Can your stomach hurt? Wandering pain in the abdomen. Common causes of abdominal pain
The causes of aching abdominal pain may be:
pathological (various diseases);
physiological (pregnancy).
Drawing (aching) pain is of two types: with temporary discomfort and when the pain is unbearable (can seriously threaten health).
Temporary illness:
disorders of the digestive organs, indigestion;
gastrointestinal disorders;
kidney disease (if the pain radiates to the back);
diseases of the genital organs.
Digestive system disorders, indigestion
Causes:
stomach ulcer
gastritis;
cholecystitis;
pancreatitis.
Symptoms:
It's a dull pain;
often - nausea and vomiting.
Gastritis
Nature of pain:
not intense;
dull, aching;
with chronic gastritis it occurs immediately after eating, especially if the food is sour and rough.
Other symptoms of chronic gastritis:
often - heaviness and distension in the epigastrium;
a feeling of pressure and fullness in the pit of the stomach (begins or intensifies during or after eating);
nausea;
belching;
regurgitation;
sometimes heartburn;
burning in the epigastrium;
unpleasant taste in the mouth.
These symptoms may be accompanied by signs of intestinal damage (defecation disorders). As a rule, they are episodic, but often become the basis for the appearance of irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms of general disorders during chronic gastritis:
irritability;
fatigue;
weakness;
disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system: arrhythmia, heart pain, fluctuations in blood pressure;
pallor, sweating and drowsiness (after eating);
burning, pain in the mouth and tongue;
sensory disturbances in the arms and legs (symmetrical).
Peptic ulcer
Symptoms:
the main one is epigastric pain. Its intensity may vary: after surgery, the pain is mild or absent at all. Sometimes the pain can be intense, requiring urgent measures to be taken for relief;
connection with food intake: with gastritis, pain occurs immediately after eating, and with an ulcer, not so quickly, but no later than one to one and a half hours after eating.
relapsing course (alternating seasonal exacerbations and remissions;
often – heartburn, belching;
nausea, vomiting after eating;
weight loss.
A dangerous symptom when the pain becomes sharp, “dagger-like”, cutting (up to painful shock) - this may indicate perforation of the stomach wall with an ulcer (through an opening in the stomach, the acidic contents enter the peritoneal cavity). The condition is threatening and requires immediate intervention!
Stomach polyps
The disease is rare. Diagnosed by chance. But sometimes a dull, aching pain in the abdomen can indicate a polyp.
Associated symptoms:
pain on palpation of the abdomen;
bleeding;
nausea, vomiting.
Stomach cancer
Nature of pain:
non-intensive;
weak;
constant.
Other symptoms:
at an early stage - dyspepsia;
feeling of early satiety, fullness of the stomach after eating;
decreased appetite;
asthenia;
anemia;
aversion to meat;
weight loss;
in later stages – the pain becomes more intense;
bleeding;
vomiting "coffee grounds";
changes in stool (melena - black stool).
Functional disorders of the stomach
Causes:
binge eating;
food digestion disorders;
muscle tension in the anterior abdominal wall;
constipation;
smoking;
alcohol abuse.
Stress
Stomach pain can be triggered by heavy physical exertion and neuropsychic trauma. The stomach is very sensitive to any extreme influences. An example is “bear disease” due to its effect on the nervous system.
Symptoms of stress:
stomach pain;
vomit;
bowel disorders.
Constant stress can lead to chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Food intolerance, allergies
The pain is diffuse, aching in nature. It is associated with the consumption of allergenic foods.
Some people are born intolerant to milk sugar (lactose). When consuming dairy products they experience:
stomach ache;
bloating (flatulence);
nausea, vomiting;
loose stool.
Pancreatitis
Acute inflammation of the pancreas begins with pain in the upper abdomen. It lasts for several days and may resemble stomach pain. It is quite strong and constant. It often spreads to the back and becomes encircling. The intensity of the pain increases while eating.
Other symptoms:
high sensitivity of the anterior peritoneal wall to touch;
bloating;
nausea, vomiting;
temperature;
rapid pulse;
weight loss;
bowel movements with a lot of fat;
in severe cases – dehydration, drop in blood pressure;
exhaustion of the body.
Duodenitis (inflammation of the small intestine)
The intensity of pain in the epigastric region is significant. Often appears after stress.
Other symptoms:
nausea, vomiting;
weakness;
pain on palpation of the epigastrium;
temperature.
Usually the acute process in the small intestine ends on its own after a few days. Repeated duodenitis or lack of adequate therapy can cause a chronic process and complications (bleeding, intestinal perforation, development of acute pancreatitis).
Pain in chronic duodenitis – aching, dull.
Other symptoms of chronic duodenitis:
decreased appetite;
feeling of fullness after eating in the upper abdomen;
pain on palpation deep in the epigastric region;
nausea, sometimes vomiting.
Hunger pain due to duodenal ulcer
Pain in this disease occurs in the epigastric and epigastric region. As a rule, the pain is insignificant, but in some patients it is severe and cramping.
The location of the ulcer in the duodenum is characterized by late pain - no earlier than two hours after eating. The pain often occurs at night. It can be aggravated by certain foods: spicy and sour, marinades, canned food, black bread.
The pain also increases with exercise, drinking alcohol and a long break between meals. Seasonality is typical (exacerbations in spring and autumn).
Products with a high content of alkaline substances have an enveloping effect and delay the onset of pain, reduce or even eliminate it.
These are the following products:
baking soda;
mashed potatoes;
liquid milk porridges;
boiled minced meat and fish;
some mineral waters.
A dangerous complication is perforation of the ulcer.
Symptoms:
sharp, stabbing pain in the epigastric region;
sudden;
severe pallor of the skin;
sweating;
sometimes - loss of consciousness.
The condition is urgent and requires urgent hospitalization and surgical intervention!
Lesions of the large intestine
Colitis
Pain at the site of the projection of the stomach onto the anterior wall of the peritoneum occurs with inflammation of the colon mucosa.
Symptoms:
constant urge to defecate;
rumbling;
bloating;
diarrhea, sometimes containing blood and mucus.
Acute colitis lasts several days, then becomes chronic - the pain weakens in intensity, but becomes constant.
Nonspecific ulcerative colitis
Causes of non-infectious lesions of the large intestine:
hereditary predisposition;
individual food intolerance;
allergic factors;
frequent stress.
Symptoms:
weakness;
temperature increase;
lack of appetite;
body weight loss;
obligatory urge to defecate;
false urge to defecate;
frequent diarrhea;
mushy stool consistency;
feces mixed with blood, mucus, pus;
water balance disturbances;
joint pain.
