All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Discomfort in the abdominal area with bloating, fever, nausea, after eating: causes and what to do
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Abdominal discomfort means a variety of sensations, from mild nausea and belching to significant heaviness and pain. They can occur after eating or, conversely, on an empty stomach, at different times of the day, or bother you with enviable consistency. And there can be many reasons for this. Abdominal discomfort, especially constant, can signal the development of a pathological process, and the most reasonable solution in this case is to seek medical help, especially if the obvious cause, such as overeating or eating poor-quality food, is not obvious.
Epidemiology
One of the causes of discomfort in the epigastrium is considered to be functional dyspepsia. Symptoms of digestive disorders are observed in more than a third of the population of our planet. Such complaints are the cause of approximately 5% of all requests for medical help. According to medical statistics, only 40% of those who seek medical help have organic causes for such symptoms, while the majority fall within the criteria of functional dyspepsia. As a result, its prevalence is estimated at 15-20% and has a clear upward trend.
Irritable bowel syndrome is also considered a very common disease, its incidence in the population is estimated at 15-30%. There are twice or even four times more female patients with this diagnosis than males. Almost all of them belong to the age group from 25 to 40 years.
Causes abdominal discomfort
Most often, discomfort in the abdominal area occurs due to the lack of a diet. Long and uneven intervals between meals lead to the fact that a person, having become quite hungry during the working day, compensates for this with a heavy dinner combined with lunch.
Malnutrition, such as suddenly switching to a strict diet, can also trigger abdominal discomfort.
Dyspeptic disorders can occur due to the abuse of alcohol, caffeinated or carbonated drinks, certain types of food (fatty or causing intense gas formation), in heavy smokers, and also as a result of consuming low-quality food products and a number of medications.
Digestive disorders can be provoked by exhaustion of the nervous system due to stress and mental strain, fear and strong anxiety in anticipation of some significant event.
Allergenic foods can cause discomfort and even severe painful spasms.
It is not difficult to help this grief by analyzing your habits, lifestyle and changing them for the better.
More serious risk factors for abdominal discomfort are infectious and inflammatory diseases of the digestive organs (hepatitis, pancreatitis, gastritis, appendicitis, helminthic invasions, etc.), genitourinary organs, and neoplasms. Radiating pain may be felt in the upper abdomen during gastralgic myocardial infarction. The list of diseases can be continued, since many vital organs are located in this and nearby areas. And if abdominal discomfort bothers you for more than one day, it is recommended to contact a medical institution for examination and identification of its cause.
The pathogenesis of abdominal discomfort depends on the cause that caused it. The mechanism of development of unpleasant sensations when identifying organic causes of their appearance (stomach and duodenal ulcers, chronic forms of liver and pancreas diseases, neoplasms, consequences of drug therapy, etc.) corresponds to the diseases.
If the patient does not have these diseases, but nevertheless complains of discomfort in the stomach area, then they talk about functional dyspepsia. Its pathogenesis is considered from the point of view of impaired acid production, gastroduodenal dysmotility and changes in the susceptibility of the internal organs of the peritoneum. Increased acidity of gastric juice and its insufficient neutralization in the antrum play a major role in the occurrence of epigastric pain. Disorders of the motor functions of the stomach and intestines, manifested in the inability to adequate muscle relaxation, tachygastria, bradygastria lead to accelerated or slowed movement of food and cause stretching of the walls of the stomach sections, a feeling of fullness and heaviness. A significant role is given to hypersensitivity of the receptors of the stomach lining and duodenum to stretching. Currently, a violation of duodenal sensitivity is taken into account not only increased acid production, but also to fat-rich foods. Risk factors for the development of functional dyspepsia: heredity, history of gastrointestinal infections, including Helicobacter, stress and other psychosocial causes, smoking and nutritional errors.
Functional disorder of the intestines, discomfort in which occurs below the navel and is associated with changes in the frequency of bowel movements and the consistency of feces or other symptoms of bowel movement disorders is classified as irritable bowel syndrome. The causes of this are not fully understood, however, there are a number of pathogenetic links that cause this condition: hereditary predisposition (dyspepsia in the family history), imbalance, low stress resistance, emotionality. Factors that trigger the development of the syndrome are a sharp change in the usual specificity of nutrition; preference for a type of food with insufficient fiber content (fatty, protein, carbohydrate); sedentary lifestyle; diseases of the genitourinary system; intestinal dysbacteriosis caused by infection or taking medications, in particular antibiotics; fluctuations in hormonal levels associated with post- and menopause; diabetes mellitus; thyroid disease; excess weight and other reasons.
Identifying the main pathogenetic component in each patient suffering from functional digestive disorders determines the trends of the prescribed therapeutic care.
Symptoms abdominal discomfort
Clinical signs of discomfort in the abdominal area can have different origins and they manifest themselves in different ways. Let's consider the most common of them and the reasons that can cause them.
For example, if there is discomfort in the abdomen and bloating. This condition arose in the patient by chance, and the unpleasant sensations are expressed by short-term but significant pains (colic), periodically passing after the passage of another portion of gases. The pains are wandering, their location changes. The most likely causes of this condition may be:
- excessive consumption of carbonated drinks;
- swallowing air while eating, especially when eating in a hurry, so to speak, “on the go” or accompanied by emotional communication;
- consumption of large amounts of food containing an excess of easily digestible carbohydrates, fiber or starch (fresh baked goods, black bread, legumes, sweets);
- mixing incompatible foods, such as fruit, watermelon or melon after a heavy meal.
