Pain digestive system. Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes, Types, and Management Strategies

05.10.202306.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the different types of abdominal pain. How can you differentiate between acute and chronic abdominal pain. What are the common causes of abdominal discomfort. When should you seek medical attention for stomach pain. How is abdominal pain diagnosed and treated. What lifestyle changes can help alleviate digestive discomfort. Are there any home remedies for managing abdominal pain.

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The Complexities of Abdominal Pain: More Than Just a Stomach Ache

Abdominal pain is a common complaint that can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating agony. It’s a symptom that can stem from various sources within the digestive system and beyond. Understanding the intricacies of abdominal pain is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Abdominal pain serves as a vital warning system for our bodies, alerting us to potential issues within our digestive tract and surrounding organs. However, interpreting this pain can be challenging due to the complex nature of our gastrointestinal system.

What defines abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is generally described as discomfort or distress occurring anywhere between the chest and groin area. It can manifest in various forms, including cramping, aching, sharp stabbing sensations, or a dull, persistent throb. The pain may be localized to a specific area or spread across the entire abdominal region.

Types of Abdominal Pain: Decoding the Signals

Understanding the different types of abdominal pain can provide valuable insights into potential underlying causes. Let’s explore the main categories:

Visceral Pain: The Deep Discomfort

Visceral pain originates from the organs within the abdominal cavity. This type of pain is often described as deep, dull, and difficult to pinpoint. It’s typically associated with conditions affecting hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, or bladder.

Somatic Pain: Surface-Level Sensations

Somatic pain arises from the abdominal wall, including muscles, skin, and other surface tissues. This pain is usually sharp, localized, and easy to pinpoint. Conditions like hernias or appendicitis often cause somatic pain.

Referred Pain: Misleading Messages

Referred pain is a fascinating phenomenon where discomfort is felt in an area distant from its actual source. For instance, gallbladder issues may cause pain in the right shoulder blade, while heart problems can manifest as upper abdominal discomfort.

Acute vs. Chronic Abdominal Pain: Duration Matters

The duration of abdominal pain plays a crucial role in determining its severity and potential causes. Let’s examine the differences between acute and chronic abdominal pain:

Acute Abdominal Pain: Sudden and Severe

Acute abdominal pain develops rapidly and typically lasts for a short period, usually less than a few days. It can be intense and may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Common causes of acute abdominal pain include:
- Appendicitis
- Gallstones
- Kidney stones
- Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
- Pancreatitis

Chronic Abdominal Pain: Persistent and Recurring

Chronic abdominal pain persists for weeks, months, or even years. It may be continuous or intermittent and is often associated with long-term digestive disorders or other underlying health conditions.

Common causes of chronic abdominal pain include:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Endometriosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

The Gut-Brain Connection: How Emotions Influence Abdominal Pain

The intricate relationship between our digestive system and our brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a significant role in how we experience abdominal pain. This connection can amplify or even create sensations of discomfort in our abdomen.

Stress and Anxiety: Digestive Disruptors

Psychological stress and anxiety can have a profound impact on our digestive system. These emotional states can lead to increased muscle tension in the abdominal area, alter gut motility, and even affect the balance of gut bacteria. As a result, individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to pain or exacerbation of existing digestive issues.

The Role of Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, play a crucial role in both mood regulation and digestive function. Interestingly, a significant portion of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters can contribute to both emotional disturbances and digestive discomfort.

Diagnosing Abdominal Pain: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Given the complex nature of abdominal pain and its numerous potential causes, diagnosing the underlying issue often requires a comprehensive approach. Healthcare providers employ various methods to pinpoint the source of discomfort:

Medical History and Physical Examination

A thorough medical history and physical examination form the foundation of diagnosis. Healthcare providers will inquire about the nature, duration, and location of the pain, as well as any associated symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination, which may include palpating the abdomen to check for tenderness or masses.

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests, urine analysis, and stool samples can provide valuable information about potential infections, inflammation, or other abnormalities that may be causing abdominal pain.

Imaging Studies

Various imaging techniques may be employed to visualize the abdominal structures and identify any abnormalities. These may include:

X-rays
Ultrasound
Computed Tomography (CT) scans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Endoscopic Procedures

In some cases, a direct visual examination of the digestive tract may be necessary. Procedures such as upper endoscopy or colonoscopy allow healthcare providers to inspect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and take tissue samples if needed.

