Pain in the abdomen manifests itself as minor functional disorders, as well as conditions that threaten the life of the patient. First aid for the appearance of abdominal pain depends on the cause of their occurrence.

Aching or sharp, dull, cutting, cramping - these are all descriptions of the various manifestations of abdominal pain. It can occur at the top or bottom of the abdomen, in the umbilical region, in the side, be diffuse or give to the back. The degree of its intensity, frequency of occurrence, localization largely depend on the cause of the pain.

Non-pathological causes

Errors in the diet

Overeating, snacking on the run, certain foods can cause temporary indigestion, accompanied by pain, and lead to the development of serious pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Contribute to pain:

Sometimes abdominal pain occurs when consumed (legumes, cabbage). In this case, it is accompanied by bloating, flatulence, rumbling in the stomach.

Sweets and flour products contain a large amount of simple carbohydrates - the main food. When they are broken down by enzymes produced by bacteria, a large amount of gas is formed, which also causes bloating and rumbling.

Stomach pain can be due to overeating. Be especially careful after a strict diet or fasting. Even if you haven’t eaten for a couple of days (prescribed diet), then you need to start eating in small portions. In this case, it is better to start with liquid and semi-liquid dishes, gradually expanding the menu.

Abdominal pain can occur after eating low-quality products. So the body signals food poisoning, the need for gastric lavage and urgent medical attention.

Often occurring pain associated with food is a symptom of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist.

Stress

Pain receptors located in the muscular membrane of hollow organs respond to:

• excessive contraction of smooth muscles;
• increased pressure on the walls;
• stretching of a hollow organ.

During unrest, due to nervous overstrain, there is an excitation of the autonomic nervous system. The impulse is transmitted to the smooth muscles, it contracts, a spasm of the walls of the vessels occurs (blood pressure rises), the heartbeat quickens, and the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract increases. Nociceptive (pain) receptors respond to spasm of the digestive system. There is a strong, cramping pain in the abdomen, which disappears when taking sedatives (validol, corvalol, valerian), antispasmodics (no-shpa).

Due to frequent stress, the motor function of the esophagus, stomach, intestines is disturbed, the secretion of gastric juice increases - and these are the main factors in the development of most diseases of the digestive system. And if it is impossible to avoid stress, then it is necessary to cope with them with the help of medications (they will be prescribed by a neuropathologist, therapist) or special psychological trainings.

Pregnancy and menstruation

In pregnant women, discomfort and pain can occur when the baby rolls over in the abdomen. In other cases, a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary:

It is especially difficult to differentiate gynecological diseases from. Therefore, with acute pain in the abdomen, women are referred for a consultation with a surgeon and a gynecologist.

In children

Abdominal pain in children occurs even with colds. She often accompanies:

• sore throat;
• SARS;
• flu.

If a child complains of abdominal pain, it is necessary to identify the cause of its occurrence. It may be related to:

With recurrent abdominal pain, the child needs to be examined. The cause may be diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive systems.

Sometimes plantex, fennel tea, and abdominal massage help to relieve discomfort. In this case, the pain was caused by bad flatulence. If these are repeated often, then you need to:

• review the diet of a nursing mother (if the child is breastfed);
• replace the milk mixture;
• see a doctor.

The nature of the pain and its localization are indicated by older children. Small ones, especially those under the age of 3, will at best point to the umbilical region. It is necessary to determine exactly where it hurts with palpation. If pain occurs with pressure, the child's facial expressions change, but it is imperative to monitor the reaction of the pupils. In this way, it is possible to establish whether the child really has a stomach ache, and where exactly.

With acute pain, especially if it is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, fever, the child needs urgent medical attention.

Pathological causes

Diseases of the digestive system

Abdominal pain associated with the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract is accompanied by digestive disorders:

• vomiting, nausea;
• constipation or diarrhea;
• an admixture of blood in the stool;
• dysphagia;
• heartburn.

Pain can be provoked by food, walking, coughing. Consideration of all these factors helps the clinician determine the diagnosis and the need for urgent surgical intervention. Of particular importance is the localization of pain.

Table 1. Localization of pain in the abdomen and a possible cause of its occurrence

Sometimes, when the disease is just beginning, the patient cannot clearly indicate the localization of pain. Only after some time it concentrates in a certain place. With the progression of the disease, the occurrence of complications (), it again becomes diffuse.

