home Audience 12 Why does my stomach hurt all the time? Causes of abdominal pain: pathological and non-pathological cases. Pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation

Why does my stomach hurt all the time? Causes of abdominal pain: pathological and non-pathological cases. Pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation

Abdominal pain (med.: abdominal pain) or abdominal cramps occurs at least once in every person. Most often, they go away after some time. However, in some cases the pain is long-lasting and chronic.

The causes of pain are very diverse - most of them are relatively harmless. But there are also serious diseases that manifest themselves through abdominal pain. It is important to recognize when you need to see a doctor immediately.

Pain can be caused by changes in intraintestinal pressure in the small and large intestines, stretching of the lumen or contraction of the muscularis propria, as well as disturbances in the blood supply.

Abdominal pain should be distinguished by the following symptoms:

how long does the pain last,
type of pain
what area of the abdomen hurts?
to which areas of the body it irradiates (gives or spreads).

Depending on the duration of the pain, there are:

acute - acutely occurring, which recurs after some time,
chronic - persistent abdominal pain for several weeks, which may either increase or decrease,
chronically recurrent - over a long period of time they either appear or are absent.

Acute abdominal pain that appears suddenly is quite common, for example due to a gastrointestinal infection or stress.

Chronic persistent abdominal pain occurs in rare cases.

Chronic pain with relapses is much more common. They are characteristic, for example, of irritable bowel syndrome or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease.

The abdominal cavity contains a large number of internal organs. These are primarily the digestive organs, in women the uterus and ovaries, in men the prostate gland. Problems with any of these organs can cause abdominal pain.

The heart and lungs are also in close proximity to the abdominal cavity, and their diseases can cause abdominal pain.

Conventionally, pain in the abdominal cavity can be divided into three groups:

pain in the intestines,
pain in other abdominal organs,
pain that has no connection with the abdominal organs.

Table of symptoms and causes of abdominal pain and first aid

Causes of abdominal pain	Symptoms	Adviсe (does not replace consultation with a doctor)
Food intolerance (fructose, lactose, gluten)	After eating the appropriate food: Stomach ache Flatulence Diarrhea	Keeping a food diary Examination by a doctor Exclusion of intolerable products
Atypical cardiac infarction	Sudden abdominal pain spreading to the shoulders Nausea Vomit	Calling a doctor
Constipation	Stomach ache Difficulty defecating Several days without stool Bloating	Movement in the fresh air Spicy food Prunes, watermelon (chew seeds), sour fruits Coffee beans Abdominal massage
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes (in women)	Cramping pain in the lower abdomen Nausea Vomit Constipation Diarrhea Pain when urinating Blood between periods Discharge	The doctor's consultation
Testicular cancer (for men)	Stomach ache Backache Loss of appetite Lethargy	The doctor's consultation
Crohn's disease (chronic intestinal inflammation)	Nagging pain Spasms Diarrhea Fatigue Malaise	The doctor's consultation Drink a lot Vitamins and microelements
Inflammation of the uterus (for women)	Recurrent cramps during menstruation Blood between periods	The doctor's consultation Warmth, herbal teas
Reflux esophagitis	Pain in the upper abdomen Pain in the esophagus Sour belching	Don't eat much in the evening High pillow Avoid stress Avoid alcohol, smoking, fatty foods
Inflammation of the cecum (appendicitis)	Pain in the navel area Pain in the lower abdomen on the right Pain when walking Pallor Fever Diarrhea Nausea	Mandatory consultation with a doctor If necessary, surgery
Flu	Stomach ache Fever Vomit Diarrhea Chills	Bed rest Drink a lot Medicines on the advice of a doctor
Food poisoning	Sharp or dull abdominal pain Nausea Fever Diarrhea	Bed rest Drink a lot If necessary, hospitalization
Stress	Abdominal cramps Diarrhea Constipation Flatulence Loss of appetite Nausea	Modern relaxation methods Muscle relaxation Psychotherapy Light food Herbal teas, such as fennel and chamomile Ban on alcohol and smoking Warm Movement in the fresh air

Intestinal diseases

The disease is characterized by an increase in pain in the afternoon.
If the cause of abdominal pain is diseases of the left side, then pain on the left side of the abdomen appears before stool, as a result of bloating and decreases after the passage of gas and bowel movements.
Quite often there are complaints of abdominal pain and the urge to defecate, which appear immediately after eating. Such symptoms are most often associated with intestinal dyskinesia.
When abdominal pain intensifies when walking, exercising, or shaking, it is a dangerous symptom. It indicates the presence of a deep inflammatory process in the abdominal cavity. It could be a hernia or chronic appendicitis.
With such symptoms, you should urgently consult a doctor, since the spread of the pathological process can ultimately lead to peritonitis.
If problems arise in the right half of the colon, they manifest themselves as pain after quite a long time. In contrast, changes in the left, narrower part quickly lead to pain.
Paroxysmal pain can be the result of both a functional intestinal spasm and an attack of partial intestinal obstruction due to scar formation or partial closure of the intestinal lumen by a tumor.

