Intestinal cramps

Intestinal colic is a painful attack in the abdomen, in the area where the intestines are located, usually ending with a sharp urge to defecate. The pain often resembles muscle cramps when the intestines work intensively and too actively. Such colic can occur as a result of overeating, poor nutrition, inflammatory reaction in the intestines, and for many other reasons.

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Causes of intestinal colic

Colic in the intestine is caused by spastic contractions of the large or small intestine. Most often, such spasms originate from the small intestine, gradually capturing the entire length of the intestine.

Intestinal spasm is most often a consequence of irritation. There are many reasons for such irritation:

• diseases of the stomach, pancreas, and even diseases of the oral cavity do not allow the food that enters the intestines insufficiently digested to be properly processed;
• overeating, eating too much food at one sitting;
• consumption of poor quality or stale food;
• consumption of unusual, exotic food;
• bacterial intestinal infections (salmonellosis, dysentery, etc.);
• poisoning by mushrooms, poisons, and other toxic substances;
• poisoning with salts of heavy metals (for example, lead);
• stressful situations, excessive nervous tension;
• helminthic infestations;
• intestinal obstruction.

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Symptoms of intestinal colic

As a rule, the signs of colic develop suddenly, manifesting themselves as a sharp, abrupt pain in the abdomen, which can sometimes radiate to the lumbar region. Such an attack can be provoked by lifting heavy weights, or by running quickly. But in most cases, this condition occurs some time after a heavy lunch.

The pain in the abdomen is cutting, gradually increasing. The patient cannot decide on a position, he writhes and tries to reduce the painful manifestations by changing the position of the body. During the maximum spasm, the patient groans, screams, and a state of strong excitement may be observed.

If the attacks are prolonged, the pain may gradually subside, subsequently increasing again. The pain radiates to the lumbar and groin area, genitals.

Due to irritation of the nerve endings of the peritoneum, gas removal and defecation are disrupted, therefore flatulence increases, nausea and headaches appear. In people prone to hypertension, blood pressure increases.

After prolonged colic, the patient is exhausted, apathetic, looks tired and weak.

If colic ends with sudden diarrhea, the patient feels a sharp relief, although a nagging pain in the abdomen may continue to be present.

Acute intestinal colic

An attack of colic is always acute, manifested by cramping pains, a burning sensation in the intestinal area. This condition does not occur on its own, without a reason. After the end of the attack, in any case, it is recommended to visit a doctor and find out the cause of the disease.

The following signs indicate that the attack is acute:

• pain during intestinal colic is sudden, unexpected, and usually takes you by surprise;
• periodic, often short-term, intestinal spasms are felt;
• the stool is liquid, heterogeneous, with various impurities (mainly mucous), foul-smelling;
• During an attack (only) the abdominal muscles tense up.

The patient's health deteriorates sharply, appetite disappears, constipation turns into diarrhea.

The temperature during intestinal colic is usually normal, if the condition is not caused by an intestinal infection. Otherwise, the temperature may rise to high numbers (up to 39°C), the symptoms may resemble a cold along with intestinal problems.

Sometimes the patient experiences false and painful urges to defecate. Pain may be observed throughout the entire surface of the abdomen, or mainly in the right iliac region, resembling an acute attack of appendicitis.

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Intestinal colic in adults

Intestinal pain in adult patients cannot be treated as an independent disease. It can be a symptom of a large number of various pathologies of the digestive system. In other words, it is impossible to determine the root cause of this condition at first glance. It can be a dysfunction of the digestive tract, spasms of smooth muscles, allergic manifestations.

The signs of intestinal damage are constant: painful attacks, spasmodic pain, increased gas formation, bowel disorder, mucus in the stool. When palpating the abdomen, pain is determined, but the abdominal muscles should not be tense. The temperature is normal. The attack can last for several minutes, then there is a short or longer break. The total duration of the attack is from several hours to several days.

The severity of the general condition of an adult patient depends on the presence of other concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, if colic develops against the background of gastritis, then nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region, and heartburn may join the bowel disorder.