Treatment Strategies: Addressing the Root Cause

The treatment of abdominal pain varies widely depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Medication Management

Various medications may be prescribed to alleviate abdominal pain and address underlying conditions. These may include:

Antacids or proton pump inhibitors for acid-related disorders
Antispasmodics for cramping and spasms
Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Anti-inflammatory drugs for conditions like IBD
Pain relievers for symptomatic relief

Dietary Modifications

In many cases, dietary changes can significantly improve abdominal discomfort. This may involve:

Eliminating trigger foods
Increasing fiber intake for constipation-related pain
Adopting a low-FODMAP diet for IBS symptoms
Maintaining proper hydration

Lifestyle Adjustments

Certain lifestyle modifications can help manage and prevent abdominal pain:

Regular exercise to promote healthy digestion
Stress reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
Adequate sleep and rest
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying cause of abdominal pain. This could include procedures such as appendectomy, gallbladder removal, or hernia repair.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Red Flags for Abdominal Pain

While occasional mild abdominal discomfort is common, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Be alert for the following red flags:

Severe, persistent pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter remedies
Pain accompanied by fever, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down
Signs of dehydration, such as dark urine or decreased urination
Blood in stool or vomit
Abdominal swelling or tenderness
Pain that radiates to the chest, neck, or shoulder
Unexplained weight loss

Emerging Research: New Frontiers in Understanding and Treating Abdominal Pain

The field of gastroenterology is constantly evolving, with new research shedding light on the complexities of abdominal pain and potential treatment avenues. Here are some exciting areas of ongoing investigation:

Microbiome Modulation

Recent studies have highlighted the crucial role of gut bacteria in digestive health and pain perception. Researchers are exploring ways to manipulate the gut microbiome to alleviate abdominal pain associated with various gastrointestinal disorders.

Targeted Pain Management

Advancements in our understanding of pain pathways are leading to the development of more targeted pain management strategies. This includes novel medications that specifically address visceral pain without the side effects associated with traditional pain relievers.

Neurogastroenterology

The emerging field of neurogastroenterology focuses on the intricate relationship between the nervous system and the digestive tract. This research is providing new insights into conditions like functional gastrointestinal disorders and may lead to innovative treatment approaches.

Mind-Body Interventions

Growing evidence supports the efficacy of mind-body interventions in managing chronic abdominal pain. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction are showing promise in helping patients cope with and reduce pain.

Living with Chronic Abdominal Pain: Coping Strategies and Support

For individuals dealing with chronic abdominal pain, developing effective coping strategies is essential for maintaining quality of life. Here are some approaches that can help:

Pain Diary

Keeping a detailed pain diary can help identify triggers and patterns, making it easier to manage symptoms and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.

Relaxation Techniques

Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery can help reduce tension and alleviate pain.

Physical Activity

Engaging in gentle, regular physical activity can help improve digestion, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can be particularly beneficial.

Support Groups

Joining support groups, either in-person or online, can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice from others dealing with similar challenges.

Complementary Therapies

Some individuals find relief through complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or herbal remedies. It’s important to discuss these options with a healthcare provider to ensure they’re safe and appropriate.

Abdominal pain, while common, is a complex symptom that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. By understanding its various types, potential causes, and management strategies, patients and healthcare providers can work together to develop effective treatment plans. As research continues to advance our understanding of abdominal pain, new and more targeted therapies offer hope for improved outcomes and better quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.

The Science of Pain – Gastrointestinal Society

The Science of PainGIS2021-07-06T15:53:16-07:00

Pain serves a vital purpose for living creatures with a nervous system, including humans. The unpleasant feelings of pain convince us to move away from situations that are causing damage to our bodies. Without this built-in alarm system, we would have to try hard to avoid biting our own tongues, we might not notice our hand is on a burning stove, and we wouldn’t go to the doctor to mend broken bones. As unpleasant as pain is, it is extremely important to our survival.

Pain is a defining factor in inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, GERD, and diverticular disease, and is common in many other GI diseases and disorders.

What is Pain?

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, it is “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage. ”

When something injures – or otherwise threatens – your body, the nerve fibres send a message to the brain letting it know that something isn’t right. Most pain experience takes place in the brain, which processes the information from these signals. However, pain isn’t just a simple message from nerve-to-brain. The brain often mediates this message based on your experiences, other stimuli, various environmental factors, and more.¹

For example, people tend to feel more pain when they believe that the injury is major and less pain when they think the injury is minor, regardless of the actual degree of injury. The brain can even send a message back to the nerves to silence them if it finds the situation to be safe. Conversely, the brain can instruct the nerves to continue to fire when it is uncalled for, causing pain that is needlessly strong or pain that lasts much longer than necessary. Your emotional state of mind can also affect the types of messages exchanged between the brain and nerves. Anxiety causes the brain to ask for more signals from the nerves, which increases pain length and severity, whereas feeling safe makes it ask for fewer signals, thereby reducing the amount of pain you feel.

