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When Lower Abdominal Pain Could Be Serious

Many people experience pain in the lower belly (abdomen) from time to time. It could be pain from stomach flu, gas, or constipation that will go away without treatment. But, pain in the lower abdomen is never normal and can be due to a serious condition. Sometimes, it’s a medical emergency.

Organs in your lower abdomen that may cause pain include your:

  • Appendix

  • Part of the colon known as the descending colon

  • Bladder

  • Abdominal aorta

  • Uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes in women

Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain

Call your doctor about any pain in your lower abdomen that is severe or long-lasting or keeps coming back. The type of pain you experience is key to helping your doctor figure out what’s causing it. Acute pain is pain that starts suddenly. Chronic pain is pain you’ve had for a long time. This type is less likely than acute pain to be an emergency.

Pain in your abdomen might be sharp, dull, burning or crampy. It may start in one place and move (radiate) to another area, such as your groin. It’s also important to pay attention to the other symptoms you experience with the pain. Always tell your doctor if you experience any of these “red flag” symptoms with your abdominal pain:

Common causes of lower abdominal pain include:

  • Gastroenteritis. The common name for this is stomach flu. It can cause crampy pain in your lower abdomen. Other stomach flu symptoms may include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and body aches.

  • Bladder infection or inflammation. These bladder conditions can cause acute or chronic lower abdominal pain. You also may feel pressure, have a frequent urge to pass urine, feel a burning pain when passing urine, and have a fever.

  • Cancer, infection, or inflammatory bowel disease of the descending colon. The descending colon is the part of the large intestine that holds stool just before it moves into the rectum. Problems with the descending colon can cause crampy pain in the lower abdomen. Other symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, weight loss, fever, blood or mucus in the stool, and tenderness when pressing on the right lower abdomen. A blocked bowel, also called a bowel obstruction, can cause pain along with constipation and swelling.

  • Diverticulitis. This is inflammation of the colon. It can cause acute and sharp pain in the lower abdomen. The pain may come and go. Other symptoms include bloody stools, nausea or vomiting, chills or fever, and constipation or diarrhea.

  • Ovarian cyst, menstruation, and infection in women. Lower abdominal pain in women originating from female organs can be acute or chronic. Other symptoms may include vaginal bleeding and changes in bowel habits. An ovarian cyst can cause pelvic pain in women. The pain may come and go, be dull and radiate to the back. Menstrual pain is a dull pain that starts before a period. A pelvic infection also may cause lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge, or bleeding.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Anyone experiencing acute or severe abdominal pain lasting more than 30 minutes, with constant vomiting, should go to an emergency room (ER) or call 911.

Other causes of lower abdominal pain that require immediate medical attention in an ER include:

  • Appendicitis. This causes acute pain that starts in the middle or right side of the abdomen and radiates down to the lower right side. The lower right side may be tender and swollen. Other symptoms of appendicitis include chills, fever, nausea or vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea.

  • Renal colic. This is caused by a stone passing down into the bladder. This causes acute and severe pain that radiates from the side to the groin area. Other symptoms of a kidney stone include nausea and vomiting, blood in the urine, or inability to pass urine.

  • Ruptured aortic aneurysm. Rupture of the large artery that passes through the center of the abdomen causes acute and severe abdominal pain and back pain. Other symptoms include sweaty and clammy skin, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, inability to pass stool and urine, and passing out (loss of consciousness). Call 911 for the fastest emergency response.

  • Ectopic pregnancy. This is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube. It causes acute abdominal pain that is sharp and stabbing. Pain from an ectopic pregnancy may come and go. Other symptoms may include vaginal bleeding, nausea and vomiting, weakness, dizziness, and passing out.

9 Rectal Pain Causes, Symptoms and Relief Options

Anal fissure

An anal fissure is a break, or tear, in the mucous membrane lining of the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract where stool leaves the body. A fissure is caused primarily by constipation, which leads to straining to pass large hard stools; trauma caused by insertion of objec..

Chronic or recurrent hemorrhoids

Chronic, or recurrent, hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that never really resolve and may be symptomatic more or less constantly.

Hemorrhoids are caused by anything that puts pressure on the anus from the inside, such as straining during bowel movements; constipation; pregnancy; or anal intercourse.

Most susceptible are pregnant women and older people, though anyone can be affected.

Symptoms include a small amount of bleeding during or after a bowel movement, as well as discomfort, itching, or swelling around the anus.

A medical provider can suggest treatment to ease the symptoms of chronic hemorrhoids, as well as make certain of the diagnosis since other, more serious conditions can have symptoms similar to hemorrhoids.

Diagnosis is made through patient history and physical examination.

Treatment most often involves simple lifestyle changes such as drinking more water; adding fiber-rich foods to the diet; using fiber supplements and stool softeners; not delaying, or straining, to pass a bowel movement; and using topical medications. Surgical procedures to remove the hemorrhoid can be used in some cases.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: rectal bleeding, rectal pain, pain when passing stools, anal itching, painless rectal bleeding

Symptoms that never occur with chronic or recurrent hemorrhoids: unintentional weight loss

Urgency: Self-treatment

Piriformis syndrome

The two piriformis muscles, left and right, each run from the base of the pelvis to the top of the thighbone. The two sciatic nerves, left and right, are each attached to the spine and run down between the pelvic bone and the piriformis muscle to the back of each leg.

If the piriformis muscle is damaged through sudden trauma, or through overuse as in sports, the resulting inflammation or spasm of the muscle can trap the sciatic nerve between the pelvic bone and the muscle.

Piriformis syndrome is most often found in women over 30.

Symptoms include pain over one or both sides of the low back, and shooting pain (sciatica) down one or both legs.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination and sometimes imaging such as CT scan or MRI.

Treatment involves rest; over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; physical therapy; therapeutic injections; and, rarely, surgery.

The best prevention is a good regimen of stretching before exercise, to help prevent damage to the piriformis.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: pelvis pain, butt pain, pain when passing stools, leg numbness, hip pain

Symptoms that never occur with piriformis syndrome: involuntary defecation, leaking urine

Urgency: Primary care docto

Chronic anal fissure

Anal fissures are splits or tears in the part of the anus closest outside of the body. They’re very common and typically affect the young and middle-aged and both genders, equally. 11% of people will have an anal fissure in their lifetime.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: rectal pain, pain when passing stools, painful rectal bleeding, hard stools, mild rectal bleeding

Symptoms that never occur with chronic anal fissure: unintentional weight loss

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Coccydynia

The tailbone, called the coccyx, is the most bottom portion of the spine. Coccydynia is pain around the area of the tailbone, which is triggered by pressure on the tailbone such as during sitting on a hard chair. Symptoms get better with standing or walking. Doctors are not completely sure what causes this pain.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: back pain, lower back pain, painful sex, back pain that shoots to the butt, constant butt pain

Symptoms that always occur with coccydynia: constant butt pain

Symptoms that never occur with coccydynia: warm and red tailbone swelling

Urgency: Self-treatment

Chronic prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, located between the bladder and penis, which produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. Chronic prostatitis is distinguished from acute prostatitis in that chronic prostatitis has caused symptoms for at least three..

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deep layers of the skin. It can appear anywhere on the body but is most common on the feet, lower legs, and face.

The condition can develop if Staphylococcus bacteria enter broken skin through a cut, scrape, or existing skin infection such as impetigo or eczema.

Most susceptible are those with a weakened immune system, as from corticosteroids or chemotherapy, or with impaired circulation from diabetes or any vascular disease.

Symptoms arise somewhat gradually and include sore, reddened skin.

If not treated, the infection can become severe, form pus, and destroy the tissue around it. In rare cases, the infection can cause blood poisoning or meningitis.

Symptom of severe pain, fever, cold sweats, and fast heartbeat should be seen immediately by a medical provider.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination.

Treatment consists of antibiotics, keeping the wound clean, and sometimes surgery to remove any dead tissue. Cellulitis often recurs, so it is important to treat any underlying conditions and improve the immune system with rest and good nutrition.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: fever, chills, facial redness, swollen face, face pain

Symptoms that always occur with cellulitis: facial redness, area of skin redness

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Colonic neoplasm

Colonic neoplasm means “new tissue” growing in the colon, or large intestine. This neoplasm may be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancer.)

The exact cause of any cancer remains unknown. Risk factors seem to be:

Being over fifty years of age.

  • Family history of the disease.
  • A high-fat, low-fiber diet, typical in the modern world
  • Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon such as Crohn’s disease.
  • Smoking and alcohol use.
  • Diabetes, obesity, and inactivity.

The earliest symptoms are usually polyps, small growths within the colon which can be detected on colonoscopy and removed before they can become cancerous. Later symptoms may be unexplained fatigue; change in bowel habits; persistent abdominal discomfort such as gas or cramps; blood in stool; or rectal bleeding.

Diagnosis is made through colonoscopy and sometimes blood testing.

Treatment is done through surgery, which may be minor or extensive; and through chemotherapy with radiation therapy, usually done before and after surgery. Supportive care to keep the patient comfortable is also an important part of treatment.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: fatigue, stomach bloating, stool changes, diarrhea, constipation

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Common Anorectal Disease – CT Colorectal Center

Common Anorectal Disease

Most anorectal conditions are quite common and frequently caused by benign disorders. Although they can often be treated in the outpatient setting, they sometimes require surgical intervention. Common anorectal conditions include fissures, fistulas, hemorrhoids, pruritis ani (anal itching), pilonidal disease, rectal pain, and condyloma/AIN (Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasm).

Fissure:

An anal fissure is a cut or split in the lining of the anal canal and is one of the most common causes of severe anorectal pain. Among the more common causes are hard or large stools passing through the anal canal, straining during bowel movements when you are constipated, chronic diarrhea, and inflammation in the area of the anus as a result of Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory process. Symptoms include pain during bowel movements accompanied by blood on the toilet paper. You may also experience intense pain or spasms for several hours after a bowel movement. Anal fissures can be diagnosed through history and physical examination.