Irritable bowel syndrome
One of the most common causes of nagging pain in the left part of the lower abdomen. The syndrome is expressed in chronic pain. There are no organic diseases.
Symptoms:
abdominal discomfort;
pain in the lower abdomen (sometimes in the epigastric region);
rare (1-2 times a week) or frequent (more than three times a day) bowel movements;
the stool is either “sheepy” and hard, or watery and unformed;
straining during bowel movements;
imperative urge to defecate;
mucus in stool;
feeling of incomplete bowel movement;
sometimes pain during bowel movements;
the pain sometimes goes away after a bowel movement;
bloating;
heartburn;
backache;
muscle pain;
headache;
chronic fatigue syndrome;
anxiety and depression.
Sometimes the pain temporarily disappears, and the person thinks that he has recovered. However, the disease returns and progresses, the pain intensifies. General disturbances plus discomfort last from three months to one year. Then bloating occurs, and diarrhea and constipation alternate. You should not put off visiting a doctor, since advanced stages will be difficult to treat and will take more time.
Please note that nagging pain in the left abdomen can worsen during nervous disorders or nervous breakdowns.
Sigmoiditis
Sigmoiditis – inflammation of the sigmoid colon (part of the large intestine)
Causes:
infection (pathogenic bacteria);
autoimmune process (immune system disorders) - antibodies are produced that identify the cells of the sigmoid colon as foreign.
Symptom: aching pain in the left and lower abdomen.
Damages of the cardiovascular system
Cardiac ischemia
A pathological condition in which the blood supply to the myocardium is disrupted due to damage to the arteries of the heart. Pain in coronary artery disease is associated with increased physical activity or stress. Localized behind the sternum. Sometimes it radiates down to the epigastric region (can simulate pain in the stomach).
Other symptoms:
weakness;
dyspnea;
interruptions in heart function;
feeling of heart rhythm disturbances;
forced sitting position;
swelling of the lower extremities.
Aching pain in the lower abdomen in men
Causes:
intestinal diseases;
pancreatic diseases;
hernias;
diseases of the urinary system;
diseases of the genital organs (including inflammation of the testicles);
inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis).
Prostatitis
Inflammation of the prostate gland is a fairly common disease of the genital area in men.
Symptoms:
lower abdominal pain;
difficulty urinating;
frequent urge to urinate;
sometimes painful urination;
burning sensation after urination.
Aching pain in women
Aching, nagging pain in the lower abdomen in women can be caused by inflammation of the female genital organs:
ovaries (oophoritis);
fallopian tubes (salpingitis);
uterine appendages;
combined inflammation – salpingoophoritis.
These diseases are usually chronic.
Characteristics of pain:
the pain is not intense;
the course is long;
There are periods of relapse (increased pain) and remission (decreased pain).
Tumors of the uterus
Symptoms:
aching pain in the lower abdomen;
iron deficiency anemia (anemia);
an increase in the volume of the abdomen, sometimes significant (with uterine fibroids).
Endometriosis
With endometriosis, endometrial cells (the lining of the uterus) grow in other organs and tissues of the pelvis.
Symptoms:
dull pain in the lower abdomen;
as the disease progresses, discharge (bloody) from the genitals (outside of menstruation);
blood when urinating.
Abdominal pain during pregnancy
The pain is associated with the fact that the growing uterus puts pressure on nearby organs - the bladder, large intestine, kidneys, ureters.
When the pain is urgent
Other symptoms may accompany the aching pain. It is necessary to seek urgent medical help in cases where:
pain intensifies;
the pain becomes unbearable;
nausea and vomiting appear;
if a woman begins to discharge blood from the genitals;
the temperature also rises;
chills appear.
But even if emergency help is not required, you need to consult a doctor, undergo diagnostics and find out the cause of the pain in order to start treatment earlier, avoid the process becoming chronic and prevent the development of complications.
When we have a stomach ache, it can be difficult to figure out: whether it’s a minor thing and everything will go away in a couple of minutes, or whether we’ll have to suffer for a couple of days, or whether we urgently need to call an ambulance.
The stomach can prick, squeeze, press, swell, cut. And at the same time, it is not always possible to pinpoint exactly where it hurts, because it just hurts... in the stomach.
Pain can radiate to the stomach not only from the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, but also from the kidneys, bladder, and internal genital organs. In general, anything can hurt your stomach.
All these different types of pain require different actions. To understand what is happening and how to treat it, try to focus not on the pain, but on the other symptoms that accompany it.
What symptoms should you pay attention to?
Problems with stool
When you have constipation, then most likely the cause of the pain is precisely this disruption of the intestines. Lifehacker wrote in detail about how to get rid of constipation.
Loose stools most often accompany a variety of intestinal disorders, including infections and poisoning. In any case, loose stools are a reason to go on a gentle diet and drink as much as possible, because diarrhea often causes dehydration.
This is also a reason to take enterosorbents like activated carbon and its modern analogues in order to remove from the body what caused diarrhea.
Nausea and vomiting
Most often they occur due to poisoning and intestinal infections. When vomiting, you need to drink a lot, as with diarrhea. Choose pleasant drinks (not coffee or soda), drink often and in small sips so as not to provoke another attack of vomiting.
There is no need to make any solutions for gastric lavage. It is better to buy a rehydration solution at the pharmacy and drink it. Enterosorbents can also help if they are in liquid form and you are comfortable taking them.
Unpleasant sensations in the abdominal area
Maybe you don't feel pain, but rather bloating or nausea. Then, most likely, you have dyspepsia - what is called indigestion. It goes away on its own.
A burning sensation behind the sternum is already heartburn, in which the contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus. We described in detail how to cope with this feeling in one of the articles.
It just hurts and nothing else
Wait. Abdominal pain simply cannot be drowned out with painkillers or antispasmodics, because many serious symptoms begin with mild pain. And if the pain intensifies, you need to seek help.
Pills can mask the pain, so you will get to the doctors later than you should.
The exception is pain during menstruation, when you know exactly why and how your stomach hurts.
When to see a doctor
Common, everyday causes of stomach pain like dyspepsia (indigestion) or constipation may not require any medical attention. But see your doctor when:
- The pain is very severe or gets worse and does not go away.
- You feel pain coursing through you.
- There is a sharp pain somewhere on the right (this could also be a problem with the gallbladder).
- You are losing weight due to stomach pain.
- Symptoms do not disappear in 2–3 days.
- You have risen.
- You think that your case of pain is not ordinary and you need to consult a doctor.