This type of bloating usually goes away on its own, causing only short-term discomfort, since gases leave a healthy body naturally quite quickly.
If bloating is a habitual and periodic symptom, accompanied by pain and the patient does not register previous food excesses, then these are probably the first signs of some gastrointestinal disease. Regular flatulence after eating any food can be a symptom of chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Neoplasms, blocking the lumen of the organ, cause partial obstruction of gases and bloating. Non-escape gases are one of the signs of inflammation of the peritoneum organs, and not only the digestive ones. Flatulence is observed with intestinal dysbiosis, lactase deficiency, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, supplemented by other signs of dyspeptic disorders, in particular rumbling.
Discomfort in the abdomen and rumbling periodically happens to everyone, and this condition is usually associated with a feeling of hunger. Sometimes the stomach rumbles in well-fed people in the presence of very appetizing smells, and when overeating after a long interval (four hours or more) from the last meal. The position of the body, heavy drinking in combination with carbonated drinks can cause rumbling in the stomach and the discomfort associated with it. In anticipation of exciting events, rumbling in the stomach may begin, accompanied by diarrhea and nausea. Discomfort and rumbling in the stomach can also be caused by physiological reasons, for example, vitamin-mineral imbalance or menstruation in women. In general, this is not a dangerous and completely natural symptom, which, however, can also indicate more serious pathological processes in the body. Rumbling in the stomach in combination with diarrhea and flatulence with food allergies and imbalance of microorganisms in the intestines, bacterial infection, lactase deficiency and irritable bowel syndrome.
A rumbling sound in the stomach at night may indicate that you had dinner too early. Then a glass of kefir or a light salad of fruits or vegetables half an hour before bed will help eliminate this symptom. Colitis and pancreatitis, the same dysbacteriosis that develops with various diseases can lead to rumbling at night, and if the stomach starts rumbling when turning to the left side, this may be a sign of gastritis.
If the sounds are localized on the right, then we can assume the presence of inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas, on the left - infectious gastroenteritis or alcohol (food, chemical) intoxication. This condition is usually accompanied by nausea and loose stools.
Heaviness and discomfort in the abdomen are most often felt after eating and are caused by various errors in the regime (eating twice a day instead of at least four, a large dinner immediately before bed, snacks instead of a full meal) and diet (preference for fried or flour dishes, semi-finished products, fast food products).
Discomfort in the abdomen after eating can almost immediately be a signal of chronic gastritis. With excessive acid production, discomfort felt in the abdomen and belching with a sour taste is combined with heartburn, or discomfort in the abdomen and nausea - with belching rotten eggs, bloating and heaviness in the stomach with reduced acid production. Stomach disease often recurs in the spring and autumn. Ulcerative lesions of the stomach and gastroduodenitis also have similar symptoms and make themselves known after eating, in some cases immediately, and sometimes - after an hour and a half.
Feelings of heaviness on an empty stomach are provoked by smoking, frequent consumption of alcoholic and carbonated drinks. This condition can arise as a result of nervous exhaustion, functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome.
Abdominal discomfort in the morning can be caused by more harmless reasons, such as overeating in the evening, abuse of fatty or sweet foods. It is usually accompanied by intestinal disorders.
If the sensations are persistent and do not go away, more serious causes can be assumed: helminthic invasions, appendicitis (the pain syndrome is often localized in the right side), partial obstruction.
Discomfort in the "hungry" stomach can be caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the duodenum or duodenal ulcer. Usually combined with the following symptoms: belching, heartburn, nausea and pain, usually at night, which pass after eating liquid and pureed food. Ulcerative lesion of the duodenal bulb can also manifest itself as heaviness in the abdominal area, discomfort is expressed in severe pain in the navel area, which appears when you want to eat and subsides immediately after eating.
Malignant neoplasms in the stomach develop painlessly for a long time, however, they can make themselves known by heaviness in the stomach, nausea, alternating diarrhea and constipation.
Heaviness and discomfort in the abdomen are accompanied by other chronic and infectious diseases of the digestive organs in combination with other symptoms of dyspepsia, so if changing your lifestyle and diet does not lead to a positive result, then you should seek medical help.
Discomfort in the lower abdomen is a probable consequence of urolithiasis, inflammation of the bladder, pyelonephritis. The signs of these three diseases are similar - pain in the lower abdomen above the pubis and an unpleasant pressing feeling combined with frequent urge to urinate, accompanied by burning and pain. Edema, elevated body temperature, dark urine, not transparent, may contain pus.
Unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen can be caused by spasms of the smooth muscles of the large intestine, its overflow, and prolapse of the genitals.
In women, the appearance of nagging pain in the lower abdomen may be associated with menstruation. Inflammatory processes in the female genital organs (salpingo-oophoritis, endometritis, colpitis, vaginitis), bacterial infections also manifest themselves as discomfort in this area. In addition to unpleasant sensations, there may be discharge from the genitals, abdominal discomfort and weakness, as well as fever.
Pregnancy developing outside the uterus is accompanied at first by minor but persistent discomfort on one side of the abdomen. As the fetus develops and grows, the pain intensifies. It is cramping in nature and may be accompanied by fainting and hypotension. In this case, timely medical care is necessary; it is a matter of life and death.