The nature of the pain is important for diagnosis:

In addition, abdominal pain may be radiating. That is, in fact, the pathology is not associated with diseases of the abdominal organs, but due to the peculiarities of innervation, the pain radiates to the stomach.

Table 2. The most common diseases of the digestive system, accompanied by abdominal pain.

Other diseases

Very often, patients complain of pain in the upper abdomen with diseases of the cardiovascular system, lungs, pleura, endocrine disorders. Therefore, when diagnosing, it is important to exclude:

Often occur due to gynecological diseases.

In which case should you definitely consult a doctor?

Pain is a signal that cannot be ignored, hoping that I will take a pill (or decoction) and everything will pass. Be sure to consult a gastroenterologist if even slight pain is accompanied by:

With symptoms of an acute abdomen, immediate hospitalization is necessary, even without prior diagnosis. Signs of this condition are:

• sudden cramping or constant pain (it can be very intense up to pain shock);
• vomiting, nausea;
• hiccups (rarely);
• constipation and cessation of gas discharge (with mechanical intestinal obstruction);
• liquid stool (with intussusception of the intestine).

With symptoms of an acute abdomen, it is strictly forbidden to take:

• analgesics (an exception is the risk of developing pain shock);
• narcotic painkillers;
• antibiotics;
• laxatives.

Table 3. The most dangerous manifestations of abdominal pain.

Only a doctor, based on the patient's complaints, can determine the cause of abdominal pain and prescribe drugs that relieve pain. Additional studies are needed to make a definitive diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Differential diagnosis of the causes of pain in the abdomen

When a patient is treated with acute abdominal pain, the doctor must decide whether the patient needs urgent surgical intervention, or treatment and additional examination should be carried out in a hospital. Or maybe outpatient treatment is enough? Therefore, it is necessary:

To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may refer to:

• blood chemistry;
• colposcopy;

X-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract is directed according to certain indications:

• mechanical ileus (method sensitivity -98%);
• perforation of a hollow organ (60%);
• stones (64%).

Only with the help of an examination can you determine what exactly causes abdominal pain.

Actions for severe abdominal pain

In case of severe pain in the abdomen, you should immediately consult a doctor. And in order to somehow reduce pain, you need to try to relax, breathe deeper. There are many ways to get rid of pain, but it is better not to resort to them until the cause of abdominal pain is clarified:

1. It is better not to take analgesics, antispasmodics before the doctor arrives, as they can blur the clinical picture of very serious diseases.
2. A warm heating pad can be placed on the stomach only if you are sure that the disease is not caused by a purulent-inflammatory process.
3. An enema to cleanse the intestines will help with constipation, but with intestinal obstruction, it will contribute to the development of complications (perforation, bleeding).
4. With a partial rupture of the abdominal aorta, even at very low blood pressure, hypertensive drugs (citramon, caffeine, etc.) are contraindicated. They will increase bleeding.

If the cause is known, then the following pain relief methods are used:

If abdominal pain is caused by life-threatening conditions (strangulated hernia, perforation of a hollow organ, acute appendicitis, peritonitis), hospitalization and urgent surgical intervention are required. Often patients experience relief when they get to the hospital. It is not recommended to refuse the operation. This well-being is visible, and all patients who leave the hospital almost immediately end up on the operating table, only with very serious complications.

Sharp and dull, pulsating and cutting, bursting and aching - abdominal pain can be very different.

The cause can be various diseases - from appendicitis to a heart attack.

The main thing is to recognize the symptoms in time and immediately consult a doctor.

Reason 1. Appendicitis

The attack most often begins suddenly: first there is constant pain around the navel, which then descends to the right iliac region. In rare cases, it gives to the lower back. May be aggravated by movement and coughing. At the beginning of the attack, vomiting is possible, which does not bring relief. Usually there is a delay in stool, the stomach becomes rigid. The body temperature rises to 37.5–38°C, the pulse quickens to 90–100 beats per minute. The tongue is slightly coated. When the appendix is ​​located behind the caecum, the abdomen remains soft, pain and muscle tension are noted in the right lumbar region.

What to do?