When to call an ambulance
In some cases, everything is so bad and confusing that a person with abdominal pain urgently needs to be taken to the surgeons’ table so that they can immediately determine what happened and quickly eliminate the cause of the pain. This condition is called acute abdomen. This is a set of symptoms that indicates that in this case only surgery will help, and the sooner the better.
Signs of an acute abdomen:
- Severe pain in any area of the abdomen.
- Cold sweat.
- Forced position: the patient can only be in a certain position.
- Vomiting blood or vomit the color of coffee grounds.
- Black or bloody stools.
In any case, it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance, list the symptoms, and position the patient so that he does not have to make unnecessary movements. It is advisable to put something cold on your stomach. For example, an ice pack, even an improvised one, made from frozen vegetables.
How often do we meet stomach pain? Sometimes it can simply be a consequence of overeating or the result of eating stale food. But it may also happen that pain serves as an alarm signal for the body. Unfortunately, we cannot always interpret it correctly.
Abdominal pain often occurs suddenly, at the most inopportune moments: when we are at the dacha, on the road, just relaxing in nature or working. It is important to understand when you need to seek medical help and when you can do it on your own.
Why does my stomach hurt?
There are many reasons for abdominal pain. At the same time, although the result is the same, the treatment and first aid are different. If we analyze the causes of abdominal pain specifically by disease, then among the main ones we should highlight:Stomach: where it hurts
Many diseases have their own individual character. This is of undeniable importance during diagnosis. Having the necessary knowledge, you can establish a primary diagnosis based on the classic picture of the disease. You should not get carried away with self-diagnosis - it is better to entrust this important task to a doctor, but you can often assess the degree of danger yourself.For example, pain in the lower abdomen often appears when problems associated with the urinary system occur. In this case, there may be increased pain and discomfort during urination. In women, this phenomenon is usually associated with painful menstruation.
Important! Pain in the lower abdomen in the middle of the cycle can be caused by a dangerous female disease - ectopic pregnancy. In this case, there is a sharp, stabbing pain, which is sometimes accompanied by bloody discharge from the vagina.
Localization of pain in the center, just above the navel, may indicate the presence of digestive problems - for example, pathological processes that develop in the stomach and duodenum.
Elderly people should be careful: such localization of pain is characteristic of the atypical, abdominal form of myocardial infarction.
Important! If you have sudden pain that is localized first in the navel area, and then moves lower and to the right- this is a reason for serious concern and calling an ambulance: there is a high probability of developing appendicitis.
Sometimes the pain appears immediately in the right iliac region. If it is localized in the area of the right lower rib, this may indicate problems with the liver. If the pain intensifies after eating, especially fatty foods, there is a possibility of problems with the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Pain below the navel, which appears at night or on an empty stomach, may indicate the presence of a duodenal ulcer.
What is an "acute belly"
The name "acute abdomen" is a general term for a number of symptoms present with serious injuries to the abdominal organs. In this case, the patient experiences increased tone and pathological tension in the muscles of the abdominal wall. Severe sharp pain in the abdomen intensifies when trying to change body position.
Diagnosis acute stomach“is a reason for immediate hospitalization of a person in the surgical department, where the doctor will establish an accurate diagnosis and provide the necessary medical care. This is important because an acute abdomen can be a sign of serious problems in the abdominal and pelvic organs. It is often noted, for example, in diseases such as:
- perforated stomach ulcer;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- intestinal rupture.
It is important to know that in case of an acute abdomen, the patient is strictly prohibited from taking any painkillers - this can blur the clinical picture of the disease and make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis. Applying cold (or vice versa - heat) is also prohibited. By analogy with analgesics, cold blurs the picture of the disease, and heat can aggravate the situation.
Appendicitis: how to recognize
It is quite easy to recognize appendicitis on your own. To do this, you simply need to know its clinical picture and react in time.
- Sign #1
- Sign #2
- Sign #3
Attention! At the first signs of appendicitis, you should not delay going to the hospital; delay calling an ambulance - this is fraught with complications.
What to do if you suspect pancreatitis
is an inflammation of the pancreas. This disease is notorious for severe, almost unbearable pain, concentrated in the solar plexus or just below. The pain can spread, radiate to the lower back or encircle like a hoop. Starts on an empty stomach or 2 hours after eating.
What you should absolutely not do:
- giving painkillers - this will make it very difficult for the doctor to diagnose;
- give enzymatic medications (mezim and similar drugs) - they will only worsen the condition;
- flush the stomach in case of vomiting.
I have a stomach ache - what to do?
The tactics for treating abdominal pain may vary depending on the disease - different diseases require different approaches to eliminate pain. Don't take risks with your health.If your stomach suddenly hurts, consult a doctor
Remember: you should not take painkillers unless you are 100% sure that it will not make your situation worse.
If you have diarrhea or heartburn, taking the necessary medicine is often all you need. Medications can also be used to relieve intestinal spasms that cause pain. Of the drugs available to everyone, no-spa and papaverine help with spasms. Gastroenterologists often prescribe duspatalin or trimedat.
If you are not a supporter of medications, use a decoction of chamomile flowers. To do this, you need to pour boiling water over them and boil for 15-20 minutes over low heat. Cooled to room temperature and strained, the broth can be drunk.
Pain can be a sign of a fairly innocent disease, well known to the patient for a long time. But we should not forget that they can also indicate a very serious illness. It is worth understanding that taking antispasmodics, analgesics or other drugs may not bring the desired result. In this case, you should not repeat the dose or increase the dosage.
If you are worried about intense abdominal pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible and describe the current situation. At the same time, it would not be amiss to mention what you did on your own.
Stomach pain is called gastralgia. It manifests itself as a result of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or various pathological conditions. Most often, pain is felt in the left hypochondrium. Pain may also be observed in the lower abdomen. The nature of the sensations is pulling, aching, dagger-like, dull, intense. The degree of pain depends on the provoking factor.
Why does a person suffer from abdominal pain and how to get rid of the unpleasant sensations? Painful sensations vary in intensity. With gastritis, mild pain is observed, which can appear and fade on its own. It is for this reason that gastritis is often treated untimely.
Constant abdominal pain may indicate the presence of a peptic ulcer or malignant neoplasm. If the ulcer is perforated, severe pain can cause shock.
To find out the cause of the development of pain, it is necessary to pay attention to the intensity of painful sensations, their nature, and dependence on provoking factors. Dull or burning pain accompanies diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, solarium. In chronic gastritis with low acidity, aching pain and distension in the abdominal cavity are observed. The intensity of sensations increases with cholecystitis, pancreatitis and colitis. The ulcer is characterized by cramping, sharp pain; when it perforates, the pain becomes dagger-like.