The impact of the brain on pain is clear when you consider that placebo pain relief pills often work remarkably well, and that sometimes people don’t feel pain until they have other stimuli that cause them to acknowledge the injury, such as seeing a wound.

Before we understood that pain is simply neurons signalling something is wrong, many people believed that pain was a punishment from God. The word pain is actually derived from the Latin word poena, meaning ‘punishment, penalty’ and the Greek word ποινή (poine), which translates to ‘price paid, penalty, punishment’. These same root words show up in the English words penalty, pain, punish, etc.¹¹

What are the Different Types of Pain?

Although we typically refer to anything that hurts as pain, there are actually several types of pain, with unique stimuli and treatments, which our bodies process and acknowledge differently.

Nociceptive Pain

Most of the pain you experience is nociceptive pain, which results from stimulation of a type of peripheral nerve fibre, called nociceptors. This is what you feel when you stub your toe, pull a hot dish from the oven with your bare hands, scrape your knee, break your arm, and most other things that cause tissue damage. We can break down nociceptive pain even further by looking at either the type of stimulus causing the pain, or where in the body someone is feeling this pain.

There are three main types of stimuli that cause nociceptive pain:

mechanical stimuli, which causes injuries such as cuts, bruises, sprains, and breaks;
thermal stimuli, typically from extreme temperatures, which results in injuries such as burns from heat and frostbite; and
chemical stimuli, when a substance harms the body, such as with chemical burns and getting soap in your eye.

The way we feel nociceptive pain also depends on where in the body the pain originates:

superficial somatic pain is from injuries to the skin. It is typically very easy to locate the source of the pain, which is very specific and often a sharp feeling. This type of pain is what you feel from cuts, bruises, and burns;
somatic pain occurs when the wound is deeper, such as injuries to the tendons and ligaments, broken bones, sprains, and pulled muscles; and
visceral pain originates in organs, and is often general and hard to pinpoint. Individuals with digestive diseases and disorders are typically most familiar with visceral pain.

Neuropathic Pain

That odd feeling of hitting your ‘funny bone’ is a common example of neuropathic pain, which occurs when the injury affects the nervous system itself. This pain is different from nociceptive pain in that it doesn’t feel aching, throbbing, or stabbing. Neuropathic pain typically presents as the sensation of pins and needles, numbness, itching, burning, coldness, or electric shock feelings. This type of pain is common in people with damage to the central nervous system, such as those with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, and in those with ailments that affect the peripheral nervous system such as nutritional deficiencies, some types of cancer, HIV, herpes, diabetes, and those exposed to certain toxins. In addition, individuals with celiac disease are more likely to experience this type of pain.

Phantom pain is another type of neuropathic pain, which occurs in amputees when they perceive pain in a missing limb.

Psychogenic Pain

This type of pain occurs when emotional or mental issues cause, increase, or prolong pain. Some examples include stomach aches, headaches, muscle pain, and back pain that are caused by strong emotions such as grief, anxiety, and depression. Psychogenic pain can also occur when mental or emotional distress increases the severity of other pains. As mentioned earlier, most pain occurs in the brain, thus mental illness and emotions can have a huge impact on how we interpret pain signals. This is common in those who have irritable bowel syndrome, for instance, who typically experience more pain and discomfort in their bowels when under stress or experiencing mental health symptoms.

Treating Pain

The first line of defense against pain is to treat the cause. Since pain is typically a reaction to something harming your body, the simplest way to reduce pain is to fix or eliminate the injurious stimulus. However, this isn’t always possible. There are many ailments that can chronically affect your body, which are persistent, incurable, or even untreatable. In some individuals, there is not even an identifiable trigger for the pain, which makes it very difficult to treat. Because of these problems, many people experience chronic pain – pain in one location that has lasted for at least three months.