Other causes not related to the abdominal organs

Abdominal pain may be associated with brain damage and other diseases of internal organs located outside the abdominal cavity. However, in these cases it is rarely the main or primary symptom of the disease.
Spinal diseases such as curvature, arthritis, arthrosis, tuberculosis, tumors of the spine and spinal cord, and displaced intervertebral hernias can also cause pain in the abdominal cavity in combination with pain in the spine, and sometimes without pain in the spine.
Severe abdominal pain can also be felt as a consequence of pain in the abdominal muscles and abdominal muscles when they are overstrained during physical activity.
Sometimes painful skin can also be perceived as pain in the abdominal cavity.
Pain around the navel may be associated with increased sensitivity of the nerve plexuses and mesenteric plexuses.
If you are worried about constant aching pain in the abdomen, which continues for months and years, and it is not associated with the physiology of the intestines, and if there are no organic changes in the intestines, then such pain may be psychogenic. It is often difficult to distinguish psychosomatic gastrointestinal pain from gastrointestinal flu, or from pain for other reasons, because the symptoms may be the same. If the examination does not reveal any problems with the intestines or other organs, then the cause of these pains may be psychological discomfort. Feelings such as fear, stress or grief have a destructive effect on the nervous system. It’s not for nothing that experts call the abdominal cavity the “second brain.” The gastrointestinal tract has its own nervous system, consisting of 100 million nerve cells. Therefore, psychological problems can cause not only pain, but also diarrhea, flatulence and bloating.

It is difficult to objectively assess pain sensations.

Their intensity depends on a number of factors: the type of higher nervous activity, emotional background, and the environment in which the patient is located.

Pain in the upper abdomen

The cause of this localization of pain may be the spleen (left), liver (right) or stomach (center). The pancreas is also located in the upper abdomen.

Pain in the lower abdomen

There are also many reasons that can cause pain in the lower abdomen. In addition to bowel-related causes such as inflammation of the colon and cecum, urinary tract diseases and gynecological or prostate diseases in men can cause pain.

. Pain during inflammation of appendicitis usually begins in the navel area, then descends to the lower right side of the abdomen. The pain occurs suddenly and acutely. Symptoms such as fever, nausea, and vomiting are also typical.
. The pain begins sharply, often in the right lower abdomen. Accompanied by vomiting, fever, nausea.
- another reason for cramping intestinal pain, almost always accompanied by vomiting, nausea, diarrhea (diarrhea).
. Increased accumulation of intestinal gases can lead to bloating and pain.
. In irritable bowel syndrome, pain is associated with disturbances in the tone of the small and large intestines. The pain is perceived as dull or cramping. It occurs at different times after eating and is often provoked by emotional stress. The pain does not occur at night, but often interferes with falling asleep. The pain usually lasts for many years and varies in intensity and duration on different days. Pain points on the abdomen coincide with the projection of the rectum.
. Pain in Crohn's disease occurs primarily in the lower right abdomen, but it can also radiate throughout the abdomen. This disease is characterized by diarrhea, intestinal cramps, and fever. Another symptom is weight loss.
Hernia. Men are more likely to suffer from hernias. They cause bloating and aching pain in the groin.
Gynecological diseases. In women, diseases such as endometriosis, inflammation of the ovaries or ectopic pregnancy lead to nagging pain in the lower abdomen. In this case, vaginal discharge is observed.
Many women suffer from menstrual pain.
. When intestinal diverticula become inflamed, severe intestinal pain occurs, manifesting as colic.
Renal colic. The pain occurs in attacks in the lumbar region. Severe pain can be caused by kidney diseases such as pyelonephritis or kidney stones. The pain comes in jerks and can radiate down the leg. Nausea and vomiting often occur.