Pain syndrome is also inherent in nonspecific irritable bowel disease, granulomatous colitis, peritonitis, tumors, inflammation and diverticulosis. The causes of dull painful sensations localized in the epigastric region can be ailments such as diffuse polyposis of the colon, failure of the motor and secretory system. Knowing the cause of the pathology, the doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment course.
Constant, prolonged pain is observed with dyspepsia. The pathology is accompanied by a disruption in the functioning of systemic organs. Failures of the organic type are fraught with pancreatitis, ulcers, cholelithiasis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The pathology is extremely rare. After pressing, a dull aching pain appears. The disease occurs against a background of vomiting, nausea and bleeding.
Constant pain may indicate gastrointestinal cancer. In some cases, a malignant neoplasm in the stomach is manifested by mild pain.
The first stage of the tumor is characterized by decreased appetite, the symptoms are similar to those of dyspepsia. A person experiences rapid satiety, anemia, weight loss, aversion to food, and a feeling of discomfort. The late stage is characterized by bleeding, black stools and bloody vomiting.
Infectious pathologies
The pain may be spasmodic. Pathology manifests itself after suffering a bacterial or viral illness. The pathology is called intestinal flu. May be accompanied by vomiting, loose stools and elevated body temperature.
Functional disorders
The presence of pressing pain, a feeling of heaviness in the epigastric region indicates a disruption of the digestive system. Observed after overeating, eating fatty, fried, heavy foods. Clinical manifestations: tense abdominal muscles, constipation.
Stress
The manifestation of unpleasant sensations in the stomach is observed in some cases after nervous or physical fatigue. The pathology is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Poisoning
In case of poisoning, the pain can be sharp and intense. Nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, weakness, sweating, diarrhea, and fainting may also occur.
Pancreatitis
With pancreatitis, pain is concentrated in the upper abdomen. There is constant intense pain radiating to the back. In some cases, the pain syndrome is girdling in nature. Secondary symptoms: flatulence, vomiting, increased heart rate, nausea, weight loss, dizziness. During the acute stage, blood pressure may drop because the pancreas cannot synthesize the required amount of enzymes.
Duodenitis
With duodenitis, the small intestine suffers. The painful syndrome is associated with stressful situations. The sick person has a fever and excessive weakness. Thanks to timely treatment, the disease goes away quickly enough. If left untreated, a chronic form may develop, accompanied by dull pain, bloating in the abdomen, and heaviness after eating.
Hunger pains
This pathology manifests itself in peptic ulcers, inflammation of the gastric mucosa. There is a sucking and stabbing pain of a cramping nature. Strengthening the syndrome is caused by excessive physical exertion, consumption of spicy and sour foods, and alcohol.
Colitis
The pathology is accompanied by infection of the colon. Symptoms: loose stools mixed with blood, rumbling, bloating, desire to defecate. Provoking factors for colitis are heredity, stress and allergies.
Diaphragm spasm
The diaphragm separates the thoracic region from the abdominal region. When blood circulation is impaired, a spasm appears in the diaphragm - a sharp, shooting pain that intensifies with deep inspiration.
If you experience constant discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, you need to visit a gastroenterologist to establish a diagnosis. It is forbidden to self-medicate, as this is dangerous to health. It is recommended to maintain a healthy diet, lead an active lifestyle, walk in the fresh air, and reduce stressful situations.
In case of constant pain, examination and consultation with a highly qualified specialist are required. The disease is easier to treat if it is detected at an early stage. To eliminate abdominal pain, medications, folk remedies, physiotherapy and a strict diet are prescribed.
Thank you
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!
General information
Everyone has been bothered at least once pain in the lower abdomen, so everyone knows that such an illness can cause many painful minutes. Sharp pain in the lower abdomen can easily leave you bedridden for several hours.Did you have nagging pain in your lower abdomen in the morning?
The day will definitely be ruined.
Why are pains in the lower abdomen so exhausting?
The fact is that even if the painkiller does work, only the most daredevils will risk a tasty meal after such a start to the day.
What is life without a delicious, juicy hamburger or your favorite cake with airy cream?
Just about, suffering begins from just one glance at a plate with healthy, but absolutely tasteless oatmeal.
What is the difference between pain in the lower abdomen?
Avoiding the unnecessary suffering that pain in the lower abdomen always brings with it is not so difficult. Perhaps one tablet of painkiller will be enough, which can be bought without a prescription at the nearest pharmacy. Although some may require longer treatment.In any case, you first need to clearly determine what kind of pain is bothering you. To do this, you will need to comprehensively answer the following questions:
When did the first unpleasant sensations occur?
Pain in the lower abdomen often appears after eating. Still, not every body responds well to an overly nourishing and plentiful lunch or dinner. A fairly common situation is when pain in the lower abdomen makes itself felt after sex. And for many women, pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation has long become habitual.What is the nature of the pain?
To make it easier for the doctor to make a correct diagnosis, the patient must somehow characterize the pain. Dull pain in the lower abdomen is quite common. Many also complain that there is acute pain in the lower abdomen.Many people have difficulty describing pain. But the doctor needs to hear at least some comparison to understand which disease is most likely. To explain what kind of pain a person experiences, you can use the following adjectives: sharp, dull, cutting, stabbing, sharp, cramping, pulsating, etc.
How long does the pain last?
Perhaps it has not stopped for a long time or, on the contrary, periodically occurs in the form of attacks.Where exactly does it hurt?
When a person says something like: “it hurts in the lower abdomen,” it is difficult for the doctor to fully understand the patient. The location of the pain needs to be specified more precisely. Some people have pain in the sides of the lower abdomen, and some are haunted by pain in the lower left abdomen. All this must be reported to the doctor in order to speed up the determination of the cause of the disease.What causes pain?
Associated symptoms can be very diverse: fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, etc. In addition, when there is pain in the lower abdomen, discharge should not be ignored either. It is worth paying attention to their color, frequency and the presence or absence of blood in them.What do such pains mean?
The causes of pain in the lower abdomen can be very diverse. Too many diseases give such a symptom. Some of them can occur in everyone, others - only in a certain group of people. To answer the question: “why does it hurt in the lower abdomen?”, it is worth carefully studying all the possible causes of such pain.Pain in the lower abdomen may appear due to the following problems:
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix ( vermiform appendix of the cecum). Appendectomy surgeries account for 90% of all surgeries performed in the hospital. If left untreated, appendicitis can cause the development of peritonitis. If the reason for calling the ambulance was severe pain in the child’s lower abdomen, then doctors will most likely suspect appendicitis and suggest going to the emergency hospital so that the surgeon can confirm or refute the diagnosis. Even if pregnancy is confirmed, but there is pain in the right lower abdomen, first of all, any doctor will think about appendicitis and will be right. The same applies to all other situations in which the right side in the lower abdomen hurts.