Right now, one in five Canadians are experiencing chronic pain, which more commonly affects females and seniors. ² This chronic pain can have a huge influence on an individual’s quality of life. Studies show that pain can affect quality of life more than any other diseases or disorders where pain is not present. Those who are in chronic pain have an increased chance of experiencing depression, anxiety, and anger,³ and are twice as likely to commit suicide as those without chronic pain.⁴ Many individuals develop impairments in attention, memory, problem solving, and mental flexibility, often losing the ability to work.⁵ Children who experience chronic pain miss the opportunity to live a normal life, as they often find it hard to participate in most childhood activities, such as social events and school.⁶ Many elderly people experience chronic pain; it affects 25-65% of seniors living in communities and up to 80% of seniors in long-term care facilities, which has a huge impact on their quality of life and, unfortunately, medical professionals often ignore this suffering. ⁷

For individuals in chronic pain, and those in the process of healing from ailments that cause short-term (acute) pain, medications that treat pain (analgesics) can help reduce the discomfort and make the pain more manageable or, ideally, eliminate as much pain as possible.

Chronic pain affects 9% of males and 12% of females aged 12-44 in Canada.¹²

Pain Medications

^8,9,10

Analgesics

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prevent you from producing compounds called prostaglandins, which are responsible for causing inflammation. In addition, NSAIDs interfere with your body’s ability to send pain signals because prostaglandins are necessary to send signals of pain to the brain. This reduction in prostaglandins means that you experience less pain both from the reduction in inflammation in the injured area as well as from the fact that fewer pain messages are reaching your brain.

Examples include ibuprofen, Aspirin® (acetylsalicylic acid), and naproxen, which are primarily available over-the-counter (OTC), but some higher-dose formulations are only accessible by prescription.

Acetaminophen is widely used to relieve many types of pain because it increases the body’s pain threshold and modifies how your brain perceives pain to reduce pain severity.

It is sold under the brand name Tylenol® as well as in many generic formulations. Acetaminophen is often an active pain relief drug in many OTC medications, including medicines for treating cold, flu, arthritis, menstrual cramps, back pain, and more. If you have a liver disease, be sure to ask your physician whether it’s safe for you to take acetaminophen because it’s processed in the liver and relatively small amounts can worsen liver damage.

Opioids are narcotic agents, which are either natural alkaloids from the opium poppy plant (opiates) or synthetic drugs made to work by mimicking opiates. These medications bind to opioid receptors in the brain and modify pain messages. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, itching, and respiratory distress. Opioids are also highly addictive and it is easy to develop a tolerance to these medicines, so increasing dosages are often required during long-term use. These drugs eliminate pain by preventing pain messages from getting to the brain, and by working in the brain to alter the sensation of pain. Typically, when we feel pain, our bodies produce chemicals known as endorphins to counteract the pain messages. Endorphins interact with opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain and making us feel more relaxed. Opioid medicines mimic this natural pain relief by using this same pathway, but they are much more potent than endorphins.

Opioids are primarily available through prescription, and include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and fentanyl.

Adjuvant Analgesics

The following medicines aren’t typical analgesics; they have a primary indication for specific ailments and pain relief is a secondary effect. They often only work in very specific situations, but they are an important part of the pain-killing arsenal. These are the most commonly used:

muscle-relaxants cause a sedative action in the central nervous system, reducing pain from tense muscles;
corticosteroids are very powerful anti-inflammatory drugs;
anti-anxiety medicines relax muscles, reduce anxiety, and help people cope with pain;
antidepressants reduce pain transmission in the spinal cord; and
anticonvulsive medications stabilize nerve cells.

Alternative Therapies

There are a variety of non-medication techniques you can use to help reduce chronic pain. Adequate sleep, stress management, relaxation, and hypnotherapy offer varying degrees of relief.

Marijuana and Pain

While not a common analgesic, there is research showing medical marijuana to have pain-relieving properties. A recent meta-analysis¹³ compared studies conducted from 1948 to 2015 on the effects of marijuana and found “high-quality evidence” that marijuana can help reduce chronic pain. It isn’t clear exactly how marijuana relieves pain, but one study shows that it might modify the way we perceive pain.¹⁴

Summary

Since pain serves a vital purpose for us, we must give it the respect it deserves and respond appropriately. If you have any type of pain, but particularly gastrointestinal pain, be sure to discuss this with your physician. It is important that the treatments and medications you are using are appropriate for your condition, considering that certain medications might adversely affect your existing GI condition.