Sometimes fissures are found in uncommon places in the anus. Causes of fissures located in these places include Crohn’s disease, which is the most common, but can also be caused by other inflammatory bowel diseases, syphilis, tuberculosis, leukemia, cancer, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Most anal fissures can be treated medically and over 80% don’t require surgery. If the cause is constipation or diarrhea, treating those conditions frequently cures the fissure within about 4 to 6 weeks. These home treatments include a high fiber diet, stool softeners, laxatives, taking in plenty of fluids, and sitting in a warm bath two to three times a day. After a couple of day’s treatment, the pain you experience during bowel movements usually goes away.

If a fissure doesn’t heal after six weeks, it may need additional treatment with special medications. Anal surgery is very effective, but usually only recommended when more conservative treatments have not been effective. This surgery is frequently done as “same day” surgery meaning after the surgery you can go home.

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Fistula (Anal Abscess):

An anal abscess is a pus-filled cavity found near the rectum or anus. Anal glands that are located just inside the anus can become clogged. When they do, they may become infected and an abscess can develop. If you experience constant pain that gets worse when you sit or have a bowel movement or pus or blood in your stool, you could be suffering from an anal abscess or fistula. In order to relieve the pressure caused by the abscess, the pus is drained by making an incision (cut) in the skin. Frequently this can be done in the physician’s office.

After an abscess is drained, a tunnel may remain that connects the abscess to the skin. This tunnel is called a fistula. The word fistula means pipe or tube. Continuous drainage from the anus to the outside skin indicates the presence of a fistula. About 50% of the time abscesses will result in fistulas. However, they can be related to other conditions like Crohn’s disease, proctitis (inflammation of the lining of the rectum), or anorectal cancer. Although fistulas often develop four to six weeks after draining an abscess, they can occur months or even years later.

Physical examination by a physician may identify the external opening of the fistula as a protrusion or induration (hardening) and may help the physician identify the tract of the fistula. For proper treatment it is critical for the physician to identify the anatomy related to the fistula. Several research studies have determined that an MRI and anorectal endosonography (EUS) are accurate methods to determine the anatomy related to the fistula. Other methods include a probe with a dye, fistulography (use of x-ray and contrast liquid to determine, the length, shape, and direction of the fistula), and anal ultrasound.

Since the principal method of managing a fistula is surgery, it is important to obtain an early referral to a surgeon. The goal of surgery is to remove the fistula tract and preserve fecal continence (the ability to control the passage of waste). If the fistula heals properly, usually the problem will not return. That’s why it is important to follow the instructions of your colon and rectal surgeon to help prevent any recurrence.

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Hemorrhoids:

Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue and veins located in the anus or lower rectum. (The rectum is the last part of the large intestine (colon) and leads down to the anus. The anus is the opening through which solid waste (feces) is eliminated). Each year more than one million people in the U.S. are affected by hemorrhoidal conditions. When hemorrhoids become inflamed, they can itch, bleed, and cause pain. Since they tend to get worse over the years, it is recommended that treatment be sought early. This common problem can be painful, but it’s usually not serious. Hemorrhoids are not dangerous or life threatening. There are several conservative medical treatments that can often be used to treat hemorrhoids including analgesics (medications that reduce or eliminate pain), anti-inflammatory drugs, topical creams, increasing fiber in your diet, and taking Sitz baths (sitting in warm water for 10 minutes several times a day). However, if they don’t respond to medical therapy, there are procedures that can be done in the surgeon’s office.

Treatments and Procedures

Pruritis Ani (Anal Itching):

Pruritis ani is an irritation around the anus which causes itching and the need to scratch. There are a number of reasons why this may be occurring. Typically it is due to moisture around the anus either from perspiration or residual stool. However, it may be a symptom for other conditions including hemorrhoids or anal fissures. You can make the problem even worse by intense scratching, strongly cleansing the area, or excessively using topical creams and ointments.

In some people pruritis ani has been associated with eating certain foods, smoking, and drinking alcoholic beverages, especially beer and wine. Because there are so many possible causes of prutitis ani, you should see a physician for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Examination by a colon and rectal surgeon may identify the definite cause of the problem. Your physician may order tests to determine if the causes are from systemic disease or a local source. Your surgeon may use a proctocolonoscope or an anoscope to view the anal canal and lower rectum.

Treatment for pruritis ani may include:

  • Keeping the area free of moisture
  • Avoiding further irritation of the area
  • Using medications as recommended by your physician

You should begin to experience relief within about a week. If symptoms persist, you should contact your physician.

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Pilonidal Disease:

Pilonidal disease is a cyst (capsule-like sac) located in the natal cleft (crease) at the top of the buttocks (sometimes called “butt crack”) that can become infected (called an abscess) and cause pain and drainage. Although it is often thought that hair in the cleft is the cause, this is not always true. Hair follicles can be the cause. The follicle is the sac the hair grows from. Essentially, the cyst is located beneath the skin and can become terribly painful if infected. You may experience redness or swelling in the area, blood or pus draining from the abscess, and pain when walking or sitting. Physicians can usually diagnose this disease by a physical exam of the buttocks. More men than women suffer from this disease, which frequently occurs between puberty and age 40.

Pilonidal cysts rarely go away on their own. Sometimes they respond to being lanced (opened) and drained or to treatment with antibiotics. If your surgeon has to lance and drain the cyst, this can be done in the office with local anesthesia. With local anesthesia, only the specific area that is affected is numbed so you can’t feel any pain. You are awake during the procedure. It often takes a month or so to heal. Oftentimes, however, surgical intervention is required to remove the cyst. Removing the cyst is more complex than just draining it. This procedure is usually done in the hospital using general anesthesia. This means you will be asleep and not feel any pain during the procedure. Time to heal can range anywhere from ten days to six weeks.

As part of your treatment, there are some things you can do at home. You should keep the affected area dry and clean. Your surgeon may advise that you use antibacterial soap or an alcohol swab to clean the area. You may also be advised to shave the area and soak in a warm tub of water.

Cysts can come back after treatment and a few patients develop recurrent infections, which almost always require surgery to treat. There are different surgical options that are available; your surgeon will discuss the different types of procedures with you.

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Rectal Pain:

Rectal pain is common and usually not due to any serious medical condition. Common causes include:

  • Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue and veins located in the anus or lower rectum. When hemorrhoids become inflamed, they can itch, bleed, and cause pain. This is a common problem and affects almost one million people in the U.S. each year.
  • Anal Fissure: This is a small tear in the skin at the opening of the rectum. Common causes include hard or large stools, straining during bowel movements when you are constipated, and inflammation in the area of the anus as a result of other inflammatory diseases.
  • Levator ani Syndrome: This is similar to Proctalgia fugax. The term levator ani refers to muscles that surround the anus. It is thought that spasms of these muscles cause the pain. The pain is often described as a dull ache high in the rectum. Your surgeon may perform a rectal examination to determine if the levator muscle is tender when digitally pressed. Initial treatment usually consists of hot baths, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and periodic massage of the spastic muscles.
  • Other Causes: Less common causes of rectal pain include: cancer, infection (including abscesses), diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, or rectal prolapse (rectum slips outside of the anus).
  • Proctalgia fugax: This is a benign condition associated with intermittent rectal pain that can be severe and occurs in 8% of Americans. This severe pain generally occurs at night and will awaken you form a sound sleep. It occurs more commonly in women and in people younger than 45 years of age. Although the exact cause of the pain is not known, many doctors believe spasm of the anal sphincter muscle is the responsible factor. Diagnosis is made based on your symptoms and the lack of any other cause. As a result, your surgeon may perform a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to make sure there is no other serious problem causing the pain.

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Condyloma:

Condyloma or genital warts (also called venereal warts) are transmitted by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) usually by direct sexual contact. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Condyloma are contagious and can spread during oral, vaginal, or anal sexual contact with a partner who is infected. They can be spread by skin contact with an infected partner and two thirds of those people who have sexual contact with an infected partner will develop warts, usually within a period of three months after contact. Using condoms may help, but does not guarantee protection against genital warts.

These warts are found on the genitalia (penis, scrotum, vagina), in the anal area, mucous membranes of the mouth, or they can be found internally in the upper vagina or cervix in females and in the male urethra (canal through which fluid is discharged from the bladder to the outside). These warts sometimes take on a cauliflower-like appearance in the genital area. They are usually flesh-colored and raised. If you observe these warts, you should see a physician to determine if they are genital warts or a different type of growth. You may have no symptoms associated with these warts or they may produce burning, tenderness, itching, pain during intercourse, or frequent urination. Outbreaks of these warts seem to get worse during pregnancy or if your immune system is compromised (impaired by disease or medical treatment). If you have a history of genital warts, you may be at higher risk for certain types of cancers.

Your physician can diagnose genital warts frequently through direct visualization. This involves examining the genital areas, thighs, pelvic region, mouth and tongue for signs of the warts. For women your physician may perform a pap smear to check for internal genital warts. This involves scraping cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope for abnormalities. Your physician may also use a colposcope, which is a lighted magnifying device to better view the cervix to check for signs and symptoms of genital warts.

There are three categories of treatment for genital warts:

  1. Topical medications that destroy the warts. This is often the first treatment used. Your physician may apply any medicines that could damage the skin surrounding the warts. S/he may prescribe other medications that you can apply at home. It is important that you follow the treatment regimen and you have to be capable of identifying and reaching all the areas where the genital warts are located.
  2. Surgical methods to remove the warts. This involves physically removing the warts by excising (cutting) them using a scalpel or laser. This is often done for extensive warts or when other treatments haven’t worked. Another method used on less extensive warts is cryotherapy. This method uses a chemical to freeze the warts, which then just fall off. If the warts are located in the cervix a method called loop-electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) may be used. This method uses electrical current to cut and cauterize (burn) the warts. This can be done in the surgeon’s office usually under local anesthetic.
  3. Biologic-based treatments which target the HPV virus at the root of the problem. These are anti-viral drugs that are injected directly into the warts. This is often used to treat warts that have returned persistently. This attacks the virus itself, but may not lessen the rate at which they return.

It is important to realize that there is no cure for condyloma or genital warts. Treatments may remove your symptoms, but the warts can recur at any time. This is because the virus that causes the warts – human papilloma virus (HPV) – has no cure.