Urgently call an ambulance. To alleviate the condition on the right side, you can put an ice pack. In no case do not apply a warm heating pad to the stomach. Before the arrival of the doctor, do not take painkillers and laxatives, it is advisable not to drink or eat.

Reason 2. Irritable bowel symptom

For this condition, in which the bowel is disrupted, but it remains healthy, periodic severe cramping (twisting) or cutting pains in the abdomen are characteristic - usually only in the morning, combined with a strong urge to defecate. After a bowel movement, the pain disappears and does not return during the day.

What to do?

Contact a gastroenterologist who will prescribe the necessary studies. The diagnosis of "irritable bowel syndrome" is established only after the exclusion of all other possible diseases of the digestive tract.

Reason 3. Diverticulitis

Pain in the left lower abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramps, and constipation are all characteristic signs of diverticulitis. With this disease, peculiar “protrusions” are formed in the walls of the colon, called diverticula, which are formed as a result of the divergence of the fibers of the muscular frame of the intestinal wall. This occurs, as a rule, against the background of chronic constipation, with an increase in intra-intestinal pressure. Also, with age, the muscular frame of the intestine loses its tone and individual fibers may diverge. Diverticula may not bother you for life, but in some cases they may become inflamed.

What to do?

Consult with a gastroenterologist. The doctor may prescribe the necessary medications, a liquid diet, and bed rest for several days. In some cases, treatment for diverticulitis requires a hospital stay. If complications occur, surgery may be needed.

Reason 4. Diseases of the gallbladder

Dull pain in the right hypochondrium or in the right side, aggravated after eating, is a characteristic sign of cholecystitis (inflammation of the walls of the gallbladder). In the acute course of the disease, the pain is acute, throbbing. Often, discomfort is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or a bitter taste in the mouth. Unbearably severe pain in the right hypochondrium (hepatic colic) can occur in the presence of stones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.

What to do?

Consult a gastroenterologist who will refer you to an ultrasound of the abdominal organs. With exacerbation of cholecystitis, painkillers and antispasmodics, antibiotics, unloading diets are prescribed. During the period of remission of the disease, choleretic agents of natural and synthetic origin are prescribed. The treatment of gallstone disease in the early stages is to dissolve the stones with the help of drugs and crushing. In the presence of large stones, as well as the development of complications, they resort to surgical removal of the gallbladder - cholecystectomy.

Reason 5. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum

Acute (sometimes dagger) pain in the epigastric region (between the sternum and the navel) may indicate the presence of an ulcer - a defect in the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines. With a peptic ulcer, the pain is often strong, burning, but sometimes it can be aching, similar to a feeling of hunger, or even absent. The pains are usually "hungry" in nature and appear at night, on an empty stomach or 2-3 hours after eating, but sometimes they can intensify after eating. Other common symptoms of an ulcer are heartburn and sour belching.

What to do?

Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist who will refer you for a gastroscopy. Requires general and biochemical blood tests, as well as a test for antibodies to bacteria Helicobacter pylori which causes an ulcer. You will also need an ultrasound of the abdominal organs. The doctor will prescribe treatment and diet: exclusion of alcohol, coffee, too hot or cold food, spicy, fried, salty, coarse food (mushrooms, coarse meat).

Reason 6. Diseases of the pancreas

Dull or aching, girdle pains in the middle part of the abdomen (near the navel) or in the left hypochondrium are characteristic of chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the tissues of the pancreas). Unpleasant sensations usually increase after eating fatty or spicy foods. In acute pancreatitis, the pain is very severe, in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by vomiting, bloating, and constipation. Most often, acute pancreatitis occurs after overeating and alcohol abuse.

What to do?

Consult a gastroenterologist who will refer you for an ultrasound scan of the pancreas, as well as a blood test for pancreatic enzymes and glucose. The doctor will prescribe enzyme and anti-inflammatory drugs, and most importantly, dietary fractional nutrition. Acute pancreatitis requires emergency hospitalization.

Reason 7. Thromboembolism of the mesenteric (mesenteric) vessels

Spasm or blockage by a thrombus of the mesenteric vessels supplying blood to the intestinal tissues leads to changes in the secretory and motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract and is accompanied by severe, sharp, intolerable pain in the abdomen. At first, unpleasant sensations can be intermittent, cramping, then they become more uniform, constant, although just as intense. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, often bloody stools, and shock may develop. The progression of the disease can lead to intestinal infarction and peritonitis.

