area. Patients often describe the pain as “burning, burning in the abdomen,” occurring as a sharp, stabbing, or “starvation pain”. Such pains occur in severe inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcer disease, gallstone disease, abscess or pancreatitis.

Chronic abdominal pain

Chronic pain is pain that appears and disappears from time to time. Such pains are caused by various chronic diseases. If such pain is observed, of course, it is necessary to consult a doctor and be prepared for some questions: whether the pain is associated with eating (whether it occurs before or after a meal, as it occurs after certain meals) , how strong, how often it occurs, whether it is associated with menstruation in adult girls, what area of ​​the abdomen it usually appears and where it spreads, what measures are useful (when taking the drug, enema, massage when doing, calming down, doing hot or cold, etc.).

In addition to the above, abdominal pain also occurs regardless of the organs located in the abdominal cavity. This pain is called neurotic pain. Pain occurs in psychoemotional stress when a person is afraid of something. Although the patient describes the level of pain very strongly, no pathology is found in the organs when examined. The advice of a psychologist or neuropathologist will be needed.

Often the pain is accompanied by additional symptoms, sweating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps (especially when lying down). These symptoms occur when the intestinal system is disrupted, changes in the stomach, some pathologies of the biliary tract, or inflammatory processes in the pancreas. Elevated body temperature is usually observed in infectious inflammations. Discoloration of urine and feces occurs in diseases of the biliary tract, when the stone is blocked. The color of urine darkens, the color of feces turns white. Dark black stools or feces that come with blood indicate bleeding in the intestines and are a sign to see a doctor immediately.

How long can abdominal pain last?

Pain that usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes is less dangerous. If the pain persists for hours or even days, you will need to see a doctor.

When do pains appear?

Pains can appear suddenly at any time. Below we provide information on the most common diseases associated with abdominal pain:

Sudden onset of sleep apnea may occur after eating. Stinging, stabbing pain occurs in intestinal ulcers, occurs before eating. In gallstone disease and pancreatic disease, the pain usually begins after a meal.

In intestinal dysfunction, pain occurs after eating with abdominal relaxation, gas accumulation, increased peristalsis, diarrhea, or constipation. The pain usually passes after diarrhea. In inflammatory diseases of the intestine, diarrhea, spasms and pain occur after or before diarrhea. Abdominal pain can occur in 30% of psychogenic diseases.

Where exactly does the abdomen hurt?

The localization of pain is important in the diagnosis of the disease. Pain that occurs in the upper abdomen is usually observed in diseases of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, bile ducts, liver and pancreas. In biliary tract stone disease and liver disease, the pain is below the right rib and can move to the back right shoulder area. In pancreatitis and peptic ulcer disease, the pain can also spread to the back spine area. Pain that occurs around the umbilicus and in the middle areas of the abdomen is common in some diseases of the small intestine and colon. Pelvic pain occurs in pathologies associated with the rectum. The pain lasts from a few minutes to a few hours and has a dull, sharp, stabbing-cutting, repetitive character. In 70% of cases, pain (diarrhea or constipation) occurs in the changes associated with impaired intestinal motility.

What are the causes of abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is mainly caused by the food consumed. Esophageal exposure is caused by salty foods, too hot or cold food. Some fatty, cholesterol-rich products cause aggressive pain in gallstones. Some people cannot digest milk, dairy products, sugar, or lactose, and they experience abdominal pain, restlessness, and diarrhea.

In what cases it is necessary to consult a doctor?

If any of the following is observed, consult a gastroenterologist:

• If there is frequent pain in the abdomen;
• If the pain interferes with your work activities;
• If you notice that you are losing weight or your appetite is decreasing;
• If the pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting;
• If there are any changes in the intestines;
• If you have a history of ulcerative colitis, gallstone disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or surgery;
•  If you feel pain in the abdomen after taking medications (aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

In what diseases is observed pain in the abdomen?

Pain in the epigastric area

• Character: blunt or sharp, similitude;
• Where it spreads: to the back of the chest across the stomach;
• What it comes with: the increase in pain comes with vomiting when it peaks, the pain passes after vomiting;
• What to start with: not related to physical activity, often depends on the type of food, bitter, sour, sharp coffee, when there is intense stress;
• What disease can be: gastritis or peptic ulcer disease.
• What to do: Get a gastroenterologist's recommendation, if the diagnosis is confirmed, the wound can be treated in 7-14 days. To improve the patient's condition when the pain is acute, it is necessary to put a warm warmer on the bed, drink warm water or soft tea. If there is blood on the record (it is the color of "coffee grounds"), it is necessary to call an ambulance immediately.