Neoplasms of the pelvic organs may be asymptomatic, but in some cases they manifest themselves with aching pain. Ruptures and torsions of cysts are usually accompanied by severe pain and require immediate surgical intervention.
Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen in men can be caused by inflammation of the prostate gland, testicles, inguinal hernia (which can also happen in women, but men are more susceptible to this pathology). These diseases can be latent for a long time and manifest themselves at the time of exacerbation of prostatitis (orchitis) or when the hernia is strangulated (in this case, severe pain is typical and urgent surgery is necessary).
Discomfort in the abdomen on the left may indicate diverticular disease of the colon. Sac-like protrusions in the intestinal wall (diverticula) can theoretically appear on either side, but in the vast majority of cases they are localized on the left. This pathology can be asymptomatic, but can also manifest itself as dull or paroxysmal pain, usually combined with constipation, a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the intestine, and flatulence. A complication in the form of an inflammatory process (diverticulitis) is expressed in severe pain, fever, and requires immediate surgical intervention.
Chronic sigmoiditis also makes itself known by discomfort in the lower left part of the abdomen, the pain can radiate to the leg or lower back. It is combined with defecation disorders.
Discomfort in the abdomen on the left can be a symptom of any left-sided pathology (renal, inguinal hernia, ectopic pregnancy developing in the left tube or ovary, etc.), as well as right-sided discomfort. In paired organs, such as the ovaries, kidneys, ureters, pathological changes occur mainly on one side. The intestines can be affected on one side and then the discomfort is localized there.
Discomfort in the abdomen on the right side, first of all, makes you think about the appendix, which is located on this side. Acute inflammation is usually characterized by severe pain, high (≈39º) temperature, nausea. There may be vomiting. There are many cases when the pain is quite bearable, but the pain is persistent and does not subside, appetite disappears and gases do not pass.
Temperature and abdominal discomfort generally indicate the need for emergency medical care. Especially in cases of temperature increase to 39° and above, which may indicate the development of sepsis. This condition may indicate necrosis of parts of the spleen due to vascular embolism or thrombosis; rupture of an ovarian cyst or fallopian tube in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, acute kidney infection.
Discomfort in the abdomen in the evenings can be observed in women during ovulation, with pathologies of the small intestine, in particular chronic enteritis in the form of not too intense painful sensations of a nagging nature. They usually appear in the evening after eating, accompanied by bloating and rumbling, weakness, bleeding gums. An umbilical hernia also bothers in the evenings. If there is a rounded protrusion in the navel area, tachycardia, dyspeptic phenomena, then it is necessary to call an ambulance and go to the surgical department.
Abdominal discomfort and constipation may be occasional. In this case, it is a symptom of insufficient fluid intake, insufficient physical activity, nervous system overload, and abuse of unsuitable food. The body may react this way to taking certain medications.
However, constipation may also indicate serious diseases of the digestive system. Frequent constipation should prompt you to undergo an examination at a medical facility to determine its cause. And if constipation is accompanied by fever, nausea, cramping pain in the abdominal area, flatulence, you need to call an ambulance.
With bacterial and rotavirus infections, poisoning, allergies, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea often appear. Often this condition goes away on its own, as it began. Sometimes the simplest measures - taking activated charcoal, fixing herbal infusions, a gentle diet help to stop the trouble. However, diarrhea can be a symptom of serious infections and other diseases that require treatment. For example, dysentery. All forms of this disease are accompanied by high temperature, the frequency of bowel movements is about 13-16 times a day. The patient has a fever, weakness, dehydration and anemia. If you do not seek medical help, toxic shock may develop. Other infectious intestinal diseases are no less dangerous.
Diarrhea alternating with difficult defecation may be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. Diarrhea accompanies many acute and chronic diseases of the digestive system. If diarrhea does not go away within two days, it is advisable to consult a doctor. As a first aid, it is necessary to ensure the patient rest, increase his fluid intake, and offer an enterosorbent.
Constant discomfort in the abdomen, whatever it may be, is a reason to visit a medical institution. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment should not be done, vital organs are located in the abdomen and their pathologies can significantly complicate life, and sometimes even cut it short, and timely diagnosis and treatment can completely eliminate the health problem.
Abdominal discomfort during pregnancy
Carrying a child is a responsible period in the life of any woman. This condition is quite natural for the fair sex, and most women feel normal during this period. However, like any person, a pregnant woman can feel discomfort in the abdomen.
For example, flatulence and rumbling in the abdomen in pregnant women can be caused by progesterone, which relaxes the intestinal muscles and reduces intestinal motility. Excessive gas formation can be caused by an unbalanced diet (insufficient vitamins and minerals), eating large amounts of unsuitable food (fatty, sweet, spicy, smoked and pickled). The pain is sharp, stabbing, and goes away with the passage of gases. The condition can be combined with headache, belching with an unpleasant odor, nausea and heartburn. Pregnant women may have previously dormant chronic diseases of the digestive organs aggravated, so if there is constant discomfort, it is worth bringing this to the attention of a doctor.
Flatulence, as well as heaviness in the epigastrium, can be caused by an enlarged uterus at later stages. Usually, everything goes away after childbirth, however, frequent bloating at the end of pregnancy can activate the muscle tone of the uterus and its contractions, which will provoke premature birth.