What to do?

Call for emergency care, as patients with mesenteric thrombosis often require emergency surgery. As a treatment, enzymatic, astringent preparations, agents that improve blood microcirculation, antispasmodics, including nitroglycerin for pain, are prescribed.

Reason 8. Gynecological diseases

In women, pain in the lower abdomen in the center or on one side of the abdominal cavity can occur with the development of inflammatory processes in the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and appendages. Usually they have a pulling character and are accompanied by secretions from the genital tract. Sharp pain, dizziness, fainting - all these symptoms are characteristic of an ectopic pregnancy, a rupture of an ovarian cyst.

What to do?

Contact a gynecologist. If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy, call an ambulance immediately.

Reason 9. Heart failure

Pain in the upper abdomen (in the pit of the stomach), bloating, nausea, sometimes vomiting, weakness, tachycardia, low blood pressure - all these symptoms can indicate a myocardial infarction (the so-called abdominal form). Hiccups, a feeling of stuffiness, pallor are possible.

What to do?

Call an ambulance and do a control ECG. Especially if you are over 45-50 years old, you have just experienced a physical or emotional stress, or have recently complained of discomfort in your heart and pain that radiates to your left arm, lower jaw.

Man, woman, child face pain in the abdomen. Why does it hurt inside the abdominal cavity? This unpleasant condition may indicate malnutrition, or it may signal more serious illnesses and possible medical attention.

The whole character of pain can tell a lot. Sometimes there are aching, pulling sensations, and sometimes it burns, cuts, and pricks. Sometimes unpleasant sounds come from the stomach, twitches, twists. It is necessary to listen to pain in the abdominal region, all vital organs are located here, except for the brain.

Often, discomfort occurs for a short period of time and disappears. For example, a person ate a lot or was very worried. These symptoms do not require treatment or medication. But abdominal pain is not always so harmless. Sometimes they become a signal of serious changes inside and calling an emergency ambulance.

According to the location of the pain syndrome, it is possible to tell which disease caused the sensation. Why do you need to know? To tell the doctor where it hurts, what kind of pain. And the doctor will be able to correctly diagnose. But first it is necessary to be able to determine the accuracy of pain, their location.

It is characterized by sharp, stabbing, dull, aching or bursting sensations. Able to give in the chest. At the same time, the patient has nausea, vomiting, bloating and flatulence. All of the above are signs of gastritis or stomach ulcers.

Gastritis

This is a disease of the stomach. Violation of the mucous membrane of the body, when food cannot be digested normally. The patient feels general weakness.

Gastritis is today recognized as the most common disease. Among the patients of the gastroenterologist there are children, men, women.

There are acute and chronic gastritis. As a rule, the acute stage of the disease proceeds quickly. In the absence of treatment, it becomes chronic.

Unpleasant sensations in the upper abdomen accompany the chronic stage of gastritis, and the presence of other signs will make it clear that the gastric mucosa is damaged, treatment is required:

• Feeling of heaviness in the abdomen;
• Heartburn;
• Belching;
• Vomiting, nausea;
• There may be constipation or diarrhea;
• Bloating, flatulence;
• Smell from the mouth.

stomach ulcer

The inflammatory process, which remains untreated for a long time, creates wounds in the mucous membrane and in the walls of the stomach - ulcers. Medicine indicates the main source of the disease is an infection - Helicobacter pylori. Microorganisms, penetrating into the stomach, attach to the walls, penetrating through the mucous membrane. Gradually, the number of bacteria increases, which leads to the destruction of the mucosa and the gradual death of the affected tissues, a hole is formed in the organ.

The stomach is divided into several sections and each produces its own pain symptoms, helping the doctor to correctly diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment.

myocardial infarction

Cardiac ischemia. The pain syndrome is disguised as malaise in the abdomen in the region of the stomach, with a return to the right hand.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix of the large intestine. Symptoms of appendicitis: incomprehensible and weak pains begin at the top under the spoon, passing to the right side. With such signs, it is better not to delay and call an ambulance. It is forbidden to take medication to relieve discomfort, this will make it difficult to make a diagnosis.