Treatment : always surgical. An operation is performed to remove the inflamed appendix.
Gastritis
Inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa. This disease is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen and chest. In addition, complaints that the left side of the lower abdomen hurts are standard for gastritis. You can get rid of the symptoms of such inflammation within one to two weeks, but for this you need to start treatment in a timely manner. Other symptoms : nausea, vomiting, unpleasant taste in the mouth, heartburn, burning under the chest, feeling of heaviness in the stomach, malaise, drowsiness, pallor, loss of strength. All symptoms are worse after eating.
Treatment : depends on the severity of the disease and the acidity of gastric juice ( which can be normal, increased or decreased).
Infections of the pelvic organs (gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis)
Common diseases caused by harmful bacteria entering the body. Transmitted sexually. Mycoplasmosis and chlamydia are characterized by white discharge, pain in the lower abdomen and other symptoms. If brown or yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor and pain in the lower abdomen appear, then the most likely diagnosis is gonorrheal or trichomonas infection.Treatment : medications are prescribed that will help relax the intestines and restore its function.
Poisoning (intoxication)
Diseases that occur due to the ingestion of stale food, harmful chemicals, too much alcohol, etc. Poisoning is easy to determine, because pain in the lower abdomen, diarrhea and other characteristic symptoms occur almost simultaneously.Other symptoms : weakness, nausea, vomiting, high fever, chills, diarrhea.
Treatment : complex. Includes gastric lavage and agents that absorb toxic substances. Sometimes antibiotics are needed. After treatment, medications are also prescribed to restore normal microflora.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas. With pancreatitis, the chest and lower abdomen most often hurt very much, the pain radiates to the upper part of the body and to the left. Therefore, with pancreatitis, a person may also complain that “it hurts in the left lower abdomen.” Other symptoms : vomiting with bile, after vomiting there is no relief, it is not possible to empty the intestines, stool retention, bloating, jaundice, confusion, renal failure.
Treatment : Most often, urgent surgery is necessary.
Peritonitis
A very serious disease during which the peritoneum, the tissue that covers all internal organs, becomes inflamed. Urgent treatment is required, otherwise the patient's life is at risk.Often, with peritonitis, the entire abdomen hurts. Although if the patient says that “the left side in the lower abdomen hurts,” this diagnosis should not be excluded, because peritonitis can begin in one place ( localized), and only then spread throughout the abdomen. Characteristic of peritonitis is a temporary cessation of pain, which returns after one to two hours, maintaining its intensity. If the pain does not go away for more than one day, despite taking pills, calling an ambulance becomes inevitable. When your stomach hurts for so long, the diagnosis of “peritonitis” will most likely be made.
Other symptoms : nausea; dry mouth; vomit; fever; abdominal muscle tension; sharp pain that occurs when pressing on the anterior wall of the abdomen; if you suddenly remove your hand from your stomach, the pain intensifies; Possible pain in the neck area.
Treatment : an emergency operation during which the entire abdominal cavity is washed out of pus and the main purulent focus is removed.
Cystitis
Inflammation of the bladder, which is indicated by pain in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, accompanied by pain and other painful sensations. Cystitis is successfully treated, therefore, the sooner the patient consults a doctor, the faster he will return to normal, and the pain in the lower abdomen will be forgotten like a bad dream.Other symptoms : general weakness, high temperature, cloudy urine.
Treatment : antibiotics, diuretics, uroseptics are prescribed.
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder, which leads to disruption of the outflow of bile. This disease is usually caused by stones formed in the gall bladder. Cholecystitis has different symptoms, pain in the lower abdomen is one of them. With this disease, pain most often occurs in the right lower abdomen. In addition, pain in the lower abdomen and back is characteristic, radiating to the right shoulder or shoulder blade. Other symptoms : high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, you constantly want to scratch your skin, dull pain intensifies after eating.
Treatment : following a diet and prescribing medications that help dissolve small stones. The most effective treatment is removal of the gallbladder. Performed for large stones or for frequently recurring attacks of biliary colic.
Stomach ulcer
Damage to the gastric mucosa. With peptic ulcers, there are periods of exacerbation and periods of weakening of the disease. This disease is not the best thing that can happen when pregnancy occurs, but pain in the left lower abdomen during such an important period is a sure sign that you urgently need to make sure that there is no stomach ulcer. If the diagnosis is confirmed, there is no need to panic either. Today this disease is successfully treated. Other symptoms : pain intensifies after eating or, on the contrary, occurs exclusively on an empty stomach, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, sour belching.
Treatment : can be non-surgical for uncomplicated peptic ulcer and surgical for the development of serious complications ( when the ulcer completely eats away the wall of the stomach and the contents enter the abdominal cavity or when bleeding develops).
Pain in women
Representatives of the fair sex often have severe pain in the lower abdomen of a gynecological nature. There are three types of pain:
Pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation
Such pains appear regularly at some phase of the menstrual cycle. Some women are more likely to experience pain in the lower abdomen before menstruation ( more often in young nulliparous girls), and others experience pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation or during menstruation ( more often in multiparous women due to overstretching of the uterus).The following diseases lead to pain of this kind:
Dysmenorrhea
This is the first disease that you should think about if you have pain in the lower abdomen before your period, because... it is very common. Pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation is most often also caused by dysmenorrhea. Symptoms usually disappear on their own within one to two days, but before that, severe pain below is constantly felt, especially when walking.Endometriosis
A rather serious disease in which tissue that is normally located inside the uterus, for one reason or another, appears in another place: in the wall of the uterus, on the ovaries, etc. When acute pain appears in the lower abdomen, gynecologists immediately remember this disease. Other symptoms : pain in the lower abdomen during sex, infertility, pain during emptying the bladder or bowels, pelvic pain, increased menstrual bleeding. In this case, the beginning and end of menstruation is accompanied by dark brown ( "chocolate") discharge from the genital tract.
You can relieve the condition when there is pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation. To do this, you should take an analgesic, drink green tea, get enough sleep or just get plenty of rest. In addition, you can prepare a heating pad and hold it on your stomach for 20 - 30 minutes.