A frequent guest in adults simultaneously with a spastic attack is intestinal obstruction - a mechanical obstacle or a violation of the motility of a certain section of the large intestine. The result of such a pathology can be complete intestinal paralysis, narrowing of the intestinal lumen, which in any case requires emergency medical care. Sometimes it is necessary to use surgical intervention.

Intestinal colic in pregnant women

Sudden attacks of cramping pain in the abdomen can seriously scare any pregnant woman. Not understanding what is happening, a woman often panics: the best way out in such a situation is an urgent consultation with a doctor. In emergency cases, it is recommended to immediately call an ambulance.

Intestinal problems during pregnancy can arise due to improper nutrition or hypodynamia - a sedentary lifestyle. The fact is that for the normal functioning of the digestive system, it is necessary not only to follow a special diet, but also to practice gymnastic exercises daily, walk in the park or just in the yard, completely exclude from your diet such foods as soda, smoked and fried foods.

Overeating is absolutely not welcomed during pregnancy: the digestive tract is already compressed by the enlarged uterus, and we complicate its life even more by eating large amounts of food. All this complicates the digestive process, worsens the passage of food elements through the intestines, which inhibits bowel function. Hence - constipation, alternating with spasmodic attacks of diarrhea.

Antispasmodics (No-shpa, Papaverine) will help relieve spasms and pain in the intestines, but it is imperative to consult a doctor under any circumstances.

Intestinal colic in children

The digestive tract consists of several sections where different processes of digestion and absorption of food components occur. For example, proteins are broken down in the stomach cavity, fats are broken down in the duodenum, etc.

In case of digestive disorders (for example, in case of pancreatic diseases, biliary tract diseases, in case of inflammation of the stomach walls, as well as in case of some hereditary diseases) problems with proper digestion of food may occur. Clinically in childhood this may manifest as digestive disorder, accompanied by decreased appetite, bloating, stool disorder, appearance of fat or mucus elements in feces, general discomfort, decreased motor activity.

Depending on the cause of this condition, the doctor will prescribe treatment. This may include taking enzymes or other treatment, depending on the situation.

Help with infant colic should be selected individually and differentially. Each specific situation should be considered by the doctor separately, taking into account the age of the small patient, the mechanism of the onset of the painful condition, individual tolerance of the constituent ingredients of a particular drug.

Intestinal colic in newborns

In the first months of life, a newborn baby may suffer from intestinal colic. These are peculiar spasms in the tummy that appear in attacks and are accompanied by pain and increased capriciousness of the baby. In many cases, attacks occur due to the inability of the digestive system of the small organism to adapt to changed living conditions. This condition is not a disease.

The first food of a newborn baby is usually mother's milk. At first, the baby consumes it in relatively small quantities, so it is digested and absorbed without problems. Over the course of several weeks, the little person's needs for food increase, and intestinal colic may appear, indicating that the child's intestines are not yet coping with the tasks set.

After the baby has eaten, he presses his legs to his tummy and becomes restless. He may cry, blush and tense up. These are the signs of infantile intestinal colic.

What can help a child in such cases?

• Tummy massage.
• Transferring the baby from the back to the tummy.
• Warm heating pad.
• Sometimes it is necessary to review the baby's diet (possibly switch to another formula). Changing the mother's diet also helps if the baby is breastfed.

Diagnosis of intestinal colic

Diagnostic procedures for spastic attacks are usually simple, since the doctor in most cases already externally determines the essence of the problem. Complications may arise only in the presence of malabsorption syndrome or inflammatory diseases. In such situations, the procedures may be somewhat different and sometimes even require short-term hospitalization.

The initial diagnosis is established based on examination and several questions:

• age, lifestyle, and diet of the patient;
• concomitant diseases;
• when and after what the discomfort presumably appeared;
• nature of defecation and bowel movements;
• associated symptoms;
• what the patient took, whether he felt better or worse after taking the medications.