Discomfort in the lower abdomen of a pregnant woman may be a consequence of physiological processes in her body: in the first weeks, the embryo is implanted in the uterine membrane, which can cause some pain and even slight discharge. The growth of the uterus increases the load on the muscles and ligaments in the abdomen, the growing uterus causes displacement of internal organs, which in sensitive women initiates a feeling of discomfort. These pains are quite bearable, it is worth lying down to rest, as the condition improves.
Pathological pains are usually characterized by intensity and persistence. When there is a threat of termination of pregnancy, an exhausting aching pain appears in the lower abdomen. If it does not go away within three hours, you need to call an ambulance and go to a gynecological hospital. Later, contraction-like attacks begin with the appearance of bloody discharge. Risk factors for spontaneous abortion are injuries, neuropsychic overload, infections, prenatal pathologies.
Premature placental abruption poses a serious danger to the unborn child. The pain is intense and increases over time. In this case, emergency care is necessary.
Pregnant women are not immune to hernias, acute appendicitis and other troubles, but if you listen to your body, you can determine a dangerous condition. In the end, it is better to consult a doctor with a trivial problem than to neglect something serious.
Discomfort in the abdomen of a child
Children's complaints of discomfort in the abdomen and dyspeptic disorders are mainly caused by haste during meals, poor chewing of food, abuse of sweets, carbonated drinks, food that is unsuitable and heavy for the child's stomach, a sharp change in the daily routine or the nature of nutrition. Discomfort in the abdomen can be caused by events that have shaken the child's psyche, strong emotions, an outburst of emotions. In children of different ages, the causes of discomfort and its manifestations are somewhat different.
Discomfort in the abdomen of infants is manifested by screaming, crying, they arch their backs or pull their legs up. In children who are breastfed, gas formation is caused by mother's milk, if the mother does not bother too much with organizing her diet and choosing a suitable diet, since it mainly determines the composition of mother's milk. In this case, the symptoms appear after feeding. If the mother eats canned foods, semi-finished products and other foods containing preservatives and food additives, the child may develop an allergy. Its signs are rashes, dry skin, too rosy cheeks, frequent and loose stools. The mother needs to review and organize her diet, usually this leads to the normalization of the child's condition. If the cause is not the disordered diet of the mother, then the cause of discomfort may be congenital pathologies of the digestive tract of the child. Breastfed babies may also have dysbacteriosis caused by bacterial vaginosis or mastitis in the mother, intolerance to breast milk, artificial formulas, frequent acute respiratory viral infections and allergies.
In children over one year old, due to the immaturity of the digestive system due to inappropriate food, as well as due to nerves, a disruption of the gastrointestinal tract may occur and dyspepsia may develop. Abdominal pain, heartburn, belching, a feeling of heaviness and fullness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. An imbalance of intestinal microflora may be a consequence of pathologies of the digestive organs, the consequences of poisoning, infection, antibiotic therapy, poor nutrition, frequently recurring stressful situations. Children with dysbacteriosis gain weight more slowly, are anorexic, suffer from stool disorders, flatulence. They may have an unpleasant odor from the mouth, irritated bright red mucous membranes, dry skin, splitting nails, hair loss. The child is capricious, gets tired quickly, sleeps poorly.
Abdominal discomfort and diarrhea in a child may be a consequence of dysbacteriosis, as well as intestinal infection, food poisoning, and drug therapy. With frequent bowel movements, a child's body quickly loses fluid, the child constantly wants to drink, and he may experience dizziness and disorientation. In case of diarrhea with fever, abdominal pain, and bloody streaks in the feces, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Constipation in childhood is considered to be bowel movements with an interval of more than two days. The child has difficulty with defecation, the stool is dense, scanty, periodic paroxysmal pain, flatulence. Constipation can be caused by an unhealthy diet, a preference for protein or carbohydrate foods, or a lack of plant-based foods. Children with frequent constipation eat poorly, complain of weakness, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Constipation can be caused by shyness. At the beginning of attending kindergarten or school, it is difficult for a child to adjust and adapt to a new environment, and the natural bowel movements are disrupted.
The cause of abdominal discomfort may be a food allergy to any food, not necessarily exotic. The usual opinion is that an allergic reaction is a rash, but it can manifest itself as dyspepsia. After eating an allergen, a child's stomach hurts until the product is digested. Bloating, nausea or vomiting, dysbacteriosis, diarrhea or constipation may be observed. Food allergies almost never manifest as respiratory symptoms.
Abdominal discomfort can be caused by intestinal parasites that enter the body with poorly cooked foods (fish, meat), unwashed raw vegetables and fruits, and dirty hands. Helminthic invasions can manifest as malaise, dizziness, and dyspepsia. Attacks alternate with periods of relief. Children complain of abdominal pain, and a rash may appear on the skin. The child loses weight. Intoxication with parasite waste products aggravates dyspeptic symptoms, and the child may vomit while eating. With enterobiasis (pinworm infection), children often experience severe itching in the perineum and experience nocturnal enuresis. Ascariasis manifests itself in frequent vomiting with bile, periodic fever, and abdominal pain similar to intestinal colic. The child complains of headaches, sleeps poorly, and becomes irritable.
Acute appendicitis first manifests itself as pain in the epigastrium, which then descends down the abdomen. There may be nausea, constipation, gas retention, high temperature, vomiting. In children, the symptoms are usually acute and the process develops quickly. This situation requires immediate medical attention.
Rotavirus infection is characterized by moderate pain in the stomach, rumbling, bloating, loss of appetite and frequent vomiting. Diarrhea lasts from three to six days.