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AIN (Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasm):

AIN is the abnormal growth of cells in anal tissue that may progress to cancer. These microscopic abnormal cells represent different grades of dysplasia. Dysplasia refers to changes in the structure, size, and organization of cells. This dysplasia is thought to result from local infection of the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Several risk factors have been identified for AIN. These include anal HPV infection, HIV infection, receptive anal intercourse, and having a depressed immune system. AIN is primarily asymptomatic, which means you may not demonstrate any symptoms. However, AIN can cause symptoms locally such as pruritis (itching), pain, bleeding, irritation, discharge, and tenesmus (the feeling that you constantly need to move your bowels).

AIN has been categorized into three stages – AIN I, AIN II, and AIN III, representing low, moderate, and high grade dysplasia.

AIN I: Stage I represents mild dysplasia. This means there are mild changes to the abnormal cells.
AIN II: Stage II represents moderate dysplasia. This means there are moderate changes in the abnormal cells.
AIN III: Stage III represents severe dysplasia. This means there are severe changes in the abnormal cells. This is a progressive, potentially pre-cancerous condition that should be treated. Severe dysplasia is essentially the same as carcinoma in situ, which means cancer that is confined to a specific area and not invading other areas. However, even with treatment invasive cancer can develop, especially in individuals who are immunosuppressed.

Different methods are used to diagnose AIN and they can be done in the physician’s office. Initially, your physician may visually examine the area around your anus (perianal area) for abnormal cytology (cells). The next step may be collecting cells from the anal canal for examination under a microscope. This involves inserting a swab into the anal canal and swabbing the tissues so that cells can be collected. The cells are then smeared onto a microscope slide for subsequent examination. If abnormal cells are found on the microscope slide, a visual examination of the anal canal may likely be necessary. An anoscope is used to examine the anal canal. This is a small tubular device with a light source and magnifying lens that enables the surgeon to view the anal canal and identify abnormalities.

Treatment for AIN usually falls into three categories:

  • Local treatment by physician or patient. For small lesions (abnormal cells) topical creams and liquids may be effective.
  • Physician administered ablation treatments. Ablation means to remove something or stop it from functioning. These include:
    • Electrocautery: This uses a device that generates heat to remove the abnormal tissue.
    • Laser: Lesions are destroyed using highly focused narrow beams of light that deliver intense heat.
    • Infrared coagulation: A pulse of irradiation is applied directly to the area of abnormal tissue and destroys the cells.
  • Surgery may be required to remove the diseased tissue. This is often done for larger lesions.

Your surgeon will discuss these options with you including any side effects of the treatment and a plan for follow-up.

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4 types of abdominal pain and what you can do

Abdominal pain is any pain that occurs in the region between your chest and your groin.

Depending on the cause, abdominal pain can feel like a dull ache, a sharp, cramping pain or a sudden stabbing sensation. It can also be a constant pain, or it can come and go in waves.

According to a study by the Centers for Disease and Control, abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons that people visit emergency departments in the United States. Statistics released by the International Association for the Study of Pain (pdf) also show that between 15-25% of the population could be suffering from abdominal (belly) pain at any one time.

If you’re worried about abdominal pain, why not speak to a doctor.

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In some, abdominal pain is caused by digestive issues like IBS or gastroenteritis, and occurs alongside other symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. This is why some people refer to all abdominal pain as ‘stomach ache’ or ‘tummy ache’.

Your abdomen contains more than just your stomach though. Your liver, appendix, pancreas and intestines all sit in the region between your chest and your pelvis. Conditions that affect any one of these organs can cause abdominal pain.

This can make it difficult to work out what’s causing your pain, and make it easy for you to assume that there’s something seriously wrong. Try not to panic too much though, some of the conditions that cause abdominal pain do require immediate medical attention, but the most common triggers can be addressed from the comfort of your own home.

A useful way to start finding the cause for your pain is to work out how you’d describe it to a health professional. If you can decide whether you’d describe the pain as a stabbing sensation, cramping or an ache, you can begin to narrow down the potential causes.

It can also help to think about any other symptoms you’re experiencing – like bloating and vomiting – or to determine the general location of your pain. The different conditions that can cause abdominal pain do tend to affect specific areas, and understanding where your pain is centered could provide valuable insight.

4 key locations to consider are the:

  • upper abdomen
  • lower abdomen
  • right side of the abdomen
  • left side of the abdomen

Here, you can read about 11 common causes of abdominal pain, along with information about their symptoms, location and treatments.

When to worry

Sometimes, abdominal pain can be a sign of a serious illness, especially if it’s accompanied with these symptoms:

  • the abdominal pain came on very suddenly or is severe
  • it hurts to touch your abdomen
  • you’re vomiting blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee
  • your poop is bloody
  • your poop is black, sticky and extremely smelly
  • you can’t pee
  • you can’t poop or fart
  • you can’t breathe
  • you have chest pain
  • you’re diabetic and vomiting
  • someone has collapsed

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Common causes of upper abdominal pain

Trapped wind

Everyone produces gas; it’s a natural byproduct of the digestive process. Some people do produce more gas than others though.

Sometimes, this excess gas can get stuck and cause stomach pain. This is called ‘trapped wind’. If you are experiencing trapped wind you might also be experiencing symptoms such as:

  • a bloated stomach or abdomen
  • farting or burping frequently
  • feeling uncomfortably full after eating
  • rumbling or gurgling noises in your stomach
  • stomach cramps
  • nausea

Trapped wind affects many people. For some people it just happens occasionally if they have over-indulged, but for others it is a daily occurrence that can affect their quality of life.

To try and reduce excess gas, cut down on these foods:

  • beans
  • onions
  • broccoli
  • cabbage
  • sprouts
  • cauliflower

It can also be helpful to eat slowly, and avoid talking while you eat. This will help you to swallow less air when you’re eating. Reducing the amount of fizzy drinks you consume, and avoiding chewing gum can also help to prevent excess gas.

In some cases, trapped wind can be an indication of a more serious condition such as coeliac disease, which occurs when your body can’t absorb gluten. It can also be a sign of a food intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome.

Read more

Learn more about trapped wind in our Health A-Z

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When to worry

If you constantly have trapped wind, you should see your doctor to rule out any serious conditions.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is a common condition that can cause a painful burning sensation in the back of your throat. It can also cause heartburn, which is a burning sensation felt in the centre of your chest.

Other less common symptoms of acid reflux are:

  • a recurrent cough or hiccups
  • a hoarse voice
  • bad breath
  • bloating
  • feeling sick

Acid reflux occurs when the acid from your stomach flows up into your oesophagus, resulting in a burning pain. It can affect people of all ages, and lifestyle factors like eating large meals are often to blame. However some causes remain unknown.

That said, you are more likely to experience acid reflux if you:

  • are overweight
  • smoke
  • are pregnant
  • are stressed or anxious
  • are taking certain medications, such as painkillers
  • have a hiatus hernia

Diet can also play a role in acid reflux, and the following foods have been found to increase the likelihood of acid reflux:

  • caffeine
  • alcohol
  • spicy food
  • chocolate
  • fizzy drinks
  • acidic juices

To manage acid reflux, you might want to consider changing your diet and avoiding these foods, or any others that trigger your condition.

Some other useful tips are to:

  • eat smaller, more frequent meals
  • sleep with your chest and head above the level of your waist
  • if you’re overweight, lose weight
  • don’t smoke
  • limit your intake of alcohol
  • don’t eat within 3-4 hours of going to bed

If these changes don’t help, there are some other treatments that you can consider. Speak to a pharmacist and they will be able to recommend a medication that is appropriate for you.

Read more

Learn more about conditions associated with acid reflux in our health library

Heartburn

When to worry

You should see a doctor if you:

  • still have symptoms despite lifestyle changes and taking medication from a pharmacist or doctor
  • are worried about your symptoms
  • have heartburn frequently for three weeks or more
  • develop difficulty swallowing
  • have lost weight for no reason
  • are persistently vomiting or vomiting blood
  • are coughing frequently or coughing blood
  • have a hoarse voice

Read more about how to tell if your stomach pain is serious.

Stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers can be extremely painful and cause a sharp pain in the centre of your abdomen. Equally, some people have minimal symptoms and only experience things like heartburn and reflux.

If you have the following symptoms you may have a stomach ulcer:

  • heartburn
  • feeling or being sick
  • indigestion
  • loss of appetite

It’s unclear how many people are affected by stomach ulcers but they are actually quite common. And whilst they can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, they are most common in people over 60, and men tend to be more affected than women.

Stomach ulcers occur when the lining of your stomach is damaged, and they are caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori or as a side effect of taking anti-inflammatory medications.

If your stomach ulcer is caused by H. pylori then your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic and recommend a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which reduces the amount of acid in your stomach.

If, however, your stomach ulcer is caused by anti-inflammatory medications, a doctor may prescribe PPIs and recommend you take a certain painkiller.

Stomach ulcers will usually heal after 1-2 months and to help aid the healing process you should try to avoid:

  • stress
  • spicy foods
  • smoking

Read more

Find out more about stomach ulcers in our health library

Peptic ulcer

When to worry

If you’re vomiting blood, you have sudden, sharp stomach pain, or your poop is dark and sticky, seek immediate medical advice.

Heart attack (angina)

A heart attack is a medical emergency, so if you believe you are having a heart attack you need to seek immediate medical attention.

Typically, people who are having a heart attack experience chest pain. However sometimes, people actually describe it as upper abdominal pain or heartburn. The pain can feel like a burning sensation or that your chest is being pressed or squeezed by something heavy. The pain can also go into the jaw, neck or arms.

In addition, a person having a heart attack may experience the following symptoms:

  • breathlessness
  • sweating
  • feeling weak and/or lightheaded
  • nausea or vomiting

Heart attacks are usually caused by coronary heart disease, which is when the vessels that supply blood to your heart are clogged up with cholesterol deposits, usually known as plaque. If the plaque bursts it can block the heart’s blood supply, triggering a heart attack.

You are more likely to have coronary heart disease if you:

  • Smoke
  • Have diabetes
  • Have high cholesterol
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Have a high-fat diet

Therefore to prevent a heart attack you should:

Read more

Find more information on heart attacks in our health library

Heart attack

When to worry

If you experience any combination of these symptoms:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling weak and/or lightheaded
  • Overwhelming feeling of anxiety

You might be experiencing a heart attack and you should seek immediate medical attention.