Additional tests may include the following procedures:

• coprogram (a laboratory analysis of feces, which allows one to determine the enzymatic activity of the digestive system and the digestive properties of the stomach);
• feces for worm eggs (the presence of parasites in feces can also provoke the appearance of colic);
• fecal culture for the presence of intestinal and typhoid-paratyphoid group of intestinal infections;
• analysis of feces for the presence of dysbacteriosis.

The information obtained during the research helps to make an assumption about the true cause of intestinal colic, as well as to identify malabsorption syndrome (with lactase deficiency), food allergies, gluten intolerance, cystic fibrosis, intestinal parasites, infectious lesions or dysbacteriosis, or to reject suspicions of these diseases.

If there are inflammatory diseases of the digestive organs, then sometimes such studies as gastroduodenoscopy, cholecystography, colonoscopy, and ultrasound of the abdominal organs may be required.

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Treatment of intestinal colic

It is recommended to treat intestinal colic under the supervision of a doctor, who will accurately determine the cause of this condition, as well as detect a possible deterioration in the condition in time and provide the necessary assistance. The basis of treatment is the impact on the cause that caused the development of intestinal colic. Therefore, it would be wrong to give universal advice on treatment, since competent treatment tactics are required depending on each specific case.

In order to eliminate excruciating spastic pain, it is necessary to act on them. But one treatment option may be if the patient has ordinary diarrhea and functional bowel disorder, and a completely different one - if the patient develops intestinal obstruction, which usually requires urgent hospitalization and even surgical intervention. Therefore, acting independently, without the knowledge of the doctor, is far from always correct and sometimes leads to sad consequences.

However, intestinal colic must be treated, of course. For this purpose, antispasmodics are used, which relax the spasmodic smooth muscles of the intestine. If there is no vomiting, then the medications are taken orally. In other cases, injections or rectal suppositories are indicated.

The most commonly used treatment options are:

• two tablets of drotaverine (No-shpa), tea with mint;
• belladonna extract tablets (analogues are also possible – Becarbon, Besalol, Bellalgin, etc.), 1-2 tablets once;
• tablets, suppositories or injections – papaverine with platyphylline (1-2 tablets once);
• activated carbon – 1 tablet 0.5 g per 10 kg of patient weight;
• enema administration of warm infusion of mint and chamomile (approximately 200 ml).

Uncomplicated functional intestinal colic may subside after the gases have passed and a single loose stool occurs. The patient is not recommended to eat food for 10-12 hours after the attack: you can drink lukewarm tea without sugar with a white rusk.

What to do with intestinal colic?

Help for intestinal colic should correspond to the patient's well-being.

If he himself associates his condition with errors in nutrition, if he has pain and spasms in the intestines, but there is no vomiting and fever, then you can help him at home. Use the means described above.

If the patient is suspected of having an infectious disease or intestinal obstruction, he or she should be urgently hospitalized in the infectious or surgical department. In such cases, any delay or passive observation can significantly worsen the clinical picture and the course of the pathology. Even if the patient has been given gastric lavage at home, antispasmodics, analgesics, and cleansing enemas, in the case of infection or obstruction, such procedures can only create the illusion of improvement. In reality, this can only lead to a delay in getting the patient to the doctor, which only worsens the prognosis of the disease.

In the hospital, the patient will receive all possible assistance along with the necessary diagnostic procedures. And after an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate therapy:

• in case of an infectious disease – antibacterial treatment, mainly with broad-spectrum antibiotics;
• in case of spastic obstruction – antispasmodic therapy, paranephric block;
• in case of paralytic obstruction – use of ganglionic blockers, paranephric blockade;
• In case of mechanical obstruction, surgical intervention may be indicated.

Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor at the slightest doubt, so as not to provoke the development of adverse consequences.