Pain throughout the abdominal area

Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the location of abdominal pain.
Possible causes of such pain include:

gastrointestinal infections,
stress,
peritonitis,
circulatory disorders,
intestinal obstruction.

Acute stomach. This is a sign of a medical emergency and requires an urgent call to the ambulance. Typical symptoms include a hard stomach, pressing pain, sweating and a weak pulse.

For more information on the topic of abdominal pain, see the following articles:

When do you need to see a doctor urgently?

If abdominal pain is accompanied by the following symptoms, you should immediately call a doctor:

Any pain in the abdominal cavity deserves the attention of a doctor and requires an examination to identify the causes.

Attention! Our website provides you with primary information on the topic of left abdominal pain. However, this information cannot replace consultation with a doctor. Any abdominal pain requires medical examination.

How does your stomach hurt? It aches, drags and burns. Sometimes something cuts and stabs in it. And it happens that your stomach growls, tugs and twists. Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints, because it contains more than a dozen different organs, each of which manifests itself differently. Based on the location of the epicenter of pain, its nature and intensity, one can assume the cause of the ailment.

In most cases, abdominal pain does not occur for long and goes away on its own without requiring special treatment. This happens, for example, when overeating, inability to have lunch on time, or after stress. But sometimes abdominal pain is an alarming signal from the body and requires urgent medical attention.

To make it easier to understand the symptoms, we divided the abdomen into three floors: upper, middle and lower, in each of which we identified the most typical areas of pain localization (see figure). Using this diagram and explanations in the text, you can understand why your stomach hurts and what to do about it.

Upper abdomen hurts

Most often, pain occurs in the upper abdomen: in the epigastrium (1), right (2) and left (3) hypochondrium. Usually these pains are in one way or another associated with eating, and are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The intensity and nature of the pain can vary significantly.

Epigastric pain (1)

The epigastrium or epigastric region is the upper central area of the abdomen, just below the sternum. Epigastric pain is usually associated with diseases of the stomach or esophagus. The most common reasons for them may be:

Gastritis or dyspepsia is a stomach disease associated with a violation
digestion, which is accompanied by heartburn, belching, nausea and decreased
appetite. The pain may be aching, pulling,
sometimes they become burning or sharp and are associated with food intake.
If the cause of dyspepsia is short-term
(infection, dietary error, stress, etc.),
then the pain goes away within a few days.
If the disease is caused by more serious factors,
you will need to consult a doctor.
Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum - education
on the mucous membrane of the stomach or initial parts of the intestine
ulcerative defects, which leads to increased pain in the epigastrium.
The pain becomes burning, gnawing, and may
radiate to the navel, neck and occur even at night, on an empty stomach.

Pain in the hypochondrium on the right (2)

Pain under the ribs on the right side is usually associated with diseases of the liver and gallbladder:

Biliary dyskinesia (BDH) - this disease is associated with impaired contractility of the gallbladder and bile ducts. Bile is secreted from the gallbladder irregularly, which, on the one hand, leads to its overflow and pain, and on the other hand, to disruption of digestion in the intestines, since bile is needed to activate digestive enzymes.
Depending on the form of dyskinesia, dull long-term pain in the right hypochondrium or, conversely, short-term acute cramping pain in the same area may predominate. Pain due to dyskinesia occurs when eating fatty foods or when the diet is disrupted; they are not accompanied by a deterioration in general well-being, but are associated with frequent bowel disorders and a bitter taste in the mouth. To treat dyskinesia, drugs that stimulate the functioning of the gallbladder or antispasmodics are used, depending on the form of the disease. For diagnosis and treatment.
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. Accompanied by acute cutting pain in the hypochondrium on the right, often with nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Gallstones are the formation of hard stones of varying sizes in the gallbladder, which can block the lumen of the bile duct. The result is a sharp, acute pain in the right hypochondrium of high intensity, increased heart rate and breathing, and sometimes vomiting. Requires urgent medical attention.
Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver, which may cause nagging pain in the right hypochondrium, of low intensity, aggravated by deep breathing, bending the body forward and backward. In the first place, as a rule, comes a feeling of general malaise, weakness, loss of appetite, and sometimes yellowing of the skin.

Pain in the hypochondrium on the left (3)

Pain in the left hypochondrium, which appears during intense physical activity without prior warm-up, especially after eating, occurs as a result of irrational redistribution of blood in the internal organs, including the spleen. Once you slow down, the pain goes away. No special treatment is required.
Splenic abscess is a rare disease associated with the formation of an abscess in the spleen - an abscess. This condition is characterized by increasing pain in the left hypochondrium (pain in the side), deterioration in general health, weakness, and a rise in temperature from 37 to 39 oC and higher. Requires surgical treatment.