Pain not associated with the menstrual cycle
These pains occur suddenly and may indicate diseases of the genitourinary system. The uterus, appendages or urinary tract were probably damaged. When women have pain in the lower abdomen, it can be assumed that one of the following problems is present:Inflammation of the uterine appendages (salpingoophoritis)
This disease is caused by harmful microorganisms such as staphylococci, streptococci, etc. If you do not treat salpingoophoritis in time, the matter may result in serious complications. It makes sense to think that the appendages may have become inflamed if there is pain in the lower abdomen and purulent discharge. Although, if there is pain in the lower abdomen during sex, then salpingo-oophoritis is also quite possible.Other symptoms : malaise, fever, chills, excessive sweating, tense abdomen, painful urination.
Torsion of the uterus
The appendages twist around their axis, which prevents the proper flow of blood to the organs. If a woman experiences pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, then there is every reason to think about uterine torsion. It is worth saying that torsion of the appendages most often occurs when there are a large number of adhesions in the abdominal cavity.Other symptoms : nausea; vomit; a lump in the lower abdomen that can be easily felt when pressed. When you change body position, the severity of symptoms changes dramatically.
Consequences of abortion
It does not matter how the abortion was performed: surgically or medically. After some time, pain in the lower abdomen after an abortion will still appear. Throbbing pain in the lower abdomen usually bothers you for several days after surgery. Most often, the pain is so mild that there is no need even for analgesics. But if pain in the lower abdomen in the middle continues to bother you for a long time, then you should consult a doctor. As you know, abortions cause many complications, and they need to be identified as early as possible.Other symptoms : bleeding, menstrual irregularities, increased body temperature, discharge from the genital tract.
Cyst rupture
It happens that there is pain in the lower abdomen and nausea does not give rest. In this case, you need to remember that cyst rupture is also possible.Other symptoms : possible nausea, vomiting, weakness, pallor, fever. If the temperature is elevated, then it cannot be reduced with the help of conventional antipyretics.
Uterine cancer
A common cancer disease, which may be indicated by aching pain in the lower abdomen. Usually this pain is not very intense and patients get used to it. But it is precisely this monotonous pain that should alert you to uterine cancer. Other symptoms : leucorrhoea, often with a putrid odor; bleeding.
Ovarian cancer
During this disease, a malignant tumor forms in the ovaries. Therefore, if you have been experiencing pain and pain in the lower abdomen for a long time, then you should urgently visit a gynecologist. Although the disease can be asymptomatic.Other symptoms : enlarged abdomen, bleeding.
Spikes
If pain in the lower abdomen and nausea appear, then the presence of adhesions can be assumed. They represent a fusion between organs that are located nearby. This disease can cause complications in the form of varicose veins of the pelvic veins. This can lead to the fact that the pain in the lower abdomen on the right or left will only intensify.Other symptoms : weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting.
Pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy
Typically, pain in the lower abdomen in pregnant women especially worries women. Still, during this period, the stomach becomes not just one of the parts of the body, but a home for the baby. In other words, the stomach is an object of intense attention. Therefore, when the lower abdomen hurts during pregnancy, everyone begins to panic: the expectant mothers themselves, their husbands, and everyone around them. People are worried for good reason. If there are sharp pains in the lower abdomen, pregnancy is most likely in jeopardy.When pregnancy is confirmed, nagging pain in the lower abdomen, like all other pain in this area, is divided into two groups:
1. obstetric;
This category includes frequent pain in the lower abdomen that occurs with sudden placental abruption, ectopic pregnancy, or the threat of fetal loss. This group is characterized by cramping pain in the lower abdomen.
In addition, pain in the lower abdomen and bloody discharge that accompanies them can indicate a problem of this nature.
2. non-obstetric.
This includes periodic pain in the lower abdomen associated with excessive tension in the abdominal muscles or sprain of the ligaments that support the uterus.
Pain of the first group may appear due to the following phenomena:
Ectopic pregnancy
When a woman begins to be bothered by constant pain in the lower abdomen, she should be wary, because... they may well be symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy. The peculiarity of such a pregnancy is that the fertilized egg is not implanted in the uterus, but in the fallopian tube, ovary or in the abdominal cavity between the intestinal loops, i.e. not where it needs to be. If the pregnancy test is positive and no fertilized egg is detected inside the uterus on ultrasound, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is high. Other symptoms : vaginal bleeding, delayed menstruation.
Treatment : in case of an ectopic pregnancy, an urgent operation is performed, which consists of removing the fallopian tube along with the fertilized egg.
Premature placental abruption
Pregnant women may complain of severe pain in the lower abdomen. It is likely that the reason is the placenta, which decided to move away from the uterine wall ahead of time. This can be triggered by physical overexertion or abdominal trauma.Other symptoms : vaginal bleeding, weakness, nausea, vomiting, bloating, pallor.
Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
With this disease, pregnancy up to 22 weeks is terminated spontaneously. The cause may be illness of the mother or fetus. If the expectant mother herself is still a teenager, and pain in the lower abdomen has already begun to appear, early pregnancy becomes even more dangerous. In this case, the likelihood of miscarriage increases significantly.Other symptoms : vaginal bleeding, increased muscle activity.
Start of contractions
On those days when, according to calculations, pregnancy should end, cutting pain in the lower abdomen may signal the onset of contractions.Other symptoms
: contractions repeat every 5 - 7 minutes, water breaks.
If you have doubts about pain in the left side of the lower abdomen or nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right, but there are no other symptoms, then you don’t have to worry too much. Most likely, the problem is an unexpectedly large load on the abdominal muscles, for which the body was unprepared. This is quite natural, because even when pregnancy proceeds absolutely normally, aching pain in the lower abdomen is inevitable. But if pregnancy is constantly accompanied by stabbing pain in the lower abdomen, then you should go to the gynecologist. Otherwise, an umbilical hernia may develop, which is absolutely unnecessary for either the mother or the child.
We must not forget that towards the end of pregnancy, the pelvic bones diverge slightly to make it easier for the baby to come out. Therefore, at 39 weeks, pain in the lower abdomen is quite expected and does not portend any danger. For many, lower abdominal pain is already in full swing at 36 weeks. And even in the second trimester, pain in the lower abdomen can become a faithful companion for the expectant mother. In these cases, there may be a risk of premature birth. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor who will prescribe treatment to maintain pregnancy.
Pain in the lower abdomen after childbirth is also very common. But unpleasant sensations during this period should not be surprising. Still, the body needs time to recover from stress and tissue damage.
Many people say that pain in the lower abdomen is a sign of pregnancy, but this is a false statement. The main sign that a woman will soon have a baby in her life is a positive test and a gynecologist’s verdict. So, a delay in menstruation and pain in the lower abdomen is not yet a reason to claim that you are pregnant. This is rather a signal that should lead you to the gynecologist's office.