Medicines for intestinal colic

• Activated carbon is a sorbent (a preparation capable of absorbing toxic substances, gases, fermentation products, etc.). It is used for increased gas formation, indigestion, and poisoning. It is taken at a rate of 0.5 g of the preparation per 10 kg of weight, usually no more than 30-40 g at a time.
• Sorbex is a granulated analogue of activated carbon that binds harmful compounds during poisoning and helps remove them from the body. The effect of the drug lasts for almost two days. At the same time, Sorbex helps with nutritional errors, excess alcohol in the body, poisoning with poisons, drugs, poor-quality food products. Take 1-3 capsules, preferably on an empty stomach (you can wash your stomach or induce vomiting in advance). The maximum amount of the drug taken at one time can be 8 capsules.
• Atoxil is a fourth-generation enterosorbent. Neutralizes toxic substances, microbial and food allergens, and bacterial metabolic products that form as a result of putrefactive processes in the intestines. Atoxil is used for acute intestinal disorders, food infections, salmonellosis, poisoning, enterocolitis, alcohol and septic intoxication. Before use, dissolve 1-2 sachets in 150 ml of water.
• No-shpa is a well-known antispasmodic drug that eliminates spasms in the stomach or intestines. Take 0.04-0.08 g tablets up to 3 times a day. People with low blood pressure should be careful when taking it.
• Spazmalgon is a combination drug that combines the effect of an antispasmodic and an analgesic drug. It is used to eliminate spasms, pain in stomach or intestinal colic. Prescribe 1-2 tablets up to 3 times a day, but no more than 6 tablets per day. It is not recommended to take Spazmalgon for more than 3 days in a row.
• Spazmomen is a M-cholinergic receptor blocker. Reduces the tone of smooth muscles in the intestine, reduces the number of peristaltic movements, eliminates spasms. The drug does not affect other organs except the intestine. Take 1 tablet per day for 2-3 days. Do not prescribe to children under 12 years of age.
• Buscopan – relieves spasms, reduces the secretory activity of the digestive glands. Can be used for both intestinal and renal colic. Buscopan is prescribed 1-2 tablets in the morning, afternoon and at night. The drug can be used in suppositories, 1 piece three times a day.

Treatment of intestinal colic with folk remedies

Phytotherapy has always been regarded as an effective and harmless treatment, devoid of many side effects that medicinal drugs have. In case of intestinal colic, the action of medicinal plants should be aimed at restoring the functionality of the intestine, inhibiting the development of pathogenic bacteria and stabilizing the microflora.

Plants such as alder cones, oak bark, sorrel, strawberry leaves, caraway, blueberries, mint, lemon balm, chamomile, and St. John's wort are used on their own or in the form of infusions.

The following herbal infusions and mixtures eliminate signs of inflammation, neutralize bacteria and have an astringent effect:

• mix equal parts of blueberry berries or leaves, mint, knotweed root, and chamomile flowers, add hot water (90°C), and let steep. Drink the warm infusion several times a day, half a glass at a time, 15-30 minutes before meals;
• Potentilla root, immortelle flower, caraway, blueberry (berry or leaf), sage, pour hot water and let it brew. Use half a glass 15 minutes before meals;
• cinquefoil root, immortelle flower, caraway, blueberries, sage mix, pour boiling water. Take the infusion 100 ml 3 times a day before meals.

For diarrhea, the following mixtures are recommended:

• burnet root, shepherd's purse - make a decoction, take up to 4 times a day;
• plantain leaf, St. John's wort herb - prepare an infusion, take 100-150 ml 3-4 times a day;
• chamomile flowers, mint leaves, oak bark – drink the infusion 150 ml up to 4 times a day.

The following herbal combinations reduce the intensity of fermentation and putrefactive processes:

• alder cones, oak bark, bird cherry - drink 250 ml of infusion throughout the day in small sips;
• chamomile flowers, caraway seeds – prepare a decoction and drink 100 ml before meals.

If colic is accompanied by constipation, you can brew infusions based on buckthorn bark, licorice, anise fruits, fennel, and elderberry flowers.

In order to suppress the putrefactive and fermentative process in the intestines, it is recommended to take garlic tincture, 15 drops up to 3 times a day, 20-40 minutes before meals.

Diet for intestinal colic

The most important condition for successful treatment of intestinal colic is a special diet based on the use of dietary table No. 4. This diet is used for dysfunctional bowel diseases that are accompanied by bowel disorders (diarrhea).