Girdle pain in the abdomen

Localization and translation prepared by site. NHS Choices provided the original content for free. It is available from www.nhs.uk. NHS Choices has not reviewed, and takes no responsibility for, the localization or translation of its original content

All site materials have been checked by doctors. However, even the most reliable article does not allow us to take into account all the features of the disease in a particular person. Therefore, the information posted on our website cannot replace a visit to the doctor, but only complements it. The articles have been prepared for informational purposes and are advisory in nature.

Complaints about abdominal pain as common as headaches. Patients say “my stomach hurts”, “the stomach is twisted” or “grabbed”, “the lower abdomen is pulling”, “the stomach hurts”.

When we say that the stomach hurts, we mean a fairly large area - down from the chest and all the way to the groin. This area contains various organs, primarily the digestive and genitourinary systems. The first includes the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines. The second includes the kidneys, bladder, in women – the ovaries, uterus, in men – the prostate gland. And any of these organs can hurt.

Pain comes in different forms. It is useful to distinguish exactly where and how your stomach hurts. This will allow you to more accurately describe the problem at a doctor’s appointment, and a little earlier - to separate pain caused by an accidental factor (for example, poor-quality food) from something truly alarming. The appearance of pain in the abdominal area (often in combination with other symptoms) can be a sign of a serious, dangerous disease.

The causes of abdominal pain in children are collected in a separate article (). The present one is more general.

What is abdominal pain like?

Pain can be acute or chronic.

Acute pain can be paroxysmal, or it can be constant. It can occur sharply, suddenly (in this case they sometimes say “stomach grip”), or it can be weak at first and gradually intensify. Chronic abdominal pain, as a rule, is weaker, passes, but always returns. Increased chronic pain can be caused, for example, by eating.

The severity of pain does not always correspond to the severity of the disease. An attack of severe pain can be caused by a simple accumulation of gases (due to overeating or specific foods) or a viral infection that does not pose a serious danger. Whereas habitual chronic pain can be a consequence, for example, of colon cancer.

Sometimes the pain is localized (the patient can clearly point to the place where it hurts), and sometimes it is distributed (a significant part of the abdomen hurts).

Causes of abdominal pain

Cramping abdominal pain (colic) caused by irritation of the nerve receptors on the inner surface of the hollow organs. In this case, a spasm of smooth muscles occurs - the muscle tissue lining the corresponding organ. Such pains are usually very strong, painful, but do not last long - a few minutes, after which they pass. Attacks can follow one after another, the pain first increases, then decreases...

Attacks can be caused by the movement of stones (in the kidneys, in the gallbladder or duct, in the ureters), inflammatory diseases, and poisoning. One of the common reasons is a violation of the diet (too spicy, salty, fatty foods, excessive eating).

Attacks of pain can be combined with other symptoms - fever, chills (typical of infections and blockage of the bile ducts), changes in the color of urine and stool (with blockage of the bile ducts, the urine darkens and the stool becomes lighter).

Pain may be caused stretching of hollow organs or tension of their ligamentous apparatus(for example, due to injury). It is usually aching or pulling and may not have a clear localization.

Pain may be caused disturbance of local blood circulation(congestion in the vessels of the abdominal cavity), the so-called “abdominal toad” is an attack of pain at the moment of greatest functional activity of the digestive organs.

Acute pain occurs when pathological structural changes or damage to internal organs- inflammation, tumor growth, ulceration, rupture (perforation), transition of the inflammatory process to the peritoneal tissue (peritonitis).

Pain in the abdominal area is not always associated with diseases of the organs located there. Quite common referred pain. In this case, they say that the pain radiates: its source is elsewhere, but the patient feels pain in the abdominal area. This is possible with heart disease, pleurisy, diseases of the esophagus and in some other cases.

Abdominal pain may also be psychogenic origin. Stress, emotional tension, and fear can lead to pain, in some cases quite severe.

Localization of abdominal pain: for which disease where does it hurt?