Discomfort in the lower abdomen can be caused by acute cystitis.
If a child has acute abdominal pain, especially accompanied by a rise in temperature, it is necessary to call a doctor. Do not feed, palpate or warm the abdomen, or give analgesics.
[ 22 ]
Complications and consequences
A one-time abdominal discomfort caused by errors in diet and eating habits and eliminated with the help of sorbents, herbal preparations and a gentle diet usually does not entail any consequences.
However, if discomfort, even moderate, periodically reminds of itself or is present constantly, this indicates organic disorders. To determine the causes of abdominal discomfort and effectively eliminate them, you must seek medical help.
It is unlikely that you will be able to ignore the symptoms of "acute abdomen" for a long time, but many people do not pay attention to minor but persistently recurring digestive disorders for a long time. This can lead to serious chronic diseases of the digestive organs, such as inflammatory, calculous, erosive and ulcerative lesions. And if with timely and complete treatment, the consequences may be absent or minimal, then in advanced forms of chronic diseases, conservative treatment is often insufficient. Surgical treatment is carried out, which consists of removing part or all of the diseased organ, after which the patient's quality of life is significantly reduced.
Diagnostics abdominal discomfort
Diagnostic measures include examination and questioning of the patient regarding the time of appearance and frequency of symptoms of discomfort, their connection with food consumption, and the supposed causes of occurrence.
Laboratory tests are prescribed: blood (clinical, biochemistry), urine, feces (for helminth eggs, occult blood, coprogram). A modern diagnostic method is the blood test "gastropanel", which allows to detect helicobacteriosis (by the presence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori), the level of pesinogen I (a proenzyme secreted by the fundic glands of the stomach, a precursor of pepsin), the level of gastrin (a digestive hormone that allows to recognize disturbances in the formation of hydrochloric acid).
Instrumental diagnostics are widely used, primarily esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which allows visual assessment of the structure of the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. During this procedure, biopsy samples are taken and acid production by the stomach is tested. Respiratory diagnostics for the presence of Helicobacter pylori may be prescribed.
The abdominal organs are examined using ultrasound (US) to rule out or establish the presence of neoplasms of the pancreas, stomach lining or duodenum.
Colonoscopy and rectoscopy (with biopsy if indicated) allow for an assessment of the structure of the inner surface of the colon. If a neoplasm or stricture of the esophagus is suspected, contrast radiography is prescribed.
Computer tomography reveals difficult to diagnose formations or damage to the esophageal canal. The motility and contractility of the esophageal organs are determined using electrogastroenterography, esophageal and antroduodenal manometry.
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnostics of functional dyspepsia involves a thorough examination of the patient in order to exclude ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum, neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, chronic pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, granulomatous enteritis, ulcerative colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and the consequences of taking medications and herbal preparations.
Irritable bowel syndrome is also established by excluding colorectal neoplasms, inflammatory pathologies, tuberculosis and intestinal polyps, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, gynecological diseases and physiological conditions in women, endocrine and mental pathologies, intestinal infections, and the effects of taking medications and herbal preparations.
These two diseases are diagnoses of exclusion and are differentiated from each other, and the overlapping symptoms make it difficult to differentiate functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome.
Treatment abdominal discomfort
If the discomfort is accidental and caused by nutritional errors, it does not pose a serious danger. It is enough to adjust your daily menu and organize the correct diet - the unpleasant signs of upset digestion will quickly disappear. You can eliminate existing symptoms with the help of enterosorbents or folk remedies.
To eliminate constipation, you need to drink more fluids (at least two liters per day), plant foods containing fiber, replace whole milk with fresh yogurt or kefir, and eliminate foods that cause intestinal spasms.
To eliminate diarrhea, exclude for a while foods that cause upset stomach and flatulence (cabbage, legumes). For any digestive disorders, it is important to organize fractional meals many times a day.
However, if the condition does not go away within a few days, the symptoms stubbornly return, you need to see a specialist, since nutritional errors could provoke a relapse of a chronic disease of the digestive organs, which you did not even suspect. If the discomfort in the abdomen consists of a pain syndrome, accompanied by a high temperature, then this condition requires emergency measures.
Treatment of abdominal discomfort caused by organic pathologies is prescribed by a doctor depending on the specific diagnosis. If, upon careful examination of the patient, such pathologies are excluded, and he is constantly and for at least three months bothered by painful sensations in the upper abdomen, burning, heaviness in this area after eating, flatulence, premature satiety, urge to vomit, then they talk about functional dyspepsia syndrome.
Treatment measures include optimizing the patient's lifestyle (giving up bad habits, eating a fractional diet) and drug therapy, which is carried out in three directions: the use of standard treatment regimens aimed at destroying Helicobacter; reducing and normalizing stomach acidity; restoring the motor function of the stomach and duodenum. Most patients require complex therapy combining all three methods.
Helicobacter pylori eradication is carried out according to the international protocol. Proton pump inhibitors used in eradication schemes simultaneously reduce acid production and can be used for these purposes independently if the patient has not been diagnosed with helicobacter pylori. As practical experience shows, Rabeprazole and Esomeprazole, second-generation drugs, are preferable.