The diet for intestinal colic has the following goals:

• maintain the body's strength during periods of disrupted digestion;
• reduce inflammatory manifestations;
• eliminate the reaction of fermentation and putrefaction in the intestinal cavity;
• normalize intestinal function.

The diet has a reduced caloric content due to the reduction of lipids and carbohydrate foods, with a normal amount of proteins, with the exclusion of all kinds of products and substances - irritants of the digestive tract. Food ingredients that enhance the enzymatic activity of the digestive organs, as well as those that favor fermentation and putrefaction processes are removed from the menu. All products served should be liquid or semi-liquid, chopped, boiled or steamed, not very hot and not very cool. The optimal meal regime is 6 times a day in small portions.

The average daily caloric intake is determined to be approximately 1800-1900 kcal.

Recommended for consumption:

• white crackers, soft, not pre-fried;
• low-fat first courses, low-fat broths, cereal-based decoctions (based on semolina, rice);
• meat products without fat and fascia, minced meat without lard, meat soufflé;
• low-fat fish, fish balls, steamed cutlets;
• fresh low-fat cottage cheese;
• boiled eggs no more than 2 pieces per day;
• porridge made from rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, not containing milk or butter;
• vegetable broths;
• fruits or berries only as jelly or kissel;
• tea without sugar, coffee without added sugar or cream, warm rosehip drink.

Excluded from the diet:

• any bread, pastries, buns, pies, cakes, etc.;
• rich and fatty broth;
• fatty parts of meat, lard, sausage, etc.;
• fatty, salted, canned fish, caviar;
• milk and other dairy products, except low-fat cottage cheese;
• fried eggs, omelette;
• pasta, vermicelli, beans and peas, pearl barley and barley groats;
• fresh vegetables and fruits;
• pickles, marinated foods, sauces;
• sweet products, including jams, honey, compotes, etc.;
• butter, spread, cooking fat;
• milk-based drinks, carbonated and chilled drinks, juices.

A rough outline of the menu for such a diet might look like this:

• For breakfast: Oatmeal with water, a glass of green tea and a rusk.
• Snack: Blueberry broth, cottage cheese;
• For lunch: A cup of low-fat broth with semolina, steamed meatball, jelly.
• Afternoon snack: rosehip drink, rusk.
• For dinner: Steamed fish fillet, buckwheat garnish, tea.
• An hour before bed: baked apple without peel.

You should stick to this diet until your condition improves steadily, after which you should gradually add familiar foods and dishes to your diet. It is not recommended to switch to a normal diet abruptly, as this may cause a relapse of the disease.

Prevention of intestinal colic

In order not to disrupt natural digestive processes and not to provoke a failure in digestion and absorption of food, you need to think about preventing intestinal disorders in time. If colic has previously bothered you, it is better to consult a doctor.

You should balance your diet, not overeat or indulge in fried or spicy foods, limit your consumption of sweets and soda. The emphasis in your diet should be on vegetable dishes, cereals, meat and fish, steamed, stewed or baked in their own juice.

It is absolutely recommended to remember to drink enough liquid and consume fresh fermented milk products.

Additional preventive measures include:

• sports, physical activity, daily walks;
• fasting days;
• back and abdominal massage;
• drinking herbal teas with the addition of mint, chamomile, cumin, fennel.

Our health largely depends on our lifestyle and nutritional principles, so everyone can take preventive measures in a timely manner.

Intestinal colic prognosis

With timely assistance, the prognosis for intestinal disorders can be favorable. In the opposite situation, colic can worsen and lead to the development of complications and chronic intestinal disorders.

Whether colic will pass without a trace or leave consequences depends on the causes of this condition. Common functional disorders end well in most cases. If you follow preventive measures, you can even avoid repeated relapses of the disease.

Frequently recurring colic can later "come back to haunt" with irritable bowel syndrome, dysbacteriosis, enterocolitis and other disorders of the digestive tract. Therefore, if you are prone to such pathologies, it is strongly recommended to stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle, not to overeat, and not to indulge in unhealthy food. Intestinal colic does not occur on its own, without a reason. And the reason is most often in what, when and how we eat.