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Abdominal pain
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Abdominal pain (abdominal pain) is one of the most frequent complaints of patients. This is due to the fact that there are many organs in the abdominal cavity, each of which hurts in a certain way and requires specific treatment. Having ascertained the cause of abdominal pain, you can either cure yourself with the help of a home medicine chest, or, if necessary, consult a doctor.
[The nature of abdominal pain
There are three main types of pain: spasmodic (convulsive), persistent and chronic.
Spasmodic pain, that is, colic, is characterized by wave-like attacks with variable intensity. This kind of pain causes deformity in the gastrointestinal tract and in most cases, a consequence of increased peristalsis activity. Also, pain occurs because of infectious diseases or stress.
There is the term "acute abdomen", under this concept, experts unite the most dangerous and unpleasant cases of manifestation of abdominal pain. Pain in such cases is very intense, it spreads throughout the abdominal cavity, the patient's overall health is negative, the temperature is often increased, the muscles of the press are constantly strained, and vomiting occurs. Such pain can speak of acute peritonitis, pancreatitis and other infectious diseases. Also, this may indicate appendicitis, in this case the pain at the beginning of the disease is dull and dispersed, and then passes into the state of "acute abdomen". At similar abdominal pains to the person it is not necessary to give any medicines, and it is necessary to urgently cause "first aid".
Constant abdominal pain is usually characterized by constant intensity over a long period of time. Patients classify the pain as acute, cutting pain, burning in the abdomen. Such pain can report serious inflammatory processes in the organs of the abdominal cavity, abscesses, ulcers, exacerbation of cholelithiasis. Chronic abdominal pains are pain that appear and disappear for a long period of time. In most cases, such pain speaks of a chronic illness or an infectious lesion of the gastrointestinal tract. At such abdominal pains it is necessary to go on consultation to the expert. And to prepare answers to questions, whether the pain is related to food, what remedies help to get rid of, the incidence and intensity of pain, the place of localization.
Also abdominal pain can occur due to neurosis and psychological stress. In this case, the pain may be of a different nature, but when examined, its cause will not be revealed. In this case, you need to go to a psychologist or neurologist. Abdominal pain without the revealed reasons also can speak about a vegeto-vascular dystonia, especially if it is accompanied by a sweating, fatigue, the raised frequency of palpitation, in such situation it is necessary to go on reception to the cardiologist.
Usually, abdominal pain is accompanied by additional symptoms, which can reveal what caused it. Infectious diseases and clogging of bile currents are usually accompanied by fever, chills and fever. Also, problems with bile currents can be indicated by a change in the color of the stool in the light side and urine in the dark side. Severe convulsive pain in a compartment with a black or bloody stool indicates internal bleeding, in which case the patient needs immediate hospitalization.
Localization of abdominal pain
The location of pain is a fundamental factor in diagnosing the disease. In cases where the pain comes from the upper abdomen, this indicates possible violations of the intestines of the esophagus, pancreas, liver, bile ducts.
If the pain is located in the upper right abdominal cavity, with possible irradiation under the right scapula, this indicates inflammatory processes in the liver, or cholelithiasis. Abdominal pain, localized below the navel and in the middle of the peritoneum, speaks of problems with intestinal thickening; pain in the navel - about problems with the delicate. Pain in pancreatitis and ulcers often irradiates throughout the back.
In what situations is a consultation of a doctor necessary?
Pain lasting less than a minute is not a cause for concern. If the pain persecutes you for an hour or more, then an urgent consultation with a specialist is urgently needed. Also pay attention to the side effects of the drugs you take, if any.
Below is a list of questions, in the case of a "yes" answer to any of them, you should contact your doctor.
- Does abdominal pain affect your daily activity and working life?
- Have you noticed a decrease in appetite and weight loss?
- Do you wake up at night from acute abdominal pain?
- Have you ever suffered from cholelithiasis, ulcers, or inflammation of the intestine?
- Did you perform any surgeries?
As you can see, the causes of abdominal pain can be completely different, from temporary swellings, to serious diseases. Therefore, if pain causes anxiety, do not pull, but contact a doctor.