Common causes of lower abdominal pain

Period pain

Period pain affects many women both before and during their menstrual cycle, and everyone experiences it differently. It can range from an annoying, dull ache to a more severe and debilitating pain.

There are two types of period pain: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.

If you are experiencing primary dysmenorrhea symptoms that may occur in addition to lower abdominal pain are:

  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick or being sick
  • Diarrhoea
  • Backache
  • Headaches
  • Bloating
  • Emotional symptoms

If your period pain is caused by secondary dysmenorrhea then you may also experience:

  • Heavy or irregular periods
  • Bleeding in-between periods
  • Unusual discharge from your vagina
  • Painful sex or bleeding after sex

Primary dysmenorrhea is type of pain you would usually associate with menstruation. It typically starts within 6 to 12 months of your first period and the pain lasts between eight hours and three days.

Whereas, secondary dysmenorrhea is period pain caused by a particular condition such as endometriosis. This type of period pain is more common in your 30s and 40s and it can occur at any point during your menstrual cycle.

In order to treat painful periods, you need to know what is causing the pain. If it’s primary dysmenorrhea, you should be able to treat it at home with treatments including:

  • Heat – either with a heat patch or hot water bottle
  • A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine placed near where you feel pain. This can help by sending electrical signals, which are thought to disrupt the pain signals that get sent to your brain.
  • Not smoking if you are a smoker
  • Doing some physical activity

A doctor may also advise taking painkillers, such as paracetamol, to help relieve your pain. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor for further guidance before taking any painkillers.

If you have secondary dysmenorrhoea, your doctor will try and find out what condition is causing your symptoms and discuss your treatment options with you.

Read more

Find out more about period pain in our health library

Period pain

When to worry

See a doctor if you have severe period pain or if your period suddenly changes, for example if they become heavier than usual or irregular.
You should also see a doctor if you have symptoms of secondary dysmenorrhoea, like intense pain or heavy periods.

Constipation

Constipation is more common than you might think. It actually affects about 20% of Americans each year. In many cases, constipation is caused by something you ate, your lifestyle choices, medication, or a condition. But for some people the cause of their constipation is unknown and this is called chronic idiopathic constipation.

You are likely to be constipated if:

  • You haven’t pooped at least 3 times in a week
  • It’s difficult to poop and you have to strain
  • Your poop is larger than normal
  • Your poop is dry, hard, or lumpy

As well as these symptoms constipation can have other unpleasant side effects, including abdominal bloating and pain. These symptoms can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health, but luckily there are some ways you can try and relieve constipation at home.

You can start by making some simple changes to your diet. For example you can try:

  • Drinking more water and less alcohol
  • Increasing your intake of fibre
  • Adding some wheat bran, oats, or linseed to your diet

You can also try and increase your activity and create a toilet routine. For example, go to the toilet at regular times and don’t hold poop in if you feel the need to go. You can also try putting your feet on a small stool when you’re on the toilet, ideally your knees should be above your hip.

If these changes aren’t helping speak to a pharmacist and they may give you a laxative, which should work within three days. However they are not suitable for long term use.

Read more

Learn more about constipation in our health library

Constipation

When to worry

See a doctor if you:

  • Are not improving with changes to your diet
  • Are regularly constipated
  • Are bloated frequently
  • Have blood in your poo
  • Have unexpectedly lost weight
  • Feel tired all the time

UTI

UTIs are fairly common, and whilst both men and women can get them, they occur more frequently in women. In fact, the National Kidney Foundation found that 1 in 5 women will get a UTI in their lifetime (pdf).

The good news is that if treated early UTIs don’t have to be serious, if you think that you have a UTI you should see a doctor, they will most likely prescribe you antibiotics which will clear up the infection.

However, if a UTI goes untreated it can spread to the kidneys, at which point the infection can be more serious.

The symptoms of a UTI include:

  • Needing to pee suddenly or more often than usual
  • Pain or a burning sensation when peeing
  • Smelly or cloudy pee
  • Blood in your pee
  • Pain in your lower abdomen
  • Feeling tired and unwell
  • Older people might have changes in behaviour such as confusion or agitation

No one wants to experience the unpleasant symptoms of a UTI, and whilst you can’t always prevent one, there are things you can do to reduce their likelihood.

This includes:

  • Wiping from front to back when you go to the toilet
  • Making sure you are fully emptying your bladder when you pee
  • Drinking more water
  • Taking showers instead of baths
  • Wearing loose cotton underwear
  • Peeing as soon as possible after sex

And don’t:

  • Use perfumed bubble bath, soap or talcum powder
  • Hold your pee in if you feel the urge to go
  • Wear tight, synthetic underwear, such as nylon
  • Wear tight jeans or trousers
  • Use spermicidal lube try non-spermicidal lube or a different type of contraception that doesn’t require spermicide

UTIs can be prevented and are usually easily treatable. Knowing the the symptoms and getting treatment early can help prevent it from becoming something more serious, like a kidney infection.

Read more

Find more information on UTIs in our health library

UTIs

When to worry

You should see a doctor if you think you have symptoms of a UTI and you are male or pregnant. You should also see a doctor if:

  • It’s your first UTI
  • You have blood in your pee
  • Your symptoms don’t improve within a few days
  • Your symptoms come back after treatment

You should seek urgent treatment if you:

  • Have pain in your sides or lower back
  • Have a fever, feel hot or shivery
  • You feel or have been sick
  • Have diarrhoea

Common causes of right sided abdominal pain

Gallstones

Gallstones are extremely common in adults and about 25% of people experience them in the western hemisphere. They are small stones – ranging in size from a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball – that develop in your gallbladder, and they’re usually made up of cholesterol.

Not everyone who has gallstones will have symptoms, but for those that do pain is the most common. It tends to originate in the upper right side of the abdomen, and it can spread to the tip of your right shoulder blade.

In more severe cases you might also:

  • Feel sick
  • Vomit
  • Have a high temperature
  • Be shivering and sweating
  • Experience more persistent pain
  • Have a rapid heartbeat
  • Have yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
  • Experience itchy skin
  • Have diarrhoea
  • Be confused
  • Lose your appetite

Gallstones are usually formed when there are unusually high levels of cholesterol, or the waste-product bilirubin, in your gallbladder. Although some causes remain unknown.

It is thought that having a healthy and balanced diet can help to prevent gallstones from forming. If you are worried that you might have gallstones, you should book an appointment with your doctor straight away. They will be able to verify whether or not you have gallstones, and help you to treat the condition.

Treatment depends on a number of things such as the symptoms or complications you experience. This can include monitoring for any symptoms, dietary changes, medications to dissolve the gallstones or a procedure to remove the gallbladder through surgery or an endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) procedure.

Read more

Learn more about gallstones in our health library

Gallstones

When to worry

If you experience any of the more severe symptoms, you should book an appointment with your doctor immediately. There are various treatment options available, depending on the severity and frequency of your symptoms.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is relatively common, and it affects about 1 in 13 people at some point in their lives. The condition can occur at any age but it’s more common between the ages of 10 and 20.

Appendicitis tends to cause general abdominal pain that comes and goes, but within a few hours the pain usually moves to the lower right side of your abdomen, where it is constant and more severe. The pain is usually made worse by coughing or walking.

Other symptoms can include:

  • Feeling or being sick
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • A high temperature and a flushed face

The appendix doesn’t really have a function, but it can become inflamed. Since removing it doesn’t cause any long-term problems treatment of appendicitis tends to involve surgical removal, and time is of the essence.

Ideally a surgeon will remove an inflamed appendix before it bursts and releases infectious fluid into the rest of your stomach. So, it’s crucial that you see a doctor if you suspect you have appendicitis.

Read more

Find out more about appendicitis in our health library

Appendicitis

When to worry

Abdominal pain that is gradually getting worse can be a sign of several different conditions, but regardless of the cause these symptoms mean you should see or talk to a doctor immediately.

Also, if you have sudden severe pain that spreads across your abdomen you should call an ambulance, because this could indicate your appendix has burst. A burst appendix can cause peritonitis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the abdomen, and it can be very serious.

Common causes of left abdominal pain

Kidney stones and kidney infections

Kidney stones or a kidney infection can cause a lot of pain in either the left or right side of your abdomen. Your kidneys are located just below your ribcage on each side of your spine, and they remove waste and extra fluids from your body.

Kidney stones are relatively common, and affect about 3 in 20 men, and up to 2 in 20 women, and they usually affect people aged 30-60.

Kidney stones and kidney infections cause symptoms including:

  • Pain in your left and/or right abdomen, lower back, or pain around your genitals
  • A fever, shivers or chills
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling sick or being sick

Not all kidney stones cause symptoms, but larger stones, or ones that block your ureter (tube where urine passes from the kidney to the bladder) can cause:

  • Constant lower back pain and sometimes groin pain (men may have pain in their testicles and scrotum)
  • Intense pain in your back or the sides of your abdomen which can last for minutes or hours
  • Feeling restless
  • Peeing more often than normal
  • Pain when you pee
  • Blood in your pee

Kidney stones are created by the build up of certain salts or minerals in your urine. Most kidney stones will pass on their own and you can encourage this by drinking lots of water. If you’re in a lot of pain or feeling sick, your doctor can provide you anti-nausea medication and some pain relief.

Sometimes you need to be admitted to hospital because your kidney stone is too big to pass on its own, or it has moved into you ureter and is causing severe pain and potential complications.

In hospital there are various treatments available to either break the kidney stone up into smaller pieces or to manually remove it.

To reduce your chances of getting a kidney stone you should work with your doctor to find out their cause, and then make adjustments accordingly. That said, it’s always helpful to stay hydrated to prevent a build up of waste products.

Read more

Learn more about kidney stones in our health library

Kidney stones

Read more

Find more information on kidney infections in our health library

Kidney infections

When to worry

Most kidney stones are resolved without medical treatment but you should see a doctor straight away if:

  • You have a fever, start to shiver or shake
  • The pain gets suddenly and severely worse

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is an infection that can occur following diverticular disease. Diverticula refers to small bulges that can develop and stick out of the side of the large intestine.