Pain under the right rib

• Character: squeezing, sharp sudden onset;
• Where it spreads: from the right to the waist, to the right side of the chest, to the right shoulder, under the right shoulder;
• What comes with: unpleasant taste in the mouth, bile vomiting, feeling of relief after vomiting, fever;
• What starts after: after consuming fatty foods or while shaking in transport;
• What disease can be: cholecystitis.
• What to do: Take antispasmodics and digestive enzymes. UTT examination to determine if there are stones in the gallbladder. If there are no stones, loosen the gallbladder with light movements to relieve the pain and drink bile-driving drugs, at least for 2-3 minutes. Then heat this area with a warm warmer for 40-60 minutes. You will feel relief after the treatment. If you do not notice any change, stop the treatment immediately. If there is a stone in the gallbladder, consult a surgeon, do not act on your own!

Feeling of pain all over the abdomen

• Character: as pain in the upper abdomen;
• Where it spreads: to the back lumbar region;
• What comes with: dryness and unpleasant taste in the mouth, repeated vomiting, lack of relief after vomiting, increased blood pressure;
• What starts after: after drinking alcohol, after eating spicy and fatty foods;
• What disease can be: acute pancreatitis;
• What to do: Seek medical attention immediately. Because it can lead to the death of pancreatic cells - pancreatic necrosis, which is life-threatening.

Feeling of pain around the navel

• Character: sudden appearance, strong, cramping pain;
• Where it spreads: does not spread anywhere;
• What causes: general weakness, fever;
• What starts after: after consuming fiber-rich products, spicy coffee, chocolate;
• What disease can be: intestinal attack (colic).
• What to do: Take an antispasmodic pill and lie down quietly. The pain goes away on its own after 15-20 minutes, but the pain may reappear. The same tactic is used. Do not over-consume the above products to avoid recurrence of symptoms. If the pain bothers you too much and over and over again, be sure to see a doctor.

Abdominal midline, unilateral pain

• Character: appears suddenly, can be very strong, patients lie in bed, can not find a place to put himself;
• Can spread to: waist area;
• What it comes with: Induces a feeling of urination;
• What to start with: after drinking a lot of fluids, consuming a lot of carbonated water or watermelon;
• What kind of disease it can be: kidney stone migration;
• What to do: antispasmodic, hot bath, heating the area. If blood and pain in the urine are very strong, call an ambulance immediately.

Pain in the right side of the lower abdomen

• Character: in the beginning, the abdomen begins in the epigastric region, and gradually moves to the right subcostal area, with increasing pain;
• Where it spreads: to the rectum, intensifies when walking, pain increases when lying on the left side;
• What comes with: fever, nausea;
• What it starts with: there is no definite connection;
• What kind of disease can it be: appendicitis;
• What to do: Call an ambulance.

Feeling of pain all over the abdomen

• Character: simultaneous pain in all areas of the abdomen;
• Where it spreads: it can spread to any part of the abdomen;
• What comes with: dry mouth, nausea, fever, general weakness;
• What to start with: after pain in a previously specific area, even if medications don’t help;
• What kind of disease can it be: inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis), a life-threatening disease!
• What to do: Call an ambulance immediately.

Pain in the lower abdomen in women

Pain in the center or bilateral area of ​​the frontal area of ​​the bladder

• Character: not permanent, elongated;
• Where it spreads: to the interstitial area, to the lateral areas of the abdomen;
• What comes with: increased when walking, fluid from the genitals;
• What to start with: after a cold, after eating spicy foods, after intense stress;
• What kind of disease it can be: diseases observed in the gynecological sphere, such as adnexitis, endometriosis, fibromyoma;
• What to do: Go to the gynecologist.

Pain in the right or left side of the bladder area

• Character: sudden appearance, sharp, very strong;
• Where it spreads: to the back discharge area, or nowhere (pain local);
• What causes: dizziness, general weakness, fainting;
• What occurs after: usually after sexual intercourse (cyst rupture) or 1-2 weeks after menstruation (ectopic pregnancy);
• What disease can it be: rupture of an ovarian cyst or ectopic pregnancy;
• What to do: Call an ambulance immediately.

Who should I contact if I have a stomach ache?

• Dysbacteriosis - gastroenterology, infectious disease;
• Reactive pancreatitis (dyspancreatism) - gastroenterologist;
• Hepatitis A, B, C, E, D - hepatologist, infectious disease specialist;
• Infectious mononucleosis - pediatrician, infectious disease specialist;
• Toxoplasmosis - infectious disease;
• Pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, dysmetabolic nephropathy, crystalluria - nephrologist, urologist;
• Gastritis, ulcer disease - gastroenterologist;
• Acute abdominal pain (appendicitis, acute pancreatitis, peritonitis, perforation) pain is strong, diffuse, the general condition is severe, body temperature rises, strong vomiting, abdominal muscles are strongly contracted - surgeon, call an ambulance;
• Gynecological pain (adnexitis, etc.), urogenital infections (chlamydia, mycoplasma, trichomoniasis) - gynecologist;
• Outbreaks of chronic infections in the gastrointestinal tract (yersenia, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, salmonella carrier, shigellosis, vomiting, (ameba, lyablya)) - gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist, parasitologist;
• Gallstones and kidney stones - gastroenterologist, nephrologist, urologist.