Pain in men
Statistics show that pain in the lower abdomen is much less common in men than in the fairer sex. But this does not mean that pain in the lower abdomen when urinating or pain in the lower abdomen when walking can be ignored. On the contrary, in order not to incur trouble and expensive treatment, you must immediately go to the doctor. Because only a doctor can find out which of the following diseases caused pain on the sides of the lower abdomen: Inflammation of the testicles and their appendages (orchitis and orchiepididymitis)
The disease occurs either after previous infections such as influenza, mumps or scarlet fever, or in connection with inflammatory diseases of the genital organs ( prostatitis, urethritis, etc.).Other symptoms : sharp pain in the testicles; the scrotum is enlarged, and the skin on it is smooth and shiny; touching the testicles causes sharp pain; nausea; heat; headache; general weakness; compaction, clearly visible when palpated.
Prostatitis
Inflammation of the prostate ( prostate gland). You should suspect prostatitis if pain in the lower abdomen and groin appears almost simultaneously. Other symptoms
: weakness, chills, high temperature, white or purulent discharge, pain in the perineum, frequent urge to urinate and pain with it, possible acute urinary retention and other difficulties when urinating.
Treatment
At the moment when pain appears in the lower abdomen, “what to do?!” becomes the most pressing issue. It doesn’t matter if the pain in the lower abdomen occurs after eating, falling or getting hit, in any case you should talk to your doctor. It is necessary to find out as early as possible which organs are affected and begin appropriate treatment.If a person has pain in the lower abdomen and fever, as well as nausea, vomiting, chills or excessive sweating, then an ambulance should be called immediately. But if bloating and pain in the lower abdomen have appeared recently, do not cause any particular inconvenience and temporarily stop after taking the pills, then a trip to the doctor can be postponed until the next working day. But, under no circumstances can you cancel a conversation with the doctor. Cutting pain in the lower abdomen is a dangerous symptom that cannot be ignored under any circumstances.
On holidays and weekends, you have to wait quite a long time for doctors. And when there is pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, every minute of waiting counts for a year. To alleviate the patient’s condition, you need to put him to bed, give him a painkiller, and offer him tea. Apply a heating pad, take a hot bath, take medications that once helped someone, but are not available by prescription without a doctor’s prescription.
Which doctor should I contact for pain in the lower abdomen?
Since pain in the lower abdomen can be provoked by pathologies of various organs, it is necessary to contact doctors of various specialties when they occur. To determine which specialty doctor you should contact for pain in the lower abdomen, you should identify the accompanying symptoms, since they indicate which organ is affected. Below we will consider which doctors should be contacted if pain in the lower abdomen occurs, depending on the existing accompanying symptoms.If the pain in the lower abdomen is acute, burning, localized on the right or along the entire anterior abdominal wall, intensifies with movements, and sometimes when touching the abdomen, is combined with an increase in body temperature, a sharp deterioration in well-being, frequent urge to urinate, nausea, and possibly vomiting, then it is suspected acute appendicitis or peritonitis. In such a situation, you should immediately call an ambulance, as an urgent operation is needed to save a person’s life.
If a woman suddenly or after sex experiences severe pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, especially against the background of delayed menstruation, combined with vomiting, abdominal tightness, weakness, pallor, a sharp deterioration in well-being up to fainting, then you should immediately call an ambulance and be hospitalized to the gynecological department, since urgent surgery is necessary to save a life for a ruptured cyst, torsion of the uterine appendages or ectopic pregnancy.
For pain in the lower abdomen on the left side, which is combined with nausea, heartburn, bad taste in the mouth, vomiting bile, burning or pain under the breasts, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, malaise, bloating, loss of strength and pallor, with many symptoms appearing or worsening after eating – gastritis, gastric ulcer or pancreatitis is suspected. In this case, you should contact Gastroenterologist (make an appointment), and in his absence – to therapist (make an appointment).
If there are pains in the lower abdomen and back, which spread to the right shoulder and shoulder blade, intensify after eating, are combined with high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, itching of the skin, then this indicates cholecystitis, and in this case you should consult a doctor -gastroenterologist or surgeon (make an appointment).
If the pain in the lower abdomen is cramping (appears for a short period of time, then disappears, then appears again, etc.), spastic in nature, combined with frequent and false urge to defecate, bloating, flatulence and sometimes nausea, then intestinal colic is suspected , and in such a situation it is necessary to contact a gastroenterologist or therapist.
If pain in the lower abdomen appears simultaneously with diarrhea, vomiting, chills, nausea, weakness and high fever, combined with rumbling and bloating, then food poisoning is suspected, and in this case you should consult a doctor - infectious disease specialist (sign up) or a therapist.
If pain in the lower abdomen is combined with frequent and painful urination, elevated body temperature, and the release of cloudy urine, then cystitis is suspected, and in this case you should contact urologist (make an appointment) or nephrologist (make an appointment).
If the pain in the lower abdomen in a woman is diffuse, without clear localization, combined with various abnormal discharge from the vagina or urethra (white, yellow, gray, greenish, with lumps, bubbles, with an unpleasant odor), itching, burning and swelling in the genital area , and sometimes with an increase in temperature and frequent, painful urination, an infectious-inflammatory disease of the genital organs is suspected (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, syphilis, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, chlamydia, gardnerellosis). In this case, you should contact gynecologist (make an appointment) or venereologist (make an appointment).
In general, if a woman’s lower abdomen hurts, and the pain is often provoked by sex, occurs before or during menstruation, during bowel movements, is combined with abnormal discharge from the genital tract, heavy or scanty menstruation, bleeding, brownish spotting, weakness, abdominal tension , chills, and sometimes with elevated body temperature, you should always consult a gynecologist, since such symptoms indicate diseases of the female genital area.
If a man has pain in the lower abdomen, combined with pain in the testicles or perineum, an enlarged scrotum, general weakness, poor health, painful and frequent urination, urinary retention during urination, possibly purulent discharge from the urethra, then a disease of the male genital area (prostatitis, orchitis, orchiepididymitis), and in this case you should consult a urologist.
If in the past a person has undergone any operations on the abdominal or pelvic organs, and in the present there is persistent pain down the abdomen, then this indicates the formation of adhesions and requires contacting a surgeon or gynecologist (if the operation was surgical, then to a surgeon , and if gynecological, then, accordingly, to a gynecologist).
If a pregnant woman has pain in her lower abdomen, then, naturally, she should consult a gynecologist.
What tests and examinations can a doctor prescribe for pain in the lower abdomen?