Epigastric region

The epigastrium (epigastric region) is located in the center of the body between the costal arches, below the sternum. Pain in this area is associated mainly with diseases of the stomach (, duodenitis,). Similar pains occur after eating sour or spicy foods. With a stomach ulcer, painful sensations are possible during long breaks in food (for example, at night). The pain is usually dull, aching, less often sharp. Painful sensations in the epigastric region can also be caused by occasional digestive problems (indigestion, heartburn). In the same area, radiating pain is possible in case of heart disease.

Right hypochondrium (stomach pain on the right side above the navel)

Left hypochondrium (stomach pain on the left side above the navel)

The stomach is not directly in the center of the body, but is shifted to the left, so pain in the left hypochondrium can also be of gastric origin (gastritis, stomach ulcer). The pancreas is also located on the left side, so pain in this area can occur with. The cause of pain can also be diseases of the spleen. Heart pain can also radiate to this area.

Periumbilical region

The intestines (small intestine) make themselves known in this area. Pain can be caused by reasons such as a lack of enzymes (problems with digesting food), intestinal infection, serious inflammatory diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). It can also hurt here.

Left and right lateral abdominal areas

Pain displaced to one side of the mid-abdomen may be caused by problems with the urinary system. The cause may be inflammation of the urinary tract. However, with kidney disease, pain is still more often localized in the lumbar region. Pain on the side of the abdomen can be caused by constipation and gas in the colon (). The left side is more often the area where intestinal diseases take their toll. Pain here can also be a manifestation of colitis or diverticulosis.

Right iliac region (stomach hurts below the navel and on the right)

In this area, in most people, the appendix is located - the vermiform appendix of the cecum. Inflammation of the appendix - appendicitis - is a dangerous disease. The development of appendicitis is usually characterized by sudden and sharp pain, but in some cases the pain may increase gradually. Sometimes the pain is initially felt in the umbilical region and only then moves to the right iliac region. There are people whose appendix is located higher, and accordingly, the pain with appendicitis will have a different localization.

Pain in the lower abdomen

Pain in the lower abdomen is typical with diseases of the urinary system, and in women with gynecological diseases. It can be caused by kidney stones, inflammation of the kidneys (), prolapse of the ureter, gynecological problems: acute and subsequent adhesions, tumors and ectopic pregnancy. Depending on the location of the problem, the pain may be concentrated in the left or right iliac region or in the center (suprapubic region). Another possible cause is varicose veins of the small pelvis (more typical for women). In this case, discomfort in the lower abdomen occurs from time to time, intensifying after physical activity, shortly before menstruation or after sexual intercourse.

Also, pain in the lower abdomen, especially in the left iliac region, can be caused by intestinal diseases: inflammation of the sigmoid colon (sigmoiditis), irritable bowel syndrome, worms, colitis, intestinal dysbiosis and some other diseases.

What to do if your stomach hurts?

Be sure to consult a doctor, If:

pain occurred for the first time;
the feeling of discomfort in the abdomen persists for a considerable time (more than a week). If we are not talking about discomfort, but already pain, do not wait more than 1-2 days;
bloating (flatulence) does not go away within 2 days;
the pain is accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating (or);
the stool is upset for more than 5 days;
pain is accompanied by fever;
pain radiates to the chest, neck and shoulders.

If you are pregnant, the appearance of abdominal pain is a serious reason to consult a doctor.

Conditions of serious concern(emergency medical attention required):

sudden and/or very severe pain;
change in behavior (a person becomes lethargic, apathetic);
painful sensations are accompanied by;
lack of stool;
refusal to eat;
increased heart rate, cold sweat, pale skin;
heat;
tense state of the abdominal wall.

Which doctor should I contact for abdominal pain?

For outpatient treatment of abdominal pain, you should consult a doctor:

if gastrointestinal diseases are suspected (this may be indicated by a connection between attacks of pain and food intake) - to;
if you suspect a disease of the urinary system - to;
for women with suspected gynecological diseases - to;
for pain in the groin area - to or;
in other cases - to

If your stomach hurts badly, the sensations can be quite unpleasant and create a lot of different inconveniences for the sick person.

It is worth noting that many people have to deal with this problem regularly, and although there are no very effective cures for gas and bloating, there are a sufficient number of home remedies and various treatments that can help relieve a person's condition when he has severe stomach pain. .

There are different types of abdominal pain, which appear in combination with their own specific symptoms.

When abdominal pain appears, what should a person do? Before starting treatment at home, the patient should see a doctor to make sure there are no more serious or significant health problems.