What to do

For pain in the upper abdomen, if there is no need for emergency hospitalization, in the near future you will need to visit doctors: a general practitioner or a gastroenterologist. Undergo an examination, including a gastroscopy. Today, this is the only type of analysis that can show a reliable picture of the disease.

To eliminate spasms, directional drugs are taken: No-shpa, Drotaverine.

Pain in the right hypochondrium

Accompanying the pain syndrome with a feeling of heaviness, nausea, vomiting and at the same time gives to the right shoulder. Complaints about acute, arising sharply and suddenly feelings, bloating is felt. Still the pain is sometimes felt as squeezing. This is suspicion.

biliary colic

When a stone formed in the gallbladder begins to move along the ducts and enters the bile duct, an unbearable unpleasant sensation arises. The reason that set the stones in motion:

• A feast with an abundance of fatty, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages.
• Strong emotional stress.
• Severe shaking while driving.
• Physical activity, when the main posture is inclined.

Myocardial infarction is capable of causing pain in the right hypochondrium if the patient already has cardiovascular diseases.

Biliary dyskinesia

The cause of pain in the right hypochondrium with discomfort, with dull pain and loss of appetite becomes. With dyskinesia, the motor function of the system that carries bile from the liver to the duodenum is disturbed. As a result, the process of digestion of food is poor.

A well-known disease that causes discomfort in the hypochondrium on the right is hepatitis A and hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C (exacerbation stage), cirrhosis of the liver. It rarely happens if a preliminary diagnosis of the presence of diseases is made. But you should pay attention to the stool - with light, an unambiguous consultation with a doctor and an examination are necessary.

What to do

Calling a doctor is a must! Do not refuse hospitalization. Upon arrival at the medical facility, visit a surgeon, urologist and gastroenterologist. If the patient is a woman, it is necessary to report the pills taken, for example, birth control.

At home, be sure to follow a diet and take medication prescribed by a doctor. Exclude fatty, salty foods and flour products from the menu. Do not eat or drink for the next 12 hours. During and after treatment, try to control body weight.

With dyskinesia, hepatitis and cirrhosis - immediately do an examination with a gastroenterologist and hepatologist. Be sure to follow the diet.

Pain in the lower abdomen on the right

Unpleasant strong sensations are given to the rectum, amplification occurs when walking - it is worth assuming appendicitis. These symptoms are accompanied by nausea and fever.

Pain in the left hypochondrium

It is characterized as aching, girdle, the source is felt in the left hypochondrium - pancreatitis.

pancreatitis

There are additional symptoms: nausea, flatulence, dyspepsia. The reason is the intake of fatty, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages. Feeling of dryness and unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth. This is a disease that indicates a violation in the function of the pancreas. The produced enzymes and pancreatic juice do not enter the small intestine for the main digestion of food, but remain inside the organ. There is a gradual processing of the tissues of the gland. The inflammatory process without the effects of drugs can spread to a significant area inside the abdomen, affecting not one organ, but many. If the nearby organ is healthy and did not get sick, then in this situation a violation of its functions is possible. Internal bleeding occurs, leading to peritonitis.

What to do

To get rid of pain, it is supposed to stick to a diet, crush the food taken by 5-6 times. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, butter and fatty broths. If the pain syndrome intensifies, the condition worsens - call an ambulance and go to the operating table.

Pain in the middle of the abdomen and at the waist

The nature of the pain is extremely strong, sharp, felt like a dagger, radiates to the lower abdomen, frequent urge to urinate, especially after taking diuretic products -.

Renal colic

Feelings are undulating in nature, periods of amplification are replaced by periods of decline. Symptoms occur with spasms of the muscle tissue of the kidneys. From the kidney, urine passes through the urinary tract and enters the bladder - this is during the normal operation of the entire system. When a kidney stone enters the ducts, a blockage occurs and the fluid does not pass into the bladder, but accumulates in the ducts, which leads to spasms, girdle pain along the waist with radiating to the leg corresponding to the damaged kidney.

Adnexitis

A female disease associated with an inflammatory process in the ovaries. The feeling of blunt injections is localized closer to the lower abdomen, intensifies with physical exertion and hypothermia. The menstrual cycle is disturbed, there is an increase in temperature for a long time, sexual function decreases.