People with diverticula will rarely have symptoms, unless the small bulges become inflamed or infected. This is know as diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis causes symptoms such as:

  • Constant, severe abdominal pain
  • A fever
  • Feeling sick or vomiting
  • Feeling tired
  • Blood in your poop or bleeding from your bottom

These symptoms differ from diverticular disease which usually causes:

  • Lower left sided abdominal pain that comes and goes and can get worse after eating
  • Feeling bloated
  • Constipation, diarrhoea or both
  • Mucus in your poop

There is no concrete cause of diverticular disease but it has been linked with age, diet and lifestyle, and genetics. It appears that you are more likely to develop diverticular disease as you get older, most likely because the walls of your intestines are not as strong and so the pressure of hard stools can cause small bulges, or pockets, to form.

Other suspected causes are:

  • A lack of dietary fibre
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Frequent constipation
  • Overuse of painkillers
  • Genetics – you are more likely to have the disease if a relative had, or has it, especially before they were 50

Diverticular disease can usually be treated with dietary changes by including more fibre in your diet. In addition to diet your doctor might prescribe you some medication such as a bulk-forming laxative to help reduce symptoms of constipation or diarrhoea. They might also prescribe you a pain killer.

If you have diverticulitis then depending on the severity you will either be prescribed antibiotics or you will need hospital treatment. Hospital treatment might just include intravenous antibiotics and fluids, but for more serious cases you may require surgery.

Read more

Learn more about diverticular disease and diverticulitis in our health library

Diverticular disease

When to worry

If you have symptoms of either disease you should see your doctor. And if you have bleeding or severe pain contact a doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Abdominal pain can be caused by a number of different conditions, from relatively mild cases of gastroenteritis, to more serious illnesses like appendicitis. In many cases, abdominal pain will resolve on its own but if you are worried about your pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

They will be able to check for a serious medical condition, and help you to manage your pain.

You should also seek immediate medical attention if your pain is very sudden and intense, or:

  • It hurts to touch your abdomen
  • You’re vomiting blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee
  • Your poop is bloody
  • Your poop is black, sticky and extremely smelly
  • You can’t pee
  • You can’t poop or fart
  • You can’t breathe
  • You have chest pain
  • You’re diabetic and vomiting
  • Someone has collapsed

Check my symptoms

If you’re still not sure what’s causing your abdominal pain try our Self-Assessment Tool

What you need to know when the pain is down below


Monday, July 31, 2017

Chronic pelvic pain – defined as pain below your belly button and between your hips lasting more than six months – does not discriminate.

It can affect men as well as women, and people of all ages.

It can have many causes – and be a condition of its own, or a symptom of another condition.

According to Kristen Maike, Beaumont physical and occupational therapy supervisor who works with chronic pelvic pain patients, it can take an average of seven years for a diagnosis for pelvic pain.

“Although it’s more common than you think, patients with pelvic pain feel alone,” said Maike. “Most think they have a strange and rare condition that no one knows about.  Sadly, because there are no tests or imaging that shows a cause, they often are told it is all in their head. These patients typically see several physicians and are confused about what type of doctor to see. Pelvic pain causes stress and anxiety – and anxiety and stress can cause pelvic pain.”

Symptoms can include some or all of the following:

  • urinary – burning, pressure and bladder urgency, often mistaken for a urinary tract infection.
  • gastrointestinal – bloating, abdominal pain or constipation
  • sexual – painful intercourse or genitalia pain
  • orthopedic – back pain or pain while sitting

Chronic pelvic pain can be caused by underlying diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, interstitial cystitis or endometriosis in women, or prostatitis in men.

But it can also be caused or worsened by daily habits or behaviors, such as:

  • butt clenching during times of stress – a very common cause
  • posture and positioning – like sitting and leaning to one side, or consistently crossing your legs on one side of your body
  • wearing tight underwear or clothing that doesn’t allow your body to breathe
  • use of perfume in the vaginal area
  • dehydration – drinking enough water throughout the day is critical for good bowel and bladder health; try to drink at least 6 – 8 glasses (1.5 – 2 liters) of fluid each day
  • exercise – doing heavy, loaded squats can overstress and overstimulate your pelvic region; proper breathing during this exercise can help alleviate this threat
  • cycling on a bike without a proper seat can cause pressure leading to pelvic pain

Luckily, chronic pelvic pain is very treatable.

“Once the driver of the pain is identified, people can get better very quickly,” said Maike, who’s one of six board-certified women’s health clinical specialists at Beaumont.

“The therapies we offer go beyond Kegel exercises,” explained Maike. “We educate patients about their body, what may be driving their pain and how they can positively affect their own health and wellbeing.

Once the driver of the pain is identified, people can get better very quickly.

Maike

Treatments for pelvic pain may include:manually stretching a patient’s muscles; full body yoga-type stretches; breathing and relaxation exercises to relax the pelvic floor; guided imagery; the use of devices, such as dilators or biofeedback devices; or the use of personal devices such as phone apps.

“Our main goal is to understand what is driving their pain and get their pain to a level that they will be able to take care of themselves, if the pain returns or increases,” said Maike. “Because chronic pain has many causes, we offer a multidisciplinary approach that includes nutrition, physical therapy, medication, medical interventions, integrative medicine, and that addresses the emotional and psychological needs of patients.”

Stomach Pain – Female

Is this your child’s symptom?

  • Pain or discomfort in the stomach or belly area
  • Female
  • Pain found between the bottom of the rib cage and the groin crease
  • The older child complains of stomach pain
  • The younger child points to or holds the stomach
  • Before 12 months of age, use the Crying care guides

Causes of Acute Stomach Pain

  • Eating Too Much. Eating too much can cause an upset stomach and mild stomach pain.
  • Hunger Pains. Younger children may complain of stomach pain when they are hungry.
  • GI Virus (such as Rotavirus). A GI virus can cause stomach cramps as well as vomiting and/or diarrhea.
  • Food Poisoning. This causes sudden vomiting and/or diarrhea within hours after eating the bad food. It is caused by toxins from germs growing in foods left out too long. Most often, symptoms go away in less than 24 hours. It often can be treated at home without the need for medical care.
  • Constipation. The need to pass a stool may cause cramps in the lower abdomen.
  • Strep Throat. A strep throat infection causes 10% of new onset stomach pain with fever.
  • Bladder Infection. Bladder infections usually present with painful urination, urgency and bad smelling urine. Sometimes the only symptom is pain in the lower abdomen.
  • Appendicitis (Serious). Suspect appendicitis if pain is low on the right side and walks bent over. Other signs are the child won’t hop and wants to lie still.
  • Intussusception (Serious). Sudden attacks of severe pain that switch back and forth with periods of calm. Caused by one segment of bowel telescoping into a lower piece of bowel. Peak age is 6 months to 2 years.

Causes of Recurrent Stomach Pains

  • Stress or Worries. The most common cause of frequent stomach pains is stress. Over 10% of children have a “worried stomach.” These children tend to be sensitive and too serious. They often are model children. This can make them more at risk to the normal stresses of life. Examples of these events are changing schools, moving or family fights. The pain is in the pit of the stomach or near the belly button. The pain is real.
  • Abdominal Migraine. Attacks of stomach pain and vomiting with sudden onset and offset. Often occur in children who later develop migraine headaches. Strongly genetic.
  • Functional Abdominal Pains. Functional means the stomach pains are due to a sensitive GI tract. The GI tract is free of any disease.
  • School Avoidance. Stomach pains that mainly occur in the morning on school days. They keep the child from going to school.

Pain Scale

  • Mild: Your child feels pain and tells you about it. But, the pain does not keep your child from any normal activities. School, play and sleep are not changed.
  • Moderate: The pain keeps your child from doing some normal activities. It may wake him or her up from sleep.
  • Severe: The pain is very bad. It keeps your child from doing all normal activities.

When to Call for Stomach Pain – Female

Call 911 Now

  • Not moving or too weak to stand
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Pain low on the right side
  • Could be pregnant
  • Constant pain (or crying) for more than 2 hours
  • Recent injury to the stomach
  • High-risk child (such as diabetes, sickle cell disease, recent stomach or abdomen surgery)
  • Age less than 2 years old
  • Fever over 104° F (40° C)
  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Moderate pain that keeps from some normal activities
  • Mild pain that comes and goes (cramps), but lasts more than 24 hours
  • Fever is present
  • Bladder infection (UTI) suspected (passing urine hurts, new onset wetting)
  • You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Stomach pains are a frequent problem
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice for Stomach Pain

  1. What You Should Know About Stomach Pain:
    • Mild stomach pain can be caused by something simple. It could be from gas pains or eating too much.
    • Sometimes, stomach pain signals the start of a viral infection. This will lead to vomiting or loose stools.
    • Watching your child for 2 hours will help tell you the cause.
    • Here is some care advice that should help.
  2. Lie Down:
    • Have your child lie down and rest until feeling better.
  3. Clear Fluids:
    • Offer clear fluids only (such as water, flat soft drinks or half-strength Gatorade).
    • For mild pain, offer a regular diet.
  4. Prepare for Vomiting:
    • Keep a vomiting pan handy.
    • Younger children often talk about stomach pain when they have nausea. Nausea is the sick stomach feeling that comes before they throw up.
  5. Pass a Stool:
    • Have your child sit on the toilet and try to pass a stool.
    • This may help if the pain is from constipation or diarrhea.
    • Note: for constipation, moving a warm wet cotton ball on the anus may help.
  6. Do Not Give Medicines:
    • Any drug (like ibuprofen) could upset the stomach and make the pain worse.
    • Do not give any pain medicines or laxatives for stomach cramps.
    • For fever over 102° F (39° C), acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) can be given.
  7. What to Expect:
    • With harmless causes, the pain is most often better or gone in 2 hours.
    • With stomach flu, belly cramps may happen before each bout of vomiting or diarrhea. These cramps may come and go for a few days.
    • With serious causes (such as appendicitis), the pain worsens and becomes constant.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Pain becomes severe
    • Constant pain lasts more than 2 hours
    • Mild pain that comes and goes lasts more than 24 hours
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse
  9. Extra Help – Worried Stomach:
    • Help your child talk about events that trigger the stomach pain. Talk to your child about how to cope with these the next time around.
    • Help your child worry less about things she can’t control.
    • To treat the pain, help your child get very relaxed. Lying down in a quiet place and taking slow deep breaths may help. Make the belly go up and down with each breath. Then try to relax all the muscles in the body. Think about something pleasant. Listening to audios that teach how to relax might also help.
    • Make sure your child gets enough sleep.
    • Make sure that your child doesn’t miss any school because of stomach pains. Stressed children tend to want to stay home when the going gets rough.
    • Caution:your child should see her doctor for an exam. Do this before concluding frequent stomach pains are from worrying too much.