First published in the

Inside Tract® newsletter issue 194 – 2015

Image Credit: © bigstockphoto.com/evgeny atamanenko

1. Pain is Weird. Pain Science. Available at: https://www.painscience.com/articles/pain-is-weird.

php. Accessed 08-07-2015.
2. Schopflocher D et al. The prevalence of chronic pain in Canada. Pain Research Management. 2011;16(6):445-50.
3. Bruehl S et al. Pain-related effects of trait anger expression: neural substrates and the role of endogenous opioid mechanisms. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 2009;33(3):475-91.
4. Tang NK et al. Suicidality in chronic pain: a review of the prevalence, risk factors and psychological links. Psychological Medicine. 2006;36(5):575-86.
5. Hart RP et al. Cognitive impairment in patients with chronic pain: the significance of stress. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2003;7(2):116-26.
6. King S et al. The epidemiology of chronic pain in children and adolescents revisited: A systematic review. Pain. 2011;152(12):2729-38.
7. Hadjistavropoulos T et al. Transforming Long-Term Care Pain Management in North America: The Policy–Clinical Interface. Pain Medicine. 2009;10(3):506-20.
8. Pain Management Medication Types. RxList. Available at: http://www.rxlist.com/pain_medications/drugs-condition.htm. Accessed 08-07-2015.
9. Pain Medications. WebMD. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/pain-relievers. Accessed 08-07-2015.
10. Analgesic. Wikipedia. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analgesic. Accessed 08-07-2015.
11. Pain. Online Etymology Dictionary. Available at: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=pain. Accessed 20-02-2015.
12. Ramage-Morin PL et al. Chronic pain at ages 12 to 44. Statistics Canada Health Reports. 2010;21(4)
13. Hill KP. Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems: A Clinical Review. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2015;313(24):2474-83.
14. Lee MC et al. Amygdala activity contributes to the dissociative effect of cannabis on pain perception. Pain. 2013;154(1):124-34.

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Abdominal pain in adults – Better Health Channel

About abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is pain felt anywhere from below your ribs to your pelvis. It is also known as tummy pain or stomach pain. The abdomen houses many organs, including your stomach, liver, pancreas, small and large bowel, and reproductive organs. There are also major blood vessels in the abdomen.

Serious causes of abdominal pain include appendicitis and pregnancy problems. However, most abdominal pain is harmless and goes away without surgery.

Most people only need relief from their symptoms. Sometimes, abdominal pain can stop and the cause will never be known, or the cause may becomes more obvious with time.

When to see a doctor about abdominal pain

Go straight to your doctor or the emergency department of the nearest hospital if you have any of the following:

severe pain
pain lasting for several hours
pain or vaginal bleeding if you are pregnant
pain in your scrotum if you are a male
pain and vomiting or shortness of breath
pain and vomiting blood
blood in your bowel motions or urine
pain that spreads to your chest, neck or shoulder
fever and sweats
become pale and clammy
unable to pass urine
unable to move your bowels or pass gas
any other concerns.

Symptoms of abdominal pain in adults

The type of pain can vary greatly. When abdominal pain occurs, it can:

be sharp, dull, stabbing, cramp-like, twisting or fit many other descriptions
be brief, come and go in waves, or it can be constant
make you throw up (vomit)
make you want to stay still or make you so restless that you pace around trying to find ‘just the right position’
vary from a minor problem to one needing urgent surgery.

Causes of abdominal pain in adults

There are many reasons why you may have pain in your abdomen. People often worry about appendicitis, gallstones, ulcers, infections and pregnancy problems. Doctors also worry about these, as well as many other conditions.

Abdominal pain may not come from the abdomen. Some surprising causes include heart attacks and pneumonia, conditions in the pelvis or groin, some skin rashes like shingles, and problems with stomach muscles like a strain. The pain may occur along with problems in passing urine or with bowel motions, or period problems.

With so many organs and structures in the abdomen, it can be hard for a doctor to be absolutely sure about the cause of your problem.

The doctor will ask you several questions and then examine you carefully. The doctor may perform no further tests. The cause of your pain may be quite clearly not serious. Another scenario may be that the doctor is unable to find a cause, but the pain gets better within hours or days. The doctor will assess whether the pain requires surgery or admission to hospital.

Diagnosis of abdominal pain in adults

To diagnose abdominal pain, doctors and healthcare professionals are likely to ask you the following questions:

Where is the pain?

Doctors and other health professionals will first ask you where you feel the pain. Pain above the umbilicus (belly button) but below the ribcage on the right may be gallstone pain. Gallstone pain may spread (or radiate) to the right shoulder or the back.

Pain from kidney stones is felt in the right side or left side, more in the back than the front of the abdomen, and tends to radiate downwards into the groin on the same side.