Osteochondrosis, if the pain syndrome radiates to the lower back and appendicitis (its inflammatory process radiates everywhere and in all organs), has similar symptoms.

What to do

When the situation repeats, it is permissible to take pills to relieve pain, or an antispasmodic. Do not put off a visit to the urologist.

If the case appears for the first time, you must do the following. You don't need to take painkillers. Call an ambulance and visit a neurologist and surgeon in the hospital. The woman is additionally examined by a gynecologist.

Pain in the middle of the abdomen

There is bloating, the presence of excess gases, the stomach boils, there is an aching feeling and short-term spasms. Possible causes of pain - in the banal overeating. The digestive organs cannot cope with the flow of food. As a result, a lot of gases are formed, moving along the intestinal tract and causing discomfort.

Dysbacteriosis and lactose intolerance can also cause cramps in the middle of the abdomen.

What to do

Pharmacies sell many medicines containing enzymes. They will quickly help to cope with a large amount of food and restore the intestinal microflora.

Pain under the navel

The nature of the pain cannot be accurately described, it is vagrant with possible localization under the navel. In this case, there is bloating and alternating diarrhea and constipation.

irritable bowel syndrome

It is not a disease, but it brings a lot of unpleasant moments. Does not appear in one day, lasts for years. Symptoms manifest themselves in many ways: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, etc. Medicine believes that this disease refers to the psychosomatic states of the body. For example, fear can cause irritable bowel syndrome.

Viral infection or gastroduodenitis

Inflammatory processes on the mucous membranes of the digestive organs caused by infections, and Helicobacter pylori is most common.

Pain in the lower abdomen

With pain, characterized as pulling, discharge and fever appear, possibly the cause in the genitourinary system. In women, the symptoms indicate problems with the internal genital organs.

In men

There is a paroxysmal pain that radiates to the lower back, to the external genital organs, to the inguinal region, suprapubic and iliac. Localization of pain in the ureters. Possible difficulties with the urinary system: kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.

• Pyelonephritis. Kidney disease associated with penetration into the organ of infection. Dull and aching pain in the lower back radiates to the groin, up and down the abdomen, the body temperature rises, and a headache appears. Increased sweating, nausea and vomiting.
• Urolithiasis disease. Pain in the lumbar region extending to the lower abdomen and urinary tract. Even at rest, the pain syndrome does not subside. If there is nausea, vomiting and blood appears in the urine, then it is urgent to call an ambulance team and an appointment with a urologist and surgeon.
• Cystitis. There is aching pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Painful urination more than 20 times a day. At the same time, cramps appear, the urine darkens, because blood, nausea, and vomiting appear.

Oncology of the bladder causes, there is blood in the urine, frequent visits to the toilet are possible.

Among women

If a pulling pain is felt, it is inflammation of the appendages, cystitis, endometriosis, or an ectopic pregnancy. Perhaps the cause is an irritable bowel and the resulting constipation.

The banal cause of pain in a woman is periodic menstrual pain, which constantly appears during the cycle and stops with completion.

What to do

If the patient is a man, you will need to visit a urologist and a proctologist.

If the patient is a woman, a gynecologist will help.

You need to get tested and tested. The doctor will draw up a plan for adequate treatment, then you should begin to take action, following a diet. You should always follow the doctor's recommendations.

Abdominal pain is a clinical sign of a non-specific nature, which does not always indicate the development of a gastroenterological disease and may be a manifestation of disorders of the genitourinary or cardiovascular system. However, in most cases, abdominal pain is a sign of pathological processes in the peritoneum.

The clinical picture that accompanies this symptom will depend on the underlying factor. If we talk about gastroenterological diseases, then the clinical signs will be rather non-specific, and therefore it is not recommended to take any drugs supposedly curing abdominal pain. It would be more expedient to consult a general practitioner and a gastroenterologist for advice.

Diagnosis is carried out through a physical examination of the patient and the necessary laboratory and instrumental methods of examination. Only by establishing the true cause of abdominal pain, effective treatment can begin. That is why it is strongly not recommended to carry out independent therapeutic measures or prescribe medications to yourself.

If treatment is started correctly and in a timely manner, the prognosis for getting rid of abdominal pain is expected to be favorable. The exception is those cases when the disease is running or there is an oncological factor. And then the forecast will be purely individual.