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 05/30/2021

Last Revised: 03/11/2021

Copyright 2000-2021. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Stomach ache and abdominal pain

A stomach ache is a term often used to refer to cramps or a dull ache in the tummy (abdomen). It’s usually short-lived and is often not serious.

When to seek immediate medical help

Severe abdominal pain is a greater cause for concern. If it starts suddenly and unexpectedly, and persists, it should be regarded as a medical emergency, especially if the pain is concentrated in a particular area.

Call your GP or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if this is the case.

If you feel pain in the area around your ribs, see the section on chest pain.

Sudden severe abdominal pain 

If you have sudden agonising pain in a particular area of your tummy, which persists, call your GP immediately or go to your nearest emergency department. It may be a sign of a serious problem that could rapidly get worse without treatment.

Serious causes of sudden severe abdominal pain include:

  • appendicitis – the swelling of the appendix (a finger-like pouch connected to the large intestine), which causes agonising pain in the lower right-hand side of your abdomen, and means your appendix will need to be removed
  • a bleeding or perforated stomach ulcer – a bleeding, open sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine)
  • acute cholecystitis – inflammation of the gallbladder, which is often caused by gallstones; in many cases, your gallbladder will need to be removed
  • kidney stones – small stones may be passed out in your urine, but larger stones may block the kidney tubes, and you’ll need to go to hospital to have them broken up
  • diverticulitis – inflammation of the small pouches in the bowel that sometimes requires treatment with antibiotics in hospital
  • pancreatitis – a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. The main symptom of acute pancreatitis is a severe, dull pain around the top of your stomach that develops suddenly

If your GP suspects you have one of these conditions, they may refer you to hospital immediately.

Sudden and severe pain in your abdomen can also sometimes be caused by an infection of the stomach and bowel (gastroenteritis). Constipation may also cause abdominal pain. It may also be caused by a pulled muscle in your abdomen or by an injury.

Stomach cramps with bloating 

Stomach cramps with bloating are often caused by trapped wind, or constipation. This is a very common problem that can be embarrassing, but is easily dealt with. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend a product, which can be bought over the counter to treat the problem. If problems persist, you should see your GP.

Sudden stomach cramps with diarrhoea 

If your stomach cramps have started recently and you also have diarrhoea, the cause may be a tummy bug (gastroenteritis). This means you have a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and bowel, which should get better without treatment after a few days.

It can last for up to 14 days, and this would not require you to see your GP unless you have any of the following features:

  • blood in the stool (poo)
  • recent hospital treatment or antibiotic treatment
  • persistent vomiting
  • weight loss
  • painless, watery, high-volume diarrhoea — increased risk of dehydration
  • night time symptoms disturbing your sleep

Gastroenteritis may be caused by coming into close contact with someone who’s infected, or by eating contaminated food (food poisoning).

Long-term or recurring abdominal pain 

See your GP if you or your child have persistent or repeated abdominal pain. The cause is often not serious and can be managed.

Possible causes in adults include:

  • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a common condition that causes bouts of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation; the pain is often relieved when you go to the toilet
  • inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – long-term conditions that involve inflammation of the gut, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • a urinary tract infection that keeps returning – in these cases, you will usually also experience a burning sensation when you urinate
  • constipation 
  • period pain – painful muscle cramps in women that are linked to the menstrual cycle
  • other stomach-related problems – such as a stomach ulcer, heartburn and acid reflux, or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)

Possible causes in children include:

More useful links

The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.

For further information see terms and conditions.

90,000 Anokopchikovy pain syndrome. Treatment of coccygodynia – pain in the coccyx

Anococcygeal pain syndrome or coccygodynia is a pathological condition characterized by paroxysmal or persistent pain sensations of varying intensity in the coccyx, rectum and anus, not associated with the act of defecation. An increase in pain syndrome is also characteristic when sitting, standing or walking – that is, when changing the position of the body or during physical exertion.
Unfortunately, these patients most often come initially to an appointment with a proctologist, because “I have pain there – it means it is hemorrhoids or cancer!” – this is the conclusion made by almost all patients. But it is understandable, since aggressive advertising of hemorrhoids on TV and in print media says that if there is pain in the butt (and no matter where it is), then you need to urgently run to the proctologist so that it is not too late. Tough but effective – advertising works.
But not everything is so simple. At the reception of such patients, when analyzing complaints, as a result, it turns out that the pains are not associated with the stool, that there is no blood, but the tailbone hurts, and it hurts when the patient sits at his favorite job, after hard work in the garden or from the gym – that is, with physical exertion.
On palpation of the anus and coccyx, including the doctor, the doctor can reveal a deformation of the coccyx (which speaks of past injuries – dislocation, subluxation or fracture of the coccyx), determines the mobility or immobility of the coccyx, the presence of pain on palpation. Also, the doctor palpates the pelvic muscles, which, most often with anococcygeal pain syndrome, can be spasmodic on one side or on both sides (which is less common).
After this examination, the proctologist naturally directs the patient to a neurologist for further examination and therapy.


What causes coccyx pain?

The main reason for the development of the disease is the injury of the tailbone, regardless of the period of limitation of its receipt, while the patient may not even remember about it. Also, the cause may be osteochondrosis of the lumbar, sacral and coccygeal region, inflammation of the pelvic floor muscles, persistent constipation.
There are other causes of anococcygeal syndrome:

– prolonged sitting position;
– scar tissue lesions after surgery on the perineum, rectum;
– fracture of the pelvic bones;
– with age, muscles, perineal ligaments lose elasticity;
– inflammatory process with pain syndrome in the rectum, adjacent areas;
– bad habit of sitting in the restroom for a long time;
– neuritis, myositis in the pelvic area and perineum;
– psychosomatics.
– constant muscle strain, excess pressure on the area located next to the coccyx, negatively affects the state of the vertebral structures;
– nervous overstrain for a long period.


Classification

– Primary coccygodynia – characterized by a wide range of injuries directly to the coccyx;
– Secondary coccygodynia – caused by pathologies of the pelvic organs.
Depending on the location of the pain syndrome, the disease is divided into:
– true coccygodynia – the focus of pain is in the tailbone;
– anorectal pain syndrome – pain radiates to the anal area, perineum and buttocks;
– proctalgia – pain affects the rectum.


Symptoms

The very first complaint of such patients: “I have pain in the tailbone.”
Pain sensations can spread to the perineum, anus, inner thigh, sacrum, genitals and buttocks; wear an aching, stabbing, dull and paroxysmal character. It is extremely rare that the soreness is constant.
Pain can increase during the act of defecation, with prolonged sitting, a sharp change in body position and at night.

The instrumental methods of examining the patient can finally confirm the presence of such a disease:
– ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis;
– X-ray of the spine;
– CT and MRI to detect hernias, protrusions of the spine.


Adequate and correct treatment of coccygodynia can only be determined by a specialist on the basis of laboratory and instrumental diagnostic examinations.

Therapy of the disease is aimed not only at relieving pain, but also at eliminating the provoking ailment. Conservative therapy tactics include: taking medications; physiotherapy procedures; Exercise therapy – gymnastics for coccygodynia is compiled individually for each patient; use of traditional medicine recipes.Drug treatment of such a disease is aimed at using: NSAIDs – to neutralize mild and moderate pain; medicinal blockades in the nerve plexuses located in the coccyx area; psychotropic substances – to improve mood and eliminate depression; muscle relaxants and tranquilizers; anesthetics.

To determine which specialist you need to contact first of all, let’s summarize:

1. If you have pain in the tailbone, pain is given to the perineum, to the lower extremities, to the lower abdomen, not associated with the chair, intensified when changing the position of the body – you should first of all contact a neurologist, vertebrologist or osteopath.
2. If you have pain in the tailbone after the act of defecation, there is a discharge of blood – from smears to profuse bleeding – you need to contact a proctologist.

90,000 When will the intestines boycott?

Date of publication: .

These issues are usually not talked about out loud. But with the help of the well-known therapist Igor Volynts, who worked for many years in an ambulance, the Komsomolskaya Pravda correspondents found out whether hemorrhoids can be avoided, what to do with bloating and how to respond to the fashionable diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

– Severity in the anus, slight periodic bleeding during bowel movements, discomfort and the appearance of nodes in the anus are all signs of hemorrhoids. Manifestations may intensify after heavy physical exertion, lifting weights, constant prolonged sitting or standing, drunk alcohol or spicy salty food. If you exclude these moments, a person may not even notice the problem. So a healthy lifestyle has not yet been canceled. If there are problems, you should lose weight, learn to withstand stress, lead an active lifestyle, do exercises and gymnastics, walk, and fight constipation.

If the condition worsens – run to the proctologist, and in no case be shy and not hush up! Most likely, antihemorrhoids in the form of an ointment, gel, suppository will be prescribed.

– If periodically there is an unpleasant feeling of bloating in the abdomen, rumbling, it increases in size – it seems that gases have accumulated in the intestines, in a simple way – bloating. Often not only improper diet leads to discomfort, but also excessive enthusiasm for carbonated waters.

Many begin to lean on yoghurts, but fermented milk products are not suitable for solving intestinal problems, but for their prevention.

To avoid trouble, do not get carried away with products that cause gassing.

– If there is no stool for more than two to three days, it is constipation. Ask yourself: what do you eat and how much fluids do you drink per day? Dry food, without vegetables, fruits and cereals, contributes to the unfavorable state. Instead of liquid – strong tea, coffee, in the evening – alcohol. It’s clear that your gut is going to boycott! You need to radically revise your diet.

– Itching in the anus, turning into acute pain, especially during or after bowel movements, discharge of blood droplets – all this indicates the presence of an anal fissure.Due to pain, stool fear may develop, then there is a risk of constipation, which will only aggravate the situation. Hushing up the problem leads to the appearance and suppuration of a non-healing ulcer. You should use laxatives, exclude spicy food, alcohol, avoid constipation, do microclysters with warm water before defecation. Candles are used as directed by a doctor, usually in the morning and evening.