Pain in the very centre of the abdomen is more likely to be coming from the intestines, however in males, testicular pain is also felt in the centre of the abdomen.

When did the pain start?

Abdominal pain is ‘acute’ if present for less than a day or 2, ‘persistent’ if longer than a day or 2, and ‘chronic’ if present for more than 2 weeks.

How severe is the pain?

Health professionals will usually ask you to rate the pain or give a pain score out of 10. Mild pain might be rated 3 to 4, noticeable and unpleasant (like a toothache) but not severe enough to interfere with usual activity.

Severe pain stops all other activities (like labour pain in childbirth). Gallstone or kidney stone pain is often severe.

Does the pain come and go?

Abdominal pain that comes and goes in waves is called colic, and comes from the contraction of a hollow organ such as the bowel, the gallbladder or the urinary tract. Pain from other organs may be constant – for example stomach ulcers, pancreatitis or pain from an abdominal infection.

Have you had this pain before?

Gallstone pain and kidney stone pain will often recur every few months.

Period pain can be severe and may indicate an underlying problem such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, while pain in the middle of the menstrual cycle can be due to an ovarian follicle.

What events led up to the pain?

This is an important question as it might point to the cause of the pain. Examples are trauma such as a sporting injury or car accident, recent medication such as anti-inflammatories or antibiotics, or heavier than usual alcohol intake, which might trigger pancreatitis.

Are there associated features?

Blood in the urine, together with flank pain (pain between the pelvis and the ribs), point to kidney stones.

Vomiting with pain in the centre of the abdomen can point to a small bowel obstruction. Severe constipation with pain in the side may point to a large bowel obstruction.

Do you have a history of previous surgery or radiation therapy to the abdomen?

Recent surgery to the bowel or other abdominal organs might result in complications, such as infection, that could cause abdominal pain.

Scarring to the tissue surrounding the bowel, or adhesions, can be caused by surgery or radiation therapy and trigger bowel obstruction.

Examinations and tests

If examinations and tests are needed, these may include:

a rectal exam to check for hidden blood or other problems
a check of the penis and scrotum
a pelvic exam to check for problems in the womb (uterus), fallopian tubes and ovaries, and a pregnancy test
a blood test to look for infection (which causes a raised white cell count) or bleeding (which causes a low blood count or haemoglobin)
other blood tests may look at enzymes in the liver, pancreas and heart to sort out which organ may be involved
a urine test to look for a urine infection or blood (if there is a kidney stone)
an ECG (an electrical tracing of the heart) to rule out a heart attack
other tests, including x-ray, ultrasound or CT scan
an endoscopy – an examination where a flexible tube with a light and video camera at the tip is used to examine some internal organs without the need for surgery. Different names are used depending on which organ is being looked at
sometimes you may be referred to another doctor to help find the cause of the problem.

If you do have tests, the doctor will explain the results to you. Some results may take a number of days to come back and these will be sent to your local doctor.

Treatment for abdominal pain in adults

Your treatment depends on what is causing your pain, but may include:

Pain relief – your pain may not go away fully with painkillers, but it should ease.
Fluids – you may have fluids given into a vein to correct fluid loss and rest your bowel.
Medicines – for example, you may be given something to stop you vomiting.
Fasting – your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink anything until the cause of your pain is known.

Taking care of yourself at home

Most abdominal pain goes away without special treatment. Be guided by your doctor, but there are some things you can do to help ease the pain, including:

Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdomen.
Soak in a warm bath. Take care not to scald yourself.
Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water.
Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse.
When you are allowed to eat again, start with clear liquids, then progress to bland foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods.
Get plenty of rest.
Try over-the-counter antacids, to help reduce some types of pain.
Take mild painkillers such as paracetamol. Please check the packet for the right dose. Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs unless advised to take them by a doctor. These drugs can make some types of abdominal pain worse.

Where to get help

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
Your GP (doctor)
NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
The emergency department of your nearest hospital

Treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Signs, symptoms and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

If the gastrointestinal tract is functioning properly, it properly processes food to provide the body with the energy it needs. But sometimes in his work there is a failure, which causes many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the whole organism.

When seeking medical help, patients most often complain about abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence which are the main symptoms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In diseases of the stomach pains often occur. Most often discomfort is felt in the upper abdomen (under the pit of the stomach). The nature of the pain can vary, they can be weak or intense. Mild pain, or rather even a feeling of discomfort and heaviness under the sternum, is experienced by patients with reduced production of gastric juice. It is difficult for them to determine the specific place of pain, and indicate exactly where it hurts. These pains occur at any time of the day, regardless of the time of eating. In addition to pain, signs of diseases of this part of the gastrointestinal tract are decrease or loss of appetite, belching “rotten” , may appear tendency to diarrhea .