Pain in the lower abdomen can be provoked by various diseases, and therefore the list of studies that a doctor prescribes for this symptom is very wide and varied. In each specific case, the doctor prescribes only some examinations that are necessary for diagnosis, and their list is determined by the accompanying symptoms, which make it possible to suspect a person’s pathology. Below we will consider what tests and examinations a doctor can prescribe in various cases of pain in the lower abdomen.
When the pain is localized in the lower left abdomen, combined with nausea, heartburn, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, vomiting bile, burning or pain under the breasts, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, malaise, bloating, loss of strength and pallor - the doctor suspects a pathology of the digestive tract (gastritis , gastric ulcer or pancreatitis) and orders any of the following tests and examinations:
- General blood test (sign up);
- General urine analysis ;
- Blood chemistry ( bilirubin (sign up), total protein, AST, ALT, amylase, lipase);
- Urine analysis for amylase concentration;
- Fecal occult blood test;
- Scatological examination of stool;
- Fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) (sign up);
- Computer or Magnetic resonance imaging (sign up);
- Intragastric pH-metry (sign up);
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs (make an appointment);
- Endoscopic retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (sign up);
- Detection of Helicobacter Pylori by various methods (in material collected during FGDS, PCR, breath test (sign up));
- The presence of antibodies to Helicobacter Pylori (IgM, IgG) in the blood;
- Examination of gastric juice;
- Level of pepsinogens and gastrin in blood serum;
- The presence of antibodies to gastric parietal cells (total IgG, IgA, IgM) in the blood.
So, if hidden blood is detected in the stool, then this indicates a pathology of the stomach. If a high concentration of amylase is detected in the urine and blood, this indicates a pathology of the pancreas.
Further, if stomach pathologies are identified, the doctor prescribes some test for the detection of Helicobacter Pylori (sign up)(the analysis is selected depending on the capabilities of the medical institution), tests for the level of pepsinogens and gastrin in the blood, as well as fibrogastroduodenoscopy. These examinations are quite sufficient to diagnose gastritis or gastric ulcer. However, in addition, to study the properties of gastric juice, pH measurements and analysis of samples of such juice are prescribed. If a person cannot undergo fibrogastroscopy, then tomography is prescribed. An analysis for the presence of antibodies to gastric parietal cells is rarely prescribed - only if autoimmune gastritis is suspected, when a person cannot undergo either fibrogastroscopy or tomography.
If pathology of the pancreas is detected, then ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are prescribed. If technically possible, the examination can be supplemented with tomography.
When the pain is localized in the lower abdomen and back, radiates to the right shoulder and shoulder blade, intensifies after eating, is combined with high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, itching of the skin, this indicates cholecystitis, and the doctor prescribes the following tests and examinations:
- General blood analysis;
- Biochemical blood test (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase);
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
- Duodenal sounding (sign up);
- Cholecystography (sign up);
When pain in the lower abdomen appears simultaneously with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chills, weakness and fever, combined with rumbling and bloating, food poisoning is suspected. In this case, the doctor prescribes the following tests and examinations:
- General blood analysis;
- General urine analysis;
- Blood electrolytes (potassium, sodium, calcium, chlorine);
- Bacteriological culture of feces, vomit, gastric lavage.
When pain in the lower abdomen is combined with frequent and painful urination, elevated body temperature, and the release of cloudy urine, the doctor suspects cystitis and prescribes the following tests and examinations:
- General urine analysis;
- Urine sample according to Zimnitsky (sign up);
- Urine sample according to Nechiporenko (sign up);
- Bacteriological culture of urine with sensitivity to antibiotics;
- Urethral smear (sign up)(in women from the urethra and vagina) for sexually transmitted infections;
- Kidney ultrasound (sign up) And bladder (sign up);
- Cystoscopy (make an appointment);
- Cystography (sign up);
- Uroflowmetry (sign up).
When pain in the lower abdomen occurs in women, does not have a clear localization, is combined with abnormal vaginal discharge (white, yellow, gray, greenish, with lumps, bubbles, with an unpleasant odor), itching, burning and swelling in the genital area, and sometimes c fever and frequent, painful urination - the doctor suspects some kind of inflammatory disease of the genital organs and prescribes the following tests and examinations:
- General blood analysis;
- General urine analysis;
- Vaginal flora smear (sign up);
- Analysis of blood, vaginal discharge and scraping from the urethra for sexually transmitted infections (sign up) (for chlamydia (sign up), mycoplasma (sign up), gardnerella, ureaplasma (sign up), Trichomonas, gonococci, Candida fungi) by ELISA, PCR methods;
- Tests for the presence of viruses – herpes virus types 1 and 2 (sign up), human papillomavirus (sign up), cytomegalovirus (sign up), Epstein-Barr virus;
- Blood test for syphilis (sign up);
- Bacteriological culture of vaginal discharge.
When a woman has pain in the lower abdomen, often provoked by sex, occurring before or during menstruation, during bowel movements, combined with abnormal discharge from the genital tract, heavy or scanty menstruation, bleeding, brownish spotting, weakness, abdominal tension, chills, and sometimes elevated body temperature - the doctor suspects a disease of the genital organs and prescribes the following tests and examinations:
- General blood analysis;
- General urine analysis;
- Vaginal smear for flora;
- Bacteriological seeding of vaginal discharge, urethra and cervix;
- Blood test for tumor markers CA-125, CEA and CA 19-9 and RO test (sign up);
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs (sign up); adnexitis, salpingitis or other diseases of the genital organs, hysterosalpingography, puncture of the posterior vaginal vault and bacteriological culture of vaginal discharge, urethra and cervix are prescribed.
- General blood analysis;
- General urine analysis;
- Digital examination of the prostate;
- Study of prostate secretions (sign up);
- Bacteriological culture of urine and prostate secretions;
- Urethral swab;
- Ultrasound of the prostate gland (make an appointment) And testicles (sign up);
- Testicular puncture with sampling biopsy (sign up).
If pain in the lower abdomen bothers a man, is combined with pain in the testicles or perineum, an enlarged scrotum, general weakness, poor health, frequent and painful urination, urinary retention during urination, possibly purulent discharge from the urethra - the doctor suspects prostatitis, orchitis or orchiepididymitis, and prescribes the following tests and examinations:
When pain in the lower abdomen periodically appears and disappears, does not increase over time, and a person has had operations on the abdominal or pelvic organs in the past, then adhesive disease is suspected, and in this case the doctor prescribes an ultrasound or tomography to identify the number and location of adhesions. Other studies are usually not performed, since ultrasound is sufficient to detect adhesions.
Loading...