– All tests are normal, but the stomach is worried. Bloating occurs, the frequency of stool changes, more often three times a day, discomfort appears in the navel area – perhaps your psychological problems, now it is fashionable to call it irritable bowel syndrome.The body does not respond correctly to stress. To confirm the diagnosis, abdominal ultrasound and colonoscopy should be done.

Learn to control yourself, observe the “work-rest” regime, in the evening you can take a pill of valerian or an infusion of motherwort. Don’t ignore your diet, and definitely don’t forget about exercising in the morning.

– Acute onset diarrhea, fever, cramping abdominal pains indicate enterocolitis – inflammation of both the small and large intestines. Most often they are caused by viruses (rotaviruses, enteroviruses) or bacteria (staphylococcus, E.coli, Salmonella, Shigella).Abdominal pain may be accompanied by rumbling or bloating. Dehydration sets in quickly. Strong weakness appears, blood pressure decreases. You can not self-medicate, take antibiotics and activated charcoal. You need to call a doctor at home. There is often a need for treatment in an infectious diseases hospital.

What does throbbing or sharp rectal pain mean?

Pulsating pain in the anus is an incentive to visit a proctologist, because it can talk about many proctological problems.What is the point of delaying a visit to the doctor?

Such pain is a symbol of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidal thrombosis and many other diseases of the anus. Slowness is your enemy. Pulsating pain in the rectum already indicates that the blood flow in the small pelvis is disturbed, hemorrhoidal plexuses have settled in it, or acute paraproctitis reigns.

Even stitching pains in the rectum cannot be ignored. They signal the presence of anal fissures, which quickly turn into chronic forms.It will be almost impossible to get rid of them. As a result, unpleasant pain is with you everywhere and everywhere. Why endure? Let’s drive her away today!

Starting a thread in the anus after a bowel movement is more expensive. Cracks and knots are able to hide not only inside. They can easily come out and cause pain with any movement, actively bleed and create a host of other troubles in the form of discomfort. Moreover, slight negligence will lead to increased bleeding and to the hospital doors. The situation is dangerous and requires medical supervision without delay.

In the ON Clinic medical center, qualified specialists will delicately solve problems with the anus. Throbbing, stabbing or jerking sharp pain in the anus will no longer bother you. An accurate diagnosis, combined with effective drug treatment, will make the disease recede.

Here everyone will receive timely medical care, painless diagnostics and a reliable way out of this situation.A prompt approach and maintaining confidentiality is a chance to quickly rehabilitate and return to your old life. Safe and reliable with ON Clinic!

Stitching pain in the anus during bowel movements

Stitching pain in the anus during bowel movements can be acute or mild. Both forms can appear at any time of the day, depending on the type of inflammation and its duration. Usually, the acute variant develops in a short period of time. This pain has a pronounced character and can appear unexpectedly.Just as unexpectedly, she may disappear, but after a few hours come on a date again. In contrast, chronic pain has a weak manifestation of pain symptoms. She worries the patient much more often and for a long period.

Cutting or throbbing cutting pain in the anus can lead to:

  • constipation, diarrhea, bloating;
  • the appearance of a foreign body in the anus;
  • Bloody, slimy or purulent discharge;
  • itching or burning in the perineal region;
  • General weakness, intoxication, anemia or false urge to defecate.

Jokes are inappropriate here. The faster the stabbing lumbago disappears in the anus, the less the risk of acquaintance of the patient with all the “joys”.

Cutting and shooting pain in the anus can only be diagnosed at a doctor’s appointment. With the help of the method of palpation and examination by anoscopy (rectoscopy), it is possible to detect the nature of the disease, the degree of damage and designate a program of therapeutic and prophylactic measures.

Techniques for examining the rectum provide complete information about the structure, condition and severity of inflammatory processes.They are absolutely safe for health and do not require complicated preparation. The equipment does not touch the walls of the intestine due to the virtuosity and skill of the attending specialist. Twitching sharp pain in the anus – this song is not about you!

“Secrets” of treatment in ON Clinic or how to get better quickly

Chronic or acute pain in the rectum can quickly disappear if you trust the hands of professionals. Modern equipment and spacious reception rooms in ON Clinic will turn a visit to the doctor into a pleasant pastime.A professional approach and skip-the-line service will brighten up the need for medical advice.

Sharp pains in the anus are eliminated after determining the reasons for their birth, conducting an examination and studying the client’s medical history. Qualified proctologists of ON Clinic use the conservative method of treatment without pain and complications . Thus, the body will not be significantly harmed, which will preserve the immune system.

The use of drugs of domestic and foreign production will quickly put you on your feet.Medicines will relieve signs of itching, spasms, burning, and will also have a drying, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Acute pain in the anus will be a thing of the past.

If necessary, sharp pain in the rectum, along with medications, is eliminated with the help of physiotherapy. They have a relaxing, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and antibacterial effect. Unlike traditional methods of dealing with anus diseases, ON Clinic does not use surgical intervention.You can get healthy without surgery. This will save you from postoperative recovery, the development of concomitant diseases, as well as from the consequences.

Entrust the care of your health to professional proctologists from ON Clinics. Make an appointment today!

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90,000 when it is no longer just indigestion

Each of us certainly faced at one time or another with abdominal pain

Photo: EAST NEWS

According to statistics, every 15 inhabitants of the Earth has a stomach ulcer.The Russians are more “successful” in this regard – in our country, only every 40 people have an ulcer. But there are other problems that are sometimes not related to the stomach, but for some reason they hurt him painfully. Understanding how, why and where the pain in the stomach comes from with Andrey Gorkovtsov, endoscopist at the Institute of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology . In his blog, he deals with serious and not very cases related to digestion.

– Each of us has certainly faced at one time or another with abdominal pain, says our expert.- In most cases, this is a slight discomfort that does not need serious treatment. This is the so-called transient pain due to improper eating (heaviness, as if bricks were placed in the stomach). These pains go away on their own when you return from the “food zigzag” to the path of diet, regimen and healthy eating without fast food and convenience foods. However, there is a very different discomfort in the abdominal area. And it is not like the one that occurs after eating plentiful and indigestible food or with influenza (adenovirus infection).These pains indicate more severe or chronic changes. And it is very important to understand the difference between these two states.

Unfortunately, modern medicine cannot diagnose everything. For example, inflammatory, infectious, or structural abnormalities can be seen with examinations such as endoscopy, x-rays, or blood tests. But functional indigestion cannot be diagnosed in the traditional way. At the initial stage, nausea, heaviness, rumbling are possible, but then the symptoms disappear.And no more changes are visible in the structure of the stomach, blood tests. Functional disorders (for example, dyspepsia – nausea, loss of appetite; dyskinesia – a violation of the contraction of the walls of the stomach, intestines, biliary tract – occurs more often in young people) are more common than structural diseases. They do not pose a threat to life, although they interfere a lot.

What causes pain in the stomach

“The most common reason is the wrong diet,” says Andrey Gorkovtsov.- Fast food and processed foods are considered high in calories, and their regular consumption inevitably leads to an increase in body mass index. In addition, there is a proven relationship between obesity and the occurrence of some types of cancer. Diet correction not only prevents unhealthy weight gain, but also prevents the possibility of malignant tumors. Research by researchers at Imperial College London has shown that excess body fat is very likely to lead to cancer, or at least double the risk of disease.Numerous studies of overweight populations point to a link between obesity and 11 cancers, including the stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, uterus, and the respiratory tract and bone marrow.

The health of the stomach also directly depends on the state of the organs that ensure proper digestion: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine. Therefore, as a rule, stomach diseases are not always an isolated lesion of its mucous membrane, but a complex of disorders affecting all digestive organs.In case of abdominal pain, it should be remembered that in addition to the stomach, there are many other organs, diseases of which can be accompanied by similar symptoms.

Stomach does not always hurt: symptoms of other problems

Often pain from other organs can be given to the stomach:

* Sudden severe pain in the upper abdomen in the navel: the first signal of appendicitis.

* Pain in the right and left hypochondria, as well as in the epigastric region (where the stomach is): may be a sign of pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas.Although it is located outside the abdominal cavity, in front of the spine, it projects pain exactly forward, in the stomach area. These conditions require immediate medical attention.

* Constant dull spasmodic pain is a sign of intestinal contraction due to a violation of the patency of the small intestine, which is located on top of the stomach and can also cause pain.

* Burning pain – chemical irritation of the lining of the esophagus or stomach, for example, with heartburn or the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

The stomach and intestines weaken their work during sleep, so at night the pain usually disappears completely or subside greatly. But sudden nocturnal abdominal pain can be a symptom of a structural disorder that requires further investigation (for example, duodenal ulcer).

If the symptoms haunt you more and more often, they torment you for more than 3-4 days, then you should definitely consult a doctor. Many modern drugs can not only alleviate the symptoms, but also lead to a worsening of the condition.Chronic prolonged inflammation, irritation of the mucous membrane in the stomach and esophagus can lead to the formation of tumors.

Even if you are not worried about stomach pain, it is very important to visit a doctor regularly, undergo medical examination in order to diagnose the disease in time, since it may be too late to seek help if pain occurs.

IMPORTANT!

What should alert

1. Analyzes.

The stomach may not hurt at all.For example, with the so-called “mute” ulcer of the duodenum. But a blood test will show a decrease in the number of red blood cells and total protein in the blood.

2. Night cough.

In rare cases, there is no pain with reflux esophagitis (a disease of the esophagus), as well as with erosions and ulcers. The only symptom is a cough that appears at night. One way or another, in almost all cases of gastrointestinal tract disease, there is some symptom that reduces the quality of human life.Be sure to contact a gastroenterologist for a full examination.

But there are very serious symptoms that may indicate neglect of the disease or even a catastrophe:

3. Bleeding.

With profuse bleeding from the stomach, vomiting of scarlet blood subsequently occurs. The color of the vomit can be similar to coffee grounds if the bleeding has not appeared for some time (hemoglobin has entered into a chemical reaction with hydrochloric acid).

Blood takes on the color of black oil as it moves through the intestine and is excreted through the anus. Sometimes bleeding from the stomach can be so severe that it appears as bright red blood from the rectum. In this case, the person may faint or experience shock.