The first of them with the same active substance (rabeprazole) inhibits acid production by reducing the enzymatic activity of hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase on the surface of parietal cells. The effect of the application depends on the dose and reduces both the basic and stimulated secretion of hydrochloric acid. It has slightly alkaline properties, is quickly absorbed and accumulates in the parietal cells. The effect of the drug is somewhat potentiated by daily intake of one tablet, a stable effect occurs on the fourth day of administration. After the end of therapy, acid formation is normalized after two to three days. It is metabolized using the cytochrome 450 system, which should be taken into account when prescribing drugs with a similar metabolism. It has many side effects, with long-term treatment, the condition of patients must be monitored. Contraindicated in children, pregnant and lactating women, sensitized individuals. Prescribed in dosages from 10 to 20 mg, per day - once. The duration of treatment is from one to two months.
Esomeprazole (S-isomer of omeprazole) is a weak basic hydroxide. It acts in a similar way, inhibiting the enzymatic activity of hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase on the surface of parietal cells. Reduces both basal and stimulated production of sulfuric acid. It is quickly absorbed by the lining of the alimentary canal, the maximum concentration is achieved after an hour or two from the start of administration. Systemic blood flow reaches 64% of a single dose of Esomeprazole 0.04 g. This figure increases with multiple daily administration of this dose to 89%. Food intake slightly reduces the rate of its absorption in the stomach, which, however, does not affect the effectiveness of reducing the production of hydrochloric acid. The drug is completely broken down with the enzymatic participation of the cytochrome P450 system. With a single daily oral administration of the recommended dose, the drug is completely eliminated from the blood serum between doses and does not accumulate. It is not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women due to insufficient data on its effects during this period.
Ganaton (active ingredient – itopride hydrochloride) is a modern prokinetic of selective action, enhancing propulsive peristalsis of all organs of the digestive tract and preventing the development of duodenogastric reflux. The action of this drug is due to the stimulation of the release of endogenous acetylcholine and an increase in the time of its activity, which is achieved by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This tones the muscles, including the sphincter muscles, leads to an increase in the duration of contractions of the smooth muscle tissue of the stomach and intestines, accelerates the movement of the contents of these organs in the right direction.
The active substance is absorbed (approximately 90%) in the intestine, the highest plasma concentration is recorded after ¾ hour from the moment of taking Ganaton. Absorption does not depend on food intake. The metabolism of this drug is carried out in the liver with the help of flavonoid monooxygenase without the participation of cytochrome P450, which makes it possible to avoid negative interactions when combining it with other drugs, the metabolism of which is carried out by enzymes of the CYP450 system. Ganaton has virtually no toxic effect on the liver, does not accumulate and does not pass through the blood-brain barrier. Inactive metabolites of the active ingredient are excreted in the urine, for complete excretion of one dose, ½ a day is enough.
The recommended single dose is 50 mg, taken every eight hours. The maximum permissible dose is 800 mg per day. The duration of treatment is from two to three weeks.
Not prescribed to pregnant and lactating women, persons aged 0-11 years, with bleeding, perforation, obstruction of the digestive organs, sensitization, elevated prolactin levels.
If there is a positive response to treatment with the above-mentioned medications, it is recommended to gradually discontinue them or change to an "on-demand" treatment regimen. If the therapeutic effect has not been achieved, then the treatment is continued taking into account the psychosocial status of patients with functional dyspepsia, prescribing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (the most modern and without serious side effects) or tricyclic antidepressants. The drugs are taken in the recommended dosage orally, at night. The effectiveness of psychopharmacotherapy is assessed after a month and a half from the start of treatment. If there is a response, treatment can continue for up to six months.
Treatment of patients with functional bowel dysfunction is aimed at relieving exacerbation, returning to active social life and improving the quality of life in general. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome should exclude foods containing a lot of fructose (honey, pears, watermelon, apples, cherries, plums, fruit preserves, juices and sauces) and lactose (milk and milk-based products), as well as legumes, grains, cabbage (white cabbage, Brussels sprouts), beets, garlic and onions (onions, leeks, shallots).
Drug treatment depends on the patient's predominant symptoms. The leading role is given to selective antispasmodics, such as Spazmomen. A synthetic drug that has an anticholinergic effect. The active component, otilonium bromide, selectively blocks the transport of calcium ions through the cell membrane and inactivates cellular receptors, tachykinin and muscarinic. As a result, the smooth muscles of the intestine relax, their contractions slow down, gas formation decreases, and a certain analgesic effect is achieved. Otilonium bromide is practically not absorbed (no more than 5%), so there are no systemic effects that relax the smooth muscle tissue of other organs. The only contraindications listed are hypersensitivity to the active ingredient and age 0-12 years. Pregnant women can be treated under the supervision of a specialist. Interaction with other drugs has not been recorded. As a rule, 40 mg is taken twice or three times a day. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor.
Abdominal discomfort and constipation in irritable bowel syndrome are currently treated with bioactive supplements of partially water-soluble fiber. For example, Psyllium, the main active ingredient of which is plantain powder. It replenishes fiber deficiency, increases intestinal motility, promotes its cleansing, and eliminates difficult bowel movements. It is not prescribed to patients sensitized to the active and additional components, pregnant and lactating women, and people with severe organic diseases of the digestive system. It is taken in solution (bag/glass of water) from one to three times during the day.
