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Abdominal pain
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Abdominal pain may be associated with gastrointestinal tract diseases, the menstrual cycle, gynecological or urological pathologies, and may also be caused by the formation of a hernia and inflammation of the appendix. Diagnosis of abdominal pain depends on the symptoms present and the location of the pain concentration.
Pain in the upper abdominal area
Gastritis
This is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which leads to its dystrophic changes. The disease is exacerbated by a disrupted diet, alcohol abuse, smoking, stress. With inflammation of the gastric mucosa, after eating there is a feeling of distension and heaviness, heartburn, nausea, an unpleasant taste in the mouth. For treatment, special diets are prescribed, drugs to reduce the level and neutralize hydrochloric acid - gastrogel, phosphalugel, maalox, as well as drugs that stimulate the motility of the gastrointestinal tract (domperidone).
Enteritis
This is a disorder in the functioning of the intestines, caused by inflammation of the small intestine. Associated symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, cramping pain, weakness, and the temperature may also rise. When palpating, pain is felt in the epigastric region. When treating enteritis, the patient first has his stomach washed and is prescribed intestinal cleansers. On the first day of treatment, the patient should not eat, and drinking plenty of fluids is recommended. If the disease is severe, glucose injections are prescribed. For oral use, drugs containing lactobacilli are prescribed. To prevent enteritis, observe hygiene standards and eat a balanced diet.
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Gastroenteritis
This disease can develop with an unusual diet for the body, as well as with the use of contaminated or stale food or water, it can develop as a side effect when taking any medications. The main symptoms are pain in the center of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating. If gastroenteritis develops, you should not eat or drink water, you need to see a doctor, especially if the symptoms persist for 24 hours.
Enterocolitis
This is an inflammation of both the small and large intestines. The disease can be caused by intestinal infections, poor nutrition, consumption of spicy and fatty foods, alcohol, long-term use of antibacterial drugs, and can also develop as a result of an allergic reaction to food. The main symptoms of the disease are abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Often the pain is concentrated in the umbilical region, but may not have a clear localization. During treatment, a gentle diet, plenty of fluids, vitamin and mineral complexes, and herbal remedies are prescribed.
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Volvulus
The causes of this disease are increased pressure inside the abdominal cavity during physical exertion, increased peristalsis that occurs when eating poorly digestible food, and constipation. The main symptoms of the disease are piercing pain in the abdomen, constipation, sometimes vomiting, bloating, irregular pulse, and decreased pressure. The symptoms of the disease depend on how severely the intestinal segment is twisted. Ultrasound and X-rays are prescribed for diagnosis. Enemas are used for treatment. If this procedure is ineffective, surgery is performed.
Abdominal pain associated with overeating is usually combined with a feeling of heaviness in the stomach area. You can eliminate discomfort with mineral waters, black and green tea, mint infusion. You can also take mezim or motoricum. If abdominal pain after eating occurs repeatedly or does not go away within 24 hours, consult a doctor.
Another reason that can cause abdominal pain may be excessive gas formation. In addition to cramping pain, bloating and belching are noted. Antispasmodics, such as no-shpa, help relieve pain in such cases. Taking such drugs as smecta, lactovit, linex, hilak is also recommended.
Pain in the lower abdominal area
Hernias
Sharp and piercing abdominal pain, which increases significantly when trying to strain the abdomen, may be a sign of an inguinal hernia. The pain syndrome is combined with nausea, vomiting, and the presence of blood in the stool. Hernia treatment is surgical.
Appendicitis
Abdominal pain may be a symptom indicating appendicitis. With this pathology, pain is initially felt in the epigastric region, but can also be felt throughout the abdomen, eventually moving down, with persistent pain concentrated in the lower right part. With appendicitis, nausea, vomiting, and fever are noted. The pain becomes stronger when walking and with any physical activity. When palpating, the abdomen is painful and hard. If you lay the patient on his back with his knees bent and gently press his hand on the lower right part of the abdomen, and then release the hand abruptly, the pain will be much more intense. If the patient does not receive timely assistance, the wall of the appendix may rupture, which entails the threat of bacteria entering the abdominal cavity and the risk of infection. The most accurate way to diagnose appendicitis is by ultrasound; blood and urine tests are also prescribed to detect inflammatory processes. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the inflamed appendix is removed surgically.
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Ectopic pregnancy
The abdominal pain is sharp and piercing, can radiate to the rectum, causing severe dizziness up to loss of consciousness. In addition to pain, vomiting and bleeding from the genitals are observed. In such cases, urgent surgery is necessary. Similar symptoms are also noted when the cyst ruptures.
Menstruation
The menstrual period in many women is accompanied by abdominal pain along with lumbar and headaches. At the same time, discomfort or pain in the mammary glands, a general state of weakness may also be noted. Pain may also make itself known a few days before the onset of menstruation. Sedatives are indicated to normalize the condition. To neutralize pain, analgesic drugs are used - imet, analgin, dexalgin, etc.
Cystitis
Abdominal pain may be a concern with cystitis - inflammation of the bladder. The pain is accompanied by cutting pains, frequent urge to urinate, and is localized in the lower abdomen. In acute cystitis, it is necessary to avoid hypothermia and sexual intercourse, bed rest, dietary nutrition, plenty of fluids (up to two liters per day), and taking vitamin and mineral supplements are recommended. In case of severe pain, analgesic suppositories are administered rectally or vaginally.
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Adnexitis
Inflammation of the uterine appendages, or adnexitis, is characterized by the appearance of a nagging pain in the lower abdomen. It may be accompanied by nausea, a temperature reaction, and radiate to the lower back. Antibacterial drugs are used for treatment strictly as prescribed by a doctor. The onset of the disease is associated with the penetration of infectious agents into the vaginal mucosa. To prevent adnexitis, hypothermia should be avoided; contraception should be used during sexual intercourse. In men, pain may be associated with the development of prostatitis or other urological diseases.
Abdominal pain can be very different - from pressing and pulling to powerful and piercing. Since it can be caused not only by overeating, bloating or the onset of menstruation, but also by very serious pathologies, a specialist consultation is necessary. If abdominal pain occurs, depending on the accompanying symptoms and the location of the pain, you may need to consult specialists such as a gastroenterologist, gynecologist, urologist, therapist.