If the production of gastric juice is too active (gastritis with increased secretory activity or gastric ulcer), then the nature of the pain is completely different. Moreover, if the patient has a stomach ulcer, then, unlike a patient with gastritis, he can accurately indicate the place where he has pain. Also, the patient can clearly associate the time of meals with the appearance of pain. As a rule, the stomach begins to hurt either during a meal, or a few minutes after the end of the meal. Sometimes at night, when a person’s stomach is empty, he may experience hungry pains .

Abdominal pain is a symptom of diseases of the small intestine . Most often it is localized in the middle sections of the abdomen and in the umbilical region. With these diseases, the pain is dull and bursting, it is associated with the accumulation of gases in the intestines.

Inflammatory processes in the colon , such as chronic colitis, can also cause abdominal pain. They are localized in the lower abdomen and in its lateral sections (most often, on the left side). If the inflammation begins in the transverse colon, then the pain can spread to the upper intestines.

In chronic colitis the pain is cramping, which is why it is often called intestinal colic. A person feels a tight knot in the abdomen, which can twist sharply (an attack of pain) and then relax. Such attacks are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Often, colic can provoke the intake of food that causes increased gas formation.

Treatment of people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (suggesting organ dysfunction) is a rather difficult task. To prevent the development of more severe forms of diseases, it is necessary to treat chronic inflammatory processes of the digestive system in the early stages.

what happens, how they treat and carry out prevention

The digestive system is one of the most important systems in the body. All nutrients pass through the digestive organs, which are then transformed into the necessary building materials for our tissues. If at any stage of digestion there is at least some kind of failure, the whole body reacts at once, well-being and quality of life noticeably worsen.

The digestive system is like a long winding road. First, food enters the mouth. The salivary glands secrete saliva, which helps break down food. At this stage, digestion has already begun.

Sip – and food enters the esophagus through the pharynx. On it, she descends into the stomach. In order for the food bolus to move gradually, there are valves and sphincters along the way that involuntarily close and open when necessary.

The stomach is sac shaped and connects the esophagus and duodenum. The stomach produces juice, consisting of enzymes and acid. It breaks down nutrients into simpler compounds.

Then they enter the small intestine, which is divided into sections: duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Digestion continues in the small intestine and nutrients are absorbed.

The remains of the food bolus pass into the lower part of the intestine – the large intestine. It is divided into the caecum, colon and rectum. Bacteria living there feed on fiber and the remains of useful substances, synthesize vitamins. Excess water is absorbed from the food bolus and feces are formed. The large intestine ends at the anus, through which bowel movements occur.

Other organs are also involved in digestion: the liver, pancreas and gallbladder. The liver plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. The gallbladder produces bile, which is essential for the digestion of food. The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice, which is also involved in digestion.

Problems are possible at each of the stages that the food bolus passes through the tract. Various diseases lead to inadequate digestion of food, inflammation, pain and discomfort.

Digestive system. Illustration: Shuttetstock

What are the diseases of the digestive system

There are dozens of diseases of the digestive system, some of them are congenital, while others are of an infectious nature, so there is a risk of infection.

Diseases of the esophagus

Esophagitis – inflammation due to reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. There is a burning sensation, pain when swallowing, belching. The severe form is called reflux gastroesophageal disease.
Hiatal hernia – in this case, the location of the esophagus is disturbed, its boundaries are displaced, the diaphragm may protrude from the esophageal opening. The disease is caused by prolonged inflammation, there is also a hereditary predisposition. The only way to fix a hernia is by surgery.

Diseases of the stomach

Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, one of the most common diseases. Acidity can be increased or, conversely, reduced. Depending on this, symptoms and treatment may vary. The cause of gastritis is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or a malfunction of the immune system.
Gastric ulcer is a chronic disease with periodic exacerbations in a certain season and time of day. In this case, ulcers form on the gastric mucosa. The disease is dangerous in that a perforation of the stomach may occur and bleeding will open.
Pneumatosis – cavities filled with gases form in the thickness of the wall. The stomach is usually affected, but the intestines can also be affected. The cause may be hernia, swallowing air while eating, increased pressure in the peritoneum. There is also neurological pneumatosis, which develops in neurasthenics who involuntarily swallow a lot of air.