4. Fever.

This is the body’s response to inflammation, which can be infectious (as in acute bacterial gastroenteritis). This condition is usually short-lived and lasts 4 to 7 days.If the fever lasts longer, it should definitely be investigated.

5. Excessive weight loss, difficulty swallowing, chest pain.

These symptoms may indicate a hiatal hernia and oncological processes and require close careful examination.

BTW

Asymptomatic cancer “got younger”

Previously, the typical age for detecting intestinal and stomach cancer was considered “50+”. But now, according to the American Cancer Society, this disease is increasingly being detected in patients much younger (often between 30 and 40 years old).Unfavorable ecology, unhealthy diet, frequent stress and various mutations in cells – all these factors contribute to the development of oncological diseases at a young age

There are times when people really do not care about anything, so they do not go to the doctor. The asymptomatic course of the disease is the most insidious, therefore it is so important to regularly undergo a doctor’s examination: after 35 years, it is recommended to do a gastroscopy annually for prevention. If an endoscopic examination reveals a precancerous tumor that has no symptoms and cannot be detected in any other way, the patient comes under the supervision of a doctor.

Pain in the sacrum and lower back can be a symptom of damage to internal organs!

Diseases of the urinary system (cystitis, pyelonephritis, and especially urolithiasis) are most often manifested by pain in the lower back. The pain can be acute.

People with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer in 75% of cases are concerned about pain in the lumbar region. Another disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause back pain, is acute pancreatitis.The pain is girdle in nature, localized in the area of ​​the right or left hypochondrium, radiating to the back.

Sometimes back pain radiating to the lower back appears in acute appendicitis. This is mainly the case when the appendix (appendix) is located behind the cecum. Of course, this is just one of the complaints, and the main symptoms are fever, irritation of the peritoneum, and upset stools.

In diseases of the female genital organs, along with pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the sacro-lumbar spine may occur.Moreover, it can bother you periodically during menstruation, during sexual intercourse, or be prolonged and become chronic.

In most cases with low back pain, it makes sense to do an ultrasound of the pelvic organs. For example, painful sensations can be provoked by masses of the ovaries located behind the uterus.

In uterine fibroids, the nature and place of pain depend on the location of the node in the uterus, its size, and are caused by the stretching of the peritoneum, with the pressure of the nerve plexuses of the small pelvis.Often, severe and prolonged pain in uterine fibroids is associated with its rapid growth. Acute pain may indicate a violation of the blood supply to the myomatous node and requires emergency medical attention.

With the prolapse of the internal genital organs, the patients are worried about the pulling pain in the lumbosacral region, which increases with walking, physical exertion and lifting weights. The mechanism of pain in this pathology is associated with a violation of the anatomical location of the pelvic organs, which leads to a violation of the venous and lymphatic outflow.

Make an appointment with a general practitioner by phone

Petroverigsky per., 10: 8 (495) 790-71-72

Kitaygorodsky pr. 7: +7 (495) 510-49-10

90,000 Eight signs of hemorrhoids in men and women – medical center “Smile”

Varicose veins located in the rectum, with characteristic formations in the form of hemorrhoids, are called hemorrhoids.A feature of the development of the disease is slowly developing signs that make it possible to identify hemorrhoids in the later stages, which makes it impossible to treat with local remedies.

The appearance of the primary signs of the disease is individual for each person. The difference can be observed during the course of the disease, noting the different characteristics of the symptoms that appear in women after childbirth, and in men, exacerbation occurs due to intense exertion or as a result of alcohol intake.

Self-medication of hemorrhoids is fraught with negative consequences, it is imperative to visit a doctor.

Signs of discomfort in the anus

The appearance of unpleasant sensations in the form of: heaviness at the time of bowel movement and partial emptying of the intestines. At the same time, during the passage of feces through the anus, a slight tingling sensation occurs. This can be attributed to a slight swelling in the anus.

But this symptom passes quickly and is forgotten for a while, assuming that the disease is absent, everything has passed and you should not pay attention to it. This leads to the wrong conclusions that this is an accident and it is not necessary to treat hemorrhoids at this stage.

The appearance of the first unpleasant signs is alarming, but in most cases this does not serve as a reason to seek medical advice. The exception is pregnant women, who are more often examined and, knowing that hemorrhoids are common before and after childbirth, seek medical advice.

As a rule, is the first sign of hemorrhoids in men , is left without due attention. Men begin to self-medicate, trying with their own means to fight hemorrhoids, contacting the clinic only as a result of the detection of serious signs.

Occurrence of bleeding during bowel movements

When visiting the toilet and finding traces of blood, mucus with blood coming from the anus, you need to urgently consult a doctor. Treatment in this case begins immediately. This will help avoid serious consequences:

  • large blood loss;
  • development of anemia.

Important Notice . A great danger is the occurrence of bleeding in women during pregnancy.The appearance of anemia in a pregnant woman before childbirth can lead to the fact that the supply of oxygen to the fetus is disrupted, hemoglobin decreases, which negatively affects its development.

Take your health seriously, do not ignore these signs. It is necessary to visit a doctor, since similar signs can occur in other serious diseases of the rectum – tumors and polyps. The treatment of these diseases occurs by other methods and differs from the methods of treatment of hemorrhoids.

Onset of inflammation

The appearance of inflammation is accompanied by edema of the node, but this does not always happen.In some cases, this happens when the nodes are pinched, they fall out, which can be accompanied by an abundant flow of blood. In this condition, complex therapy is carried out.

Inflammation creates persistent discomfort in the patient, which is expressed in the impossibility of prolonged sitting, the appearance of sharp and severe pain when coughing, sneezing and any exertion.

Important Notice . Usually signs of external hemorrhoids located outside the intestine resemble signs of internal hemorrhoids located inside the intestine.The main difference is that the development of the disease and the onset of symptoms occur outside the intestine and inside, respectively.

The onset of sharp pain in the anus

The most unpleasant and typical symptom of hemorrhoids is a sharp pain that appears in the anus. The characteristic slight and aching pain appears with other diseases. Sharp pain during bowel movements is a symptom of hemorrhoids.

The same symptom accompanies the appearance of a crack in the anal canal or the formation of thrombosis in the internal hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids and their prolapse

When hemorrhoids appear inside the intestine, the characteristic symptom is the fallen out inflamed nodes, which look like bumps. At the initial stage, they are low. But with the development of the disease, their loss occurs more often.

The first stage of the disease involves the small size of the bumps, which come out during bowel movements and are pulled back on their own. In the future, with a progressive illness, they need to be inserted by hand.

Important Notice . If the loss recurs, the method of treatment should be changed. In addition to local remedies, use minimally invasive techniques.

Primiparous women after childbirth suffer from the formation of cracks and prolapse of nodes with hemorrhoids more often than others. signs of hemorrhoids in women can be provoked by a lack of skills in a woman in labor to push during labor. Inappropriate behavior during childbirth leads to the loss of nodes, even if there are no symptoms of hemorrhoids before the onset of contractions.

Excretion of mucus

The appearance of mucus is another of the characteristic symptoms of hemorrhoids, which indicates serious changes in the rectum and anus.

Mucus that gets on the skin leads to unpleasant consequences – burning and itching in the anus. This affects the condition of the skin, appear:

  • puffiness;
  • redness;
  • flabbiness;
  • afterwards the skin darkens.

Onset of constipation

Inflammation and an increase in the volume of hemorrhoids, accompanied by sharp pain and logically leads to constipation.

Enlarged lumps serve as an obstacle to the movement of feces through the intestine and prevent them from reaching the exit. This reduces receptor stimulation and results in lack of urge.

Itching and burning

The onset of itching and burning can occur in the following cases:

  • Skin irritation if mucus appears near the opening of the anus. May appear due to anal fissures.
  • Healing cracks. With a temporary lull of the disease and its transition into a latent phase, cracks are healed, which causes itching and burning.
  • Allergic skin reaction caused by medicated candles. In the case of the content in the composition of the suppositories introduced in the treatment of hemorrhoids, substances that can provoke an allergic reaction.

Important Notice . Burning and itching in women are also caused by thrush. These are different diseases and their treatment is not the same

The discomfort in the anus should be taken seriously. This could be a symptom of hemorrhoids. We must not forget that it is always easier to cure a disease at an early stage.There is no need to lead to undesirable consequences that can lead to operation

The reason for visiting a doctor should be the first signs, not serious consequences. Modern diagnostics will make it possible to detect the presence of the disease, its phase and determine the methods of treatment.

Hemorrhoid treatment – price in St. Petersburg

Delaying going to the doctor aggravates the situation. Therefore, during an exacerbation, when a person cannot tolerate pain and goes to a proctologist, radical surgical methods have to be used.And if you apply on time, you can get by with conservative or minimally invasive methods and quickly return to a fulfilling life.

Why does hemorrhoids

occur

There are several factors that trigger the disease:

  • Frequent physical activity and weight lifting;
  • sedentary work and physical inactivity;
  • chronic constipation;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • inflammatory bowel disease;
  • in women – multiple pregnancies and childbirth.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

In the clinical picture, there are 3 main signs of the disease:

  1. Bleeding from the anus. At first, these may be separate drops of blood on toilet paper or on the surface of the feces, but with total lesion of the veins, massive bleeding occurs.
  2. Pain. In the early stages, discomfort occurs with prolonged sitting, with the urge to defecate, and during bowel movements. The advanced forms of the disease are characterized by severe acute pain.
  3. Loss of nodes. The veins increase in size and come out of the rectum, causing a lot of inconvenience and suffering. The person has to adjust them with his fingers, which causes new bouts of pain.

There are other signs of the pathology of hemorrhoidal veins: anal itching, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestines, chronic constipation.

Diagnostics and treatment of hemorrhoids

In most cases, the doctor makes a diagnosis after examining the patient, if necessary, anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and other types of instrumental diagnostics are prescribed.

Hemorrhoid treatment depends on the stage and includes several directions:

  1. Medical methods. Local suppositories and medicinal baths are prescribed to relieve pain and swelling. To strengthen the venous walls, drugs are used in tablets.
  2. Minimally invasive methods. To reduce hemorrhoids, coagulation, sclerotherapy, latex ligation and other non-traumatic methods are used.