Severe abdominal pain is common. In fact, such attacks are caused by certain diseases, which spontaneously lead to peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum).
Acute peritonitis, which is an acute form of the disease, cannot be ignored. At this time, the patient must consult a surgeon.
Factors leading to peritonitis
When hernias cause complications. When a hernia around the abdomen becomes constricted, the function of that organ is disrupted and blood circulation stops.
Many serious problems can occur if the contraction is not removed. That is, perforation of the intestine or severe inflammation of the peritoneum can lead to peritonitis.
Gastric or peptic ulcer: Perforation of the wound site can sometimes cause severe pain. At this time, the internal organs are severely damaged due to the entry of pus-producing microbes into the abdominal cavity.
Occasionally there is a scar around the intestinal wall and intestines, and inflammation of the peritoneum.
Acute cholecystitis. In the acute form of gallbladder inflammation, pain in the upper abdomen increases. At this time, several types of cholecystitis are distinguished.
In purulent cholecystitis, pus accumulates in the gallbladder cavity and abscesses appear.
Phlegmonous cholecystitis is characterized by necrosis and erosion of the gallbladder mucosa, sometimes with perforation of the wall.
In gangrenous cholecystitis, the necrotic process spreads to all layers of the gallbladder wall.
In all three cases, the infection spreads to the internal organs and often causes peritonitis.
Blindness (appendicitis). The germs multiply in the intestinal mucosa, food, debris, or foreign bodies in a worm-like growth in the abdomen and cause inflammation.
Acute appendicitis is characterized by catarrhal, purulent, gangrenous, perforated, or infiltrative inflammation. The tumor then becomes perforated and progresses to gangrene.
Other organs also become inflamed
Peritonitis can also be caused by hydrochloric acid, bile or blood and urine entering the abdomen. Occasionally, peritonitis is caused by bacteria that live in the stomach after perforation of the stomach and intestines.
In life-threatening peritonitis, not only the abdomen but also the surrounding organs become inflamed, necrotic processes begin, and the pain worsens.
Occasionally, peritonitis develops and the pain is exacerbated when germs enter the abdomen through the bloodstream (eg, lungs).
When an infection enters the abdomen, the serous exudate may turn into a purulent exudate. In such cases, purulent peritonitis develops, ie the peritoneum becomes inflamed with pus.
Depending on the nature of the exudate (fluid), serous, purulent and hemorrhagic peritonitis are distinguished. In all three cases, the initial pain spreads to the abdomen. First, the inflamed area of the peritoneum becomes painful, then it spreads to other areas.
May be severe or mild
Peritonitis in children often develops after inflammatory diseases of the internal organs are not treated in time.
Peritonitis is associated with severe pain in the young, but not in the elderly. Elderly patients are more likely to seek medical attention late because of recurrence, nausea, and severe pain, which can lead to disease progression.
In peritonitis that occurs after a perforation of the stomach or gallbladder, the abdominal muscles are actually very tense, and in elderly patients, the abdominal muscles may be less tense.
If patients see a surgeon late, the condition will worsen after surgery. That is, liver function is disrupted by bacteria and toxins that pass from the abdominal cavity to the liver through the portal vein of liver cells.
Later, the activity of the kidneys, respiratory system and vascular function is disrupted. This can be especially difficult for an elderly patient.
Surgeon's help is needed
Peritonitis is widespread and occurs in local species. In diffuse peritonitis, the patient complains of abdominal pain, weakness, thirst, and nausea. Her body temperature may rise and her blood pressure may drop. At this time, the patient is hospitalized and operated on to eliminate the cause of the peritonitis.
Local peritonitis is caused by several conditions (eg, abdominal injuries, gastric and duodenal ulcers, acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, and other diseases). This causes the abdominal muscles to tense and ache, and then an abscess develops in this area. With the help of a surgeon, the abdomen is opened and the abscess is removed.
In general, patients with abdominal pain should always seek the advice of a surgeon. Because peritonitis is often difficult to treat without surgery.
After discharge from the hospital, the patient should be monitored by a physician and follow a diet. The food you eat should be light and rich in vitamins. Patients undergoing surgery for peritonitis are advised not to exercise for a period of time.
Keep in mind that you should not take painkillers without a doctor's permission when you have severe pain in the abdomen, as this can make the condition worse.
Joʼraxon SAIDXOʼJAEVA,
surgeon, holder of the Order of Labor Glory.