Intestinal diseases

Duodenal ulcer – the disease often develops due to high acidity of gastric juice. It corrodes the intestinal mucosa, and ulcers form.
Duodenitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the duodenum. Often combined with inflammation of other parts of the digestive tract.
Enteritis is a chronic inflammation of the small intestine. With a long course, it can lead to atrophy of the mucosa. Enteritis often occurs along with gastritis.
Appendicitis – acute inflammation of the appendage of the large intestine. Usually occurs due to blockage of the lumen of the appendix. The pain builds up quickly and the cells begin to die. Treatment is surgical only.
Colitis – inflammation of the large intestine. According to statistics, it occurs in almost every second patient who suffers from other problems in digestion.
Hemorrhoids – a disease of the veins of the rectum, which affects many adults. Pain, spotting, discomfort are the main symptoms of hemorrhoids. Without treatment, severe inflammation can occur, cracks form.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most interesting and common diseases. The exact cause has not yet been established, but to a large extent, IBS is affected by the state of the psyche. IBS sufferers complain of causeless pain, impaired bowel movements, bloating, weakness, headaches and many other problems. Treatment is complex, including by a psychotherapist or neurologist.
Dysbacteriosis is not an independent disease, but it is paid attention to when prescribing treatment. With dysbacteriosis, the balance of the intestinal flora, which is very important for digestion, is disturbed. On the other hand, the flora changes even depending on the age and type of nutrition in the same person, so the medicine of some countries has generally ceased to recognize dysbacteriosis as a diagnosis.
Intestinal obstruction (ileus) is not an independent disease, but a syndrome. It occurs in other diseases. In this case, the passage of intestinal contents is disrupted, usually due to some kind of mechanical obstruction. The condition causes severe pain and discomfort.

Liver diseases

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, mainly caused by viruses. Hepatitis and many of its forms are considered one of the most dangerous diseases. According to statistics, mortality is comparable to tuberculosis and HIV.
Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic disease in which part of the liver tissue is replaced by connective tissue. Cirrhosis develops due to long-term intoxication with alcohol, toxins of parasites and viruses, drugs.

Diseases of the gallbladder

Cholecystitis – inflammation of the gallbladder. Often occurs as a complication of urolithiasis. Stones disrupt the outflow of bile, and bacteria can settle in the lumen of the bladder and provoke inflammation.

Diseases of the pancreas

Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas. The enzymes that it secretes are not released into the intestines, but begin to “digest” the gland itself. Most patients abuse alcohol, and only 20% of cases are caused by other causes.

Neoplasms of different localization

Tumors can be benign and malignant and localized in different parts of the digestive tract.

Cancer of the esophagus, stomach – these diseases are often fatal. Men are more commonly affected than women and are most common in people over 50 years of age.
Intestinal polyps are benign tumors hanging from the walls of the intestine. Polyps are usually the result of a prolonged inflammatory process in the mucous membranes. But without treatment, the disease turns into more dangerous forms.

How diseases of the digestive system are treated

If any symptoms appear, a person should consult a general practitioner. He will refer you to the right specialist: a gastroenterologist, a nutritionist, and others. Diagnostics is prescribed, in which various methods are used, from analyzes to x-rays and endoscopy.

Treatment, of course, depends on the specific disease. But for almost all diseases of the digestive system, a therapeutic diet is prescribed, which in itself solves some of the problems.
Inflammatory diseases usually require special preparations. To restore the affected intestinal flora – probiotics and prebiotics. Pain and spasms are relieved by painkillers and antispasmodics.

Sometimes it is impossible to do without surgery or observation in the hospital. For example, appendicitis cannot be cured otherwise. Surgical intervention is also required for erupted ulcers, polyps in the intestines, and tumors.

Prevention of diseases of the digestive system

Many diseases of the digestive system can return if they are not prevented even after successful treatment. Go to the doctor on time, no matter what bothers you – there is nothing to be ashamed of in this topic, just like in any other diseases.

It is important to monitor your diet, change your eating habits, and follow the recommended diet. You can not allow snacks on the run, eat monotonous food. If there are problems with this, you can consult a nutritionist and psychologist.

It is equally important to avoid bad habits, especially alcohol. It not only undermines the health of the liver, but also provokes excess acid production in the stomach.

Although stress is not directly related to digestion, it has a huge negative impact. Sometimes some of the problems with digestion are not solved at all by treating the stomach or intestines.