Causes and symptoms

What to do if you have stomach pain? In particular, how to properly treat when your stomach is bothering you? This question is very relevant for most people suffering from a wide variety of ailments in the gastrointestinal tract and periodic colic in the stomach.

First, it is necessary to determine the causative factors that contribute to the occurrence of discomfort in the abdominal cavity.

Severe abdominal colic is a common problem. Usually the cause is not serious, the pain is a symptom of a temporary, minor disorder that will quickly disappear on its own.

There are so many possible causes of GI discomfort that diagnosing it can be overwhelming.

Severe, persistent colic in the stomach, especially with a sudden onset, can be caused by serious diseases and requires urgent diagnosis.

If the abdomen is very bothersome, the discomfort is characterized by progression over time, severity (acute or chronic), nature (dull, sharp, aching, piercing), location (left upper or lower quadrant, right upper or lower quadrant), as well as factors that aggravate or mitigate it (food, drink, heat, movement, stress, exercise, etc.).

Localization of discomfort helps determine the diagnosis, but is usually not enough to provide reliable diagnostic hypotheses.

In addition, it is also important to evaluate other characteristics of discomfort, such as:

type of problem affecting the stomach (burning, cramping, stabbing pain, pressure, etc.);
duration (how long the stomach bothers you);
intensity (how much the stomach bothers you);
other symptoms (headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, jaundice);
aggravating factors and so on.

In most situations, even severe abdominal colic does not indicate any serious illness. Most cases are associated with intestinal cramps, exposure to fatty foods, or food poisoning.

Mild intestinal colic is often short-lived and disappears after a few hours, and is usually caused by intestinal dilatation by gas.

Gastrointestinal colic of short duration can also be caused by an increase in gas content in the intestines.

Pain in the abdominal area is cause for concern if it continues for several days, is of great intensity, or is combined with other symptoms associated with a feeling of nausea or fever.

Peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum) is a serious disease, the symptom of which is severe pain in the gastrointestinal tract, and it hurts constantly and intensely.

The development of this disease means that some infections have entered the abdominal cavity, and the inflammation in it is quite extensive and seriously affects the peritoneum, causing pain in it.

Because the latter is highly innervated, it will be very painful when inflamed, and when vascularized, it facilitates the spread of bacteria from the abdominal area to the rest of the body and can lead to sepsis. In this case, pain will also be present.

Symptoms of peritonitis include severe, diffuse abdominal pain associated with involuntary contraction of the abdominal muscles.

The patient usually appears very weak, has a fever and is vomiting.

A feature of peritonitis is the presence of severe pain, in which a person does not allow his stomach to be touched.

Peritonitis is a common complication of many diseases, such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, perforation of a gastric or intestinal ulcer, calculous cholecystitis and others.

It should be treated surgically to remove the inflamed or infected organ and further debridement of the abdominal cavity.

Appendicitis is a finger-shaped vestigial organ that is located near the large intestine. The term "appendicitis" refers to an inflammatory process in the appendix.

One of the distinctive features of this phenomenon is that pain occurs initially in the upper intestines and in the navel area, and then spreads to the lower right areas of the abdomen.

If this condition is treated, inflammatory processes in the appendix can contribute to its rupture, causing all the contents to leak into the abdominal cavity.

Removal of this organ is the only option for treating this condition and relieving abdominal pain.

Kidney stones are specific deposits that are formed due to the crystallization of minerals in the urine. They form in the kidneys or any part of the urinary tract.

Serious pain occurs when the kidney stone is large. In this situation, excruciating pain will be felt as the stone passes through the ureter.

This causes pain in the back, frequent urge to urinate, blood in the urine, etc.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis is characterized by inflammation of the lymph nodes in the double layer of peritoneum, which is attached to the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity. The symptoms of the disease are very similar to those of appendicitis.

The disease causes abdominal tenderness, right-sided severe abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and malaise. However, the disease is not as dangerous as appendicitis, which causes more severe abdominal pain.

Gallstones, which are located in the gallbladder during cholelithiasis, can, if they enter the ducts and obstruct them, cause pain in the abdomen and obstruct the flow of bile.

This often causes an inflammatory process in the gallbladder (calculous cholecystitis).

In this situation, the sick person may experience tenderness in the abdomen, severe pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, which spreads to the back.

Pancreatic cancer is another serious disease characterized by the development of various malignant formations due to an overly active process of cell division.