Lactulose may be prescribed, which increases the number of lactobacilli in the colon. They promote the breakdown of carbohydrates, resulting in the formation of lactic acid and increased acidity in the intestine, which activates peristaltic movements. Suppresses the development of salmonellosis, is not addictive, does not interfere with the absorption of vitamins, can be used to treat infants from six months, pregnant and lactating women. Contraindicated in galactosemia. After the first dose, it can cause flatulence and intestinal colic, which then pass. Orally 15-30 g twice a day.
In case of diarrhea, Loperamide may be prescribed, an opioid that relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestine, toning the anal sphincter. Contraindicated at the age of 0-2 years, pregnant and lactating women, diarrhea with blood, inflammation of the colon (ulcer, caused by taking antibacterial drugs). May cause allergies, weakness and drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, pain in the stomach area. Prescribed at 2-4 mg symptomatically.
Diarrhea can be eliminated by using enterosorbents.
In long-term conditions associated with abdominal discomfort, vitamins are prescribed, since dyspeptic disorders cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Vitamin therapy is prescribed by a doctor based on symptoms and examination data.
Physiotherapeutic treatment is prescribed depending on the nature of the pathology and is included in the therapeutic scheme as rehabilitation measures. It should be taken into account that physical procedures are contraindicated in erosive and ulcerative lesions, bleeding and the presence of tumors, with symptoms of "acute abdomen".
Standard procedures are electrophoresis or phonophoresis with medications. They are performed to relieve pain and inflammation.
Amplipulse therapy restores muscle motility and has a beneficial effect on the gastric epithelium and secretory function.
Acupuncture activates the functions of the digestive organs by acting on them through active points on the human body.
UHF therapy (electromagnetic decimeter waves), UHF therapy (ultra-high frequency) – improve blood circulation, stimulate healing and eliminate swelling and pain.
Physiotherapy plays a leading role in diseases of the female reproductive system. Depending on the nature of the disease, electrical procedures with direct and alternating current, dia- and inductothermy, Franklin currents, UHF, and ultrasound are prescribed. Light therapy, hydrotherapy, mud, ozokerite, paraffin applications, as well as peat clay and warm sand are used.
In chronic prostatitis, magnetic therapy, laser and inductotherapy, and thermal procedures are used to prevent relapses of the disease.
Folk remedies
Abdominal discomfort has always happened. Traditional medicine is full of recommendations for eliminating this problem. However, if you are sure that dyspeptic symptoms appeared as a result of alimentary factors, or you know your diagnosis, and your doctor does not object to the use of traditional remedies, then you can self-medicate. Otherwise, it is better to first get examined and consult a doctor.
So, a proven remedy for nausea, diarrhea, flatulence is activated carbon, which is usually in every home medicine cabinet and is considered a folk remedy. It is dosed at the rate of one tablet per ten kilograms of the sufferer's body weight.
In addition to activated carbon, our mothers and grandmothers also used a light pink solution of potassium permanganate for food poisoning. You need to be careful with potassium permanganate, it must be filtered to avoid getting undissolved crystals inside (which can easily go unnoticed in the solution). Drink one glass at night and another one in the morning. Enemas from this solution will disinfect the intestines and relieve intoxication, and most importantly, the patient will not feel the nasty taste of the solution.
Diarrhea has long been treated with rice broth, boiled over low heat in the proportions: a quarter of a glass of rice per liter of water. The mucous broth is filtered and taken 1/2 glass at intervals of one hour.
The natural antibiotic allicin is contained in garlic, to prevent the development of putrefactive bacteria it is recommended to eat it, onions and wild garlic also have bactericidal properties. In addition to disinfection, these vegetables contain a lot of useful substances and vitamins.
To treat inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as its protection, it is recommended to drink raw eggs on an empty stomach. Drink one egg in the morning for a week. But there is a risk of catching salmonellosis, so you need to buy eggs in safe places.
To relax the intestinal lining, it is recommended to drink tea with the addition of cinnamon powder and ginger (on the tip of a knife).
For bloating, pain syndrome and abdominal cramps, herbal treatment is recommended: marshmallow, chamomile, peppermint, calamus, yarrow, St. John's wort. These herbs have a pronounced bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and soothing effect.
Peppermint leaf decoction: pour 200 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of the herb, boil for at least five minutes. Strain and drink 1/4 cup before meals.
Chamomile infusion: pour 200 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of flowers, leave for four hours. Strain and take two tablespoons before meals four times a day.
[ 35 ], [ 36 ], [ 37 ], [ 38 ]
Homeopathy
In case of abdominal discomfort, you can choose, together with your doctor, complex preparations offered in a homeopathic pharmacy or a Heel brand preparation. They are usually universal and are intended to cure various dyspeptic disorders and inflammatory processes in the stomach. For example, Gastricumel-Heel. The complex preparation includes the most popular homeopathic components used for digestive disorders and gastrointestinal tract function. This preparation can be used both independently, especially in the initial stages of the disease, and in combination with medications. A Gastricumel tablet is placed under the tongue 30 minutes before eating or an hour after and dissolved until it dissolves. To relieve an acute attack, you need to dissolve one tablet at intervals of a quarter of an hour, but make sure not to take more than 12 pieces per day. Treatment is continued for two or three weeks. Repeated use is possible if prescribed by the attending physician. The drug can be taken from the age of three, expectant and nursing mothers - only under medical supervision. The development of allergic reactions cannot be ruled out.
In case of severe acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa, it can be combined with Traumeel C to speed up the recovery process. Traumeel is able to quickly stop the inflammatory process, swelling, pain, and hyperemia through the activation of its own immunity.