Etiology

Causes of abdominal pain can be different, both external and internal. The first group should include such etiological factors:

• overeating, as well as the use of low-quality food;
• drinking large amounts of alcohol;
• mechanical damage in the peritoneum;
• stresses that provoke constant nervous strain.

Internal etiological factors that provoke pain in the middle of the abdomen and in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract include:

• food allergy;
• food poisoning;
• gastrointestinal infection;

In addition, pain in the lower abdomen can be a sign of other pathological processes that are not directly related to the gastrointestinal tract. So, pain in the lower abdomen in men can indicate prostatitis, testicular cancer, STDs. Pain in the lower abdomen in women can be a sign of inflammation of the uterus, inflammatory or infectious processes in the genitourinary system. Since the etiology of this symptom is ambiguous, it is impossible to independently compare possible causes and treatment. This can only be done by a doctor after carrying out the necessary diagnostic measures and making an accurate diagnosis.

Classification

According to the nature of the manifestation, this clinical sign is characterized as follows:

• sharp pains in the abdomen;
• dull or aching pain in the abdomen;
• cutting pains in the abdomen;
• shingles;
• stitching pains in the abdomen.

By the nature of localization, this symptom can manifest itself as follows:

• on the right side;
• on the left side;
• in the epigastric region;
• in the lower part;
• at the top;
• all over the abdomen in men or women.

Usually, the nature of the pain syndrome makes it possible to assume what exactly caused its manifestation, and to determine the treatment strategy.

Symptoms

In this case, it is difficult to isolate the overall clinical picture, since much depends on the underlying factor. In general, the symptom complex may include the following signs:

• deterioration or complete;
• increased flatulence;
• rumbling in the stomach;
• with an unpleasant odor;
• spasms;
• abdominal pain and fever, which indicates the course of the infectious process;
• nausea, which may be accompanied. Vomiting most often occurs after eating and may contain bile, mucus, blood clots;
• violation of the frequency and consistency of the stool (diarrhea, constipation). At the same time, stool masses can change color, contain impurities, mucus, particles of undigested food;
• increasing weakness, malaise;
• increased dryness of the skin, brittle nails and hair.

Pain in the lower abdomen can indicate not only gastroenterological pathologies, but also diseases of the genitourinary system. If this is the case, then the clinical picture may include the following symptoms:

• pain in the lower abdomen in men or women, which is aching, pulling in nature;
• discomfort during urination, itching and burning in the vulva;
• discomfort during intercourse;
• enlarged inguinal lymph nodes;
• extraneous highlights.

With this etiological factor, the stomach most often hurts in the morning. However, everyone is individual, so you should not rely on this nature of the symptoms.

If the stomach hurts at night, then this may well be the result of malnutrition or late dinners. As a rule, with the normalization of the diet and the mode of eating, severe pain in the abdomen at night disappears.

Regardless of the nature of the clinical sign, you should consult a doctor, and not self-treat or completely ignore the symptom. Almost always, when there is a cutting pain or a dull pain in the abdomen for a long time, this indicates the course of a certain pathological process.

Diagnostics

If the stomach hurts a lot and does not go away within 1-2 days (in the case of children, a shorter time period), you should contact a gastroenterologist. In some cases, you may need to consult an oncologist, gynecologist or urologist (if men have pain in the lower abdomen).

A thorough examination not only makes it possible to establish an accurate diagnosis, but also helps to choose effective drugs for abdominal pain.

Treatment

Treatment can be either conservative or radical. In any case, regardless of what therapy tactics will be chosen, the diet will be included in the program. The exact dietary table is determined by the doctor on an individual basis. For pain in the abdomen, the following medications can be prescribed:

• antispasmodics;
• painkillers;
• sorbents;
• drugs that improve gastrointestinal motility;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.

The use of traditional medicine is not excluded, but this must be agreed with the attending physician without fail.

The prognosis will depend on what exactly caused the manifestation of such a symptom. In any case, the sooner treatment is started, the better.

Prevention

• balanced and timely nutrition;
• prevention of infectious diseases not only regarding the gastrointestinal tract, but also the genitourinary system;
• exclusion of stress, severe nervous strain;
• timely treatment of all existing diseases.

In most cases, prevention is much easier than cure. Do not forget to systematically undergo preventive examinations.