In addition to severe and intense abdominal pain, cancerous tumors in the pancreas can also cause flatulence, increased gas production, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the intestinal area, jaundice, pale and greasy stool, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue and etc.

Food allergies, food intolerances and food poisoning are other common causes of severe stomach pain.

Food allergies are caused by an abnormal response of the immune system to a specific food, which can cause certain symptoms, such as:

spasms and pain in the stomach;
severe abdominal pain;
diarrhea;
hives and itching;
swelling in the mouth.
edema of various localizations (up to Quincke's edema)

Food intolerance is caused by insufficient production of a certain type of chemical or enzyme that is needed to digest that specific food.

Along with severe abdominal pain, this can cause bloating or gas, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Severe cramping affecting the abdomen, fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may be some of the most well-known signs of food poisoning.

In addition to the above-mentioned conditions, pancreatitis, liver disease, injury, or any disease that affects organs or anatomical structures located in the abdominal cavity can cause severe abdominal pain.

During pregnancy, pain may occur in the lower abdominal region when the fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus.

Since abdominal pain can have many causes and certain factors may be cause for serious concern, it is recommended that you visit a medical expert for help if the pain persists.

The most common causes of abdominal pain in children are gastroenteritis, rotaviruses and food allergies, especially milk allergies.

Food intolerance, especially lactose, is another common condition that can cause stomach pain in babies.

Sometimes an upper respiratory infection can also cause severe abdominal discomfort in young children.

Intestinal worm infection is caused by consumption of contaminated food and water, and skin contact with soil containing larvae. Constipation, indigestion and flatulence can also cause abdominal pain in children.

Therapy

When a patient has severe abdominal pain, what should be done? The usual advice is to use cold or heat to reduce the level of swelling and relieve pain.

Just like placing a hot water bottle on a woman's stomach or back during menstrual cramps, applying heat to the abdomen can also relieve pain due to gas.

If a person has difficulty lying down with a hot water bottle on their stomach or lower back and still has pain, they can take a hot bath.

It is advisable to use soothing scented candles to add an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation.

The pain syndrome should disappear after a certain period of time.

If severe abdominal pain is still present after this procedure, there are a number of natural herbs that are known to provide some assistance in relieving the pain.

One of them is ginger, which can be found in many folk recipes.

You can grate ginger into a mug of boiled hot water and add two teaspoons of honey, this will calm the stomach, relax the abdominal muscles, and save a person from severe abdominal pain.

Chamomile, peppermint, and cinnamon tea may have similar effects on the pain felt during bloating. It is possible to buy most of these types of tea at any supermarket or make your own.

Consuming such teas will reduce pain and, over time, completely get rid of it.

The active cultures in yogurt are also very beneficial, helping to regulate digestion and relieve pain.

While yogurt is the most well-known probiotic in any grocery store, pickles, buttermilk, and sauerkraut can also come in handy here.

With their regular use, the pain goes away after some time.

Finally, if the above natural pain relievers do not help the patient get rid of severe abdominal pain, you can also choose from a number of non-prescription drugs that can combat severe pain.

In this situation, it is better to consult with a qualified specialist in the field of gastroenterology.

An experienced doctor will conduct a thorough examination of the patient, make an accurate diagnosis, and also tell you what to do in a given situation, that is, how to treat a certain disease and what preventive measures to follow in order to avoid relapses of pain and other symptoms (possible repetitions of an existing one). at this point in the illness).

Useful video

Answering the question about the causes of abdominal pain is often quite difficult.
In general, you need to understand that pain itself is not always bad. Pain in general, and abdominal pain in particular, is a kind of signal with which our body warns of danger. Adequate assessment of abdominal pain is of paramount importance, especially in acute illnesses when the patient requires urgent medical attention.

What are the main causes of abdominal pain?

In general, abdominal pain may occur due to spasm or distension of the stomach, duodenum, or other abdominal organs. Such pains are called visceral symptoms; such pains are colic of varying intensity, which are often localized not only around the affected organ, and often have a diffuse, dull character.
Another main type of abdominal pain is somatic (peritoneal) that appears as a result of irritation of the peritoneum by some pathological process (perforation of a stomach ulcer), as a result of which the spinal nerves of the peritoneum begin to suffer and pain appears. In most cases, such pain is constant and acute and intensifies with movement.

Why does my stomach hurt or what specific diseases can cause stomach pain?