In case of dysfunction of the digestive organs, Gastricumel-Heel can be used in combination with Nux vomica-Homaccord drops, which eliminate the consequences of the undesirable impact of toxic substances on the gastric mucosa, tone its muscles and activate motility, not only of the stomach, but also of the entire digestive tract from top to bottom, eliminating the symptoms of dyspepsia.
Combination with Mucosa compositum is possible, especially in case of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract mucosa, to enhance motility and normalize coordinated movements of organs, eliminate bleeding, and accelerate the regenerative process. If necessary, the combination is supplemented with Traumeel.
The dosage of the combined treatment is prescribed by the attending physician. If necessary, all these drugs can be combined with anti-Helicobacter therapy.
In case of gynecological diseases, the complex homeopathic drops Gynecoheel are used. The active ingredients of this remedy have the ability to stop the inflammatory process, pain, swelling, soothe and improve blood circulation. The functioning of the female genital organs is normalized. It is indicated for infectious and inflammatory gynecological diseases. May cause allergies, should be prescribed with caution to people with thyroid dysfunction. Pregnant and lactating women - only as prescribed by a doctor. Recommended dose: ten drops per ½ glass of water, take three times, holding in the mouth before swallowing, from two to three weeks. An acute condition can be relieved by taking the recommended dosage every quarter of an hour for two hours. Can be combined with other drugs.
Mulimen is a complex of drops for the treatment of menstrual pain and other discomfort during this period and before it, irritation and spasms of the hypogastric plexus and normalization of neurohormonal processes related to the female reproductive system. It has no contraindications or side effects. Pregnant and lactating women should take it as prescribed by a doctor.
Immediately before taking, drip 15-20 drops into 20-50 ml of water and drink, holding in the mouth as long as possible. Repeat the intake three to five times a day. You can dissolve the daily portion in 200 ml and drink throughout the day at equal intervals in small sips, trying to ensure that the solution is maximally absorbed into the oral mucosa. To relieve acute discomfort in the lower abdomen, it is allowed to take 10 drops at 30-minute intervals for two to three hours. Make sure that 200 drops/day are not exceeded.
Momordica Compositum is a homeopathic solution in ampoules, used in the treatment of pancreatic dysfunction, acute and chronic. It has the ability to relieve inflammation, eliminate vomiting and pain, soothe and relax muscles, has an astringent and antioxidant effect. Normalizes the pancreas and enzymatic activity.
The drug contains iodine, so it should be prescribed to patients with increased thyroid function after consultation with an endocrinologist and under his supervision. Increased salivation is the only established side effect. Pregnant and lactating women should take it as prescribed by a doctor. It is compatible with any medications.
The solution can be used parenterally (by any means) and orally. Children 0-1 year old – 0.25 ampoules, 2-5 years old – 0.5 ampoules, persons over six years old – one ampoule (2.2 ml) from one to three times during the week. Duration of therapy from three to five weeks.
Sabal-Gommakord - drops for normalizing urine flow in hyperplasia of the prostate gland. Contraindicated in case of sensitization to the components, not prescribed to women, caution should be exercised when prescribing the drug to people with liver pathologies, alcoholics, with brain pathologies, including traumatic ones. Combined with other drugs.
Immediately before taking, drip 10 drops into 30 ml of water and drink, holding it in your mouth as long as possible so that the solution is maximally absorbed into the oral mucosa. Repeat the intake three times a day. To relieve acute discomfort in the lower abdomen, it is allowed to take 10 drops at intervals of a quarter of an hour for two hours. The duration of therapy is five weeks.
Solidago Compositum S - ampoules with a solution used for acute and chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the genitourinary system in men and women. There are no contraindications, side effects are extremely rare - allergies, hyperergic reactions, hypersalivation. Pregnant and lactating women should take as prescribed by a doctor. Combines with any medications.
The solution can be used parenterally (by any means) and orally. For persons over six years of age - one ampoule (2.2 ml) from one to three times during the week. For oral use, dilute the ampoule in two tablespoons of water and drink, holding it in the mouth as long as possible so that the solution is maximally absorbed into the oral mucosa. The duration of therapy is from four to six weeks.
In case of abdominal discomfort, Galium Heel (immunomodulatory homeopathic drops with a detoxifying effect) can be prescribed. It is used in the same way as the previous drug.
Classical homeopathic medicines can also significantly improve the condition and even lead to complete recovery, however, they must be prescribed by a homeopathic doctor.
Prevention
Since abdominal discomfort is most often a consequence of dietary errors, you should be attentive and careful about your body, try not to overeat or go hungry, eat a varied diet, without relying on spices, fatty and sweet dishes, fried foods, carbonated drinks and alcohol.
Unpleasant sensations in the stomach are constant companions of heavy smokers. There are studies that show that the risk of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, not to mention organic pathologies, is twice as high in smokers than in non-smokers. It is also noted that the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract is quickly restored after the patient says goodbye to the bad habit.
Patients with gastrointestinal disorders often experience nervous shocks, emotional and physical overload, and chronic stress. Therefore, it is necessary to try to avoid, if possible, nervous and mental overstrain, increase stress resistance, and learn to control your emotions.
Compliance with hygiene standards also prevents infectious and parasitic infections of the digestive organs.
Timely treatment at a medical facility when persistent symptoms of digestive disorders appear will help to avoid complications and achieve full recovery in most cases.