First of all, these are diseases of the abdominal organs, stomach and duodenum, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, intestines and spleen;
- diseases of the peritoneum, abdominal wall, kidneys and urinary tract;
- disturbances of blood flow in the abdominal cavity, food poisoning, diffuse connective tissue diseases, rheumatism;
- some systemic blood diseases (hemorrhagic vasculitis, thrombophlebic splenomegaly) or diseases of the lumbar spine (spondyloarthrosis);
- in addition to acute coronary insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis and some other diseases can also be causes of abdominal pain;

The above list is not a complete list of possible causes of abdominal pain, and even from this example you can see that there are quite a lot of causes of abdominal pain.

You can get preliminary information on the topic “Why does your stomach hurt” (but not a diagnosis; only a doctor can make a diagnosis) by selecting the appropriate pain department in the figure on the right.

Why does my left stomach hurt?

The left side of the abdomen contains the spleen, stomach, pancreas and part of the intestines. Certain pathologies of these organs can cause pain in the left side of the abdomen. It should be noted that pain in the left side of the stomach is less common than in the right. The spleen may hurt as a result of its enlargement or rupture. Quite often, pain in the upper left side does not indicate any serious illness and is the result of a simple accumulation of gases. If the cause of the pain is the stomach (except for a stomach ulcer), and the pain is not acute, then further testing for the presence of gastritis is necessary. Causes of pain in the left side of the abdomen (upper) can also be pancreatitis, duodenal ulcer, or renal colic.

Why does my stomach hurt on the right?

Pain in the right hypochondrium in the presence of bitterness in the mouth, radiating to the lower back or right shoulder blade may indicate the presence of cholecystitis. Typically, these symptoms occur after eating excess amounts of fatty or spicy foods. There is also appendicitis on the right side of the abdomen. It is necessary to call an ambulance if the pain first appeared on the right in the epigastric region and gradually subsided; it intensifies when walking and trying to lie on the left side. Fever and nausea may occur. Kidney stones, gallstones, and hepatitis may also cause pain in the right upper abdomen

Why does my stomach hurt after eating?

It should be noted that food is the most common cause of abdominal pain. Excessively salty, fatty, hot or cold foods can cause abdominal discomfort. Regular pain that occurs within an hour after eating and constantly intensifies indicates the development of a peptic ulcer. After a few hours, the pain usually goes away without any treatment. Remember that abdominal pain after eating can be either harmless or a symptom of a serious illness. If the pain seriously bothers you and does not go away for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

Abdominal and lower back pain

Pain in the lower abdomen and at the same time in the lower back can be caused by both acute and chronic diseases.

Appendicitis. Pain from appendicitis can radiate to any area of the abdominal cavity, as well as to the lower back. The pain can be either sharp or dull, depending on the stage of the disease.
Strangulated inguinal hernia. Protrusion and pinching of the muscles of the internal organ causes very acute pain, not only at the pinched site, but also in the lumbar spine. The pain may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Urolithiasis disease. The pain can be intermittent and dull, or it can be constant and very sharp (depending on the advancement of the stone). Its localization is often noted in different parts of the abdomen and lumbar spine.
Disc herniation, osteochondrosis. Degenerative changes in the lumbar vertebrae cause pinching of the nerve roots, thereby causing pain in the lower back and abdomen. The pain can radiate to the groin area and even the legs.
Coxarthrosis, prostatitis, urinary system infections (cystitis), intestinal infections, colitis– can also cause pain in the lower back and various areas of the abdomen.

Lower abdominal pain causes

Pain in the lower abdomen is usually a female symptom, but in men, attacks of such pain can also be a consequence of some common diseases. What can cause pain in the lower abdomen?

Pathology of the intestinal structure. It should be noted that intestinal pathology can cause groin pain in both men and women. As a rule, these pains are not acute and are often accompanied by stool disturbances, nausea, and vomiting. Retrorectal or retrouterine location of appendicitis, intussusception of intestinal loops and intestinal obstruction can cause acute groin pain.
Diseases of the genitourinary system. In women, pain in the lower abdomen can be caused by complicated cystitis, urethritis, endometritis and endometriosis, ovarian apoplexy, ectopic pregnancy, cervical erosion, pelvioperitonitis and other inflammatory and infectious (chlamydia, ureaplasmosis) diseases.
Pain in the lower abdomen can be caused by the growth of benign or malignant tumors or hernias.
Menstrual pain in the lower abdomen is typical exclusively for women.
In women, lower abdominal pain may be associated with pregnancy.