stomach pain

Probably everyone has already had one or more times in their life stomach pain had. That is why abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints. In addition to abdominal pain, there is also stomach pain and abdominal pain, which the patient often confuses. Abdominal pain usually occurs as a result of gas, constipation or diarrhea.

What is a stomach ache?

Since abdominal pain can be caused by a wide variety of factors, it is often a major challenge for medical diagnostics.

Abdominal pain is one of the most common acute or chronic pain. Since abdominal pain can be caused by a wide variety of factors, it is often a major challenge for medical diagnostics. Doctors speak of abdominal complaints or abdominal pain in their specialist language.

Abdominal pain occurs in different forms: abdominal colic or general, dull pain that affects the entire abdominal region can occur. Sometimes accompanying symptoms can be noted, including fever, diarrhea, constipation, gas or even vomiting and, in severe cases, bleeding, in which case the doctor should be consulted immediately. Abdominal pain usually results in an alarming hardening of the abdominal wall.

In addition to stomach pain, those affected can also suffer from stomach pain or abdominal pain. Bulging pain can be subdivided into lower abdominal pain and upper abdominal pain.

causes

Abdominal pain is not a disease, it simply indicates disease. The causes of abdominal pain can be very different, because all human organs in the abdomen can be responsible for the pain. Abdominal pain is relatively harmless if it is triggered by certain, incompatible foods. Such food intolerances can be an indication of an allergy, spoiled food, but also overconsumption of food or even hunger.

Abdominal pain is often caused by stress and burnout syndrome. Here the causes lie in the psychosomatic area and have something to do with everyday life and the job of those affected.

But more serious diseases also radiate to the abdominal region and are therefore to be understood as a warning signal. For example, heart disease or damage to the spleen, liver and esophagus as well as circulatory disorders in the intestine, polyps or gallstones can cause abdominal pain.

Abdominal pain is also triggered by colon cancer or acute illnesses such as appendicitis or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) - in this respect, long-lasting and frequently recurring or worsening abdominal pain must be carefully examined.

During the examination, the so-called anamnesis, the abdomen is palpated and examined for bulges, which can be an indication of an inguinal hernia. Blood pressure and pulse as well as temperature are measured, but gastroscopy and colonoscopy or ultrasound examination and computer tomography can also be used as instruments.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for stomach ailments and pain

Diseases with this symptom

• Intestinal polyps
• abdominal influenza
• Salmonella poisoning (salmonellosis)
• Mushroom poisoning
• cholera
• Gallstones

• Gastric ulcer
• Irritable stomach
• gastritis
• Duodenal ulcer
• Food poisoning
• Peritonitis

• Cholestasis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Ulcerative colitis
• Pancreatitis
• Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
• Inflammation of the intestine (enteritis)

Diagnosis & course

stomach pain are not an independent disease, but are always a symptom of a disease. In order to diagnose this, the doctor must have a conversation with the patient (anamnesis). Questions about stomach pain and previous illnesses are part of this. As a result, the body must also be examined.

The palpation, in which the abdomen is palpated with the hands, is relatively simple. Listening with the stethoscope (auscultation) is also possible. With ultrasound and blood tests as well as colon and gastroscopy, further information can be gained.

Different types of abdominal pain lead to different courses. Abdominal pain that can be easily localized (somatic) is often burning and sharp, while pain that is less easy to localize (visceral) is perceived as crampy and dull. A slow increase in intensity can be observed in inflammatory abdominal pain.

Complications

Abdominal pain is usually harmless in nature, for example if you have eaten too much or too greasy food, or if you have a slight gastrointestinal infection. But be careful: complications can also arise that require treatment. The complications that arise also depend on the underlying disease.

Inflamed organs can lead to tissue death. A build-up of secretion can lead to a perforation (breakthrough) but also to a spread of germs into the abdominal cavity with subsequent peritonitis. This can lead to life-threatening sepsis if the infection spreads throughout the body. It is not uncommon for the abdominal muscles to become very tight, which the doctor can detect by palpation (tactile examination) of the abdomen. The cause can be irritation of the peritoneum, the peritoneum, if there are inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity. These symptoms are part of an acute abdomen and require medical treatment.

An ileus (intestinal obstruction or paralysis), which is an interruption in the intestinal passage, must also be treated (often surgically). If loops of the intestine are trapped or if the blood vessels become blocked, the affected tissue areas quickly become undersupplied with blood and oxygen. These die off in a row. If bleeding occurs in the case of injuries or a ruptured vessel, a volume deficiency shock can mean a fatal outcome for the person concerned.

A mesenteric infarction (acute obstruction of an intestinal vessel) is a possible complication in older people.

When should you go to the doctor?

Abdominal pain is not always a reason for a doctor's visit - however, there are some warning signs that suggest a serious cause that requires specialist clarification. A visit to a doctor is recommended if the abdominal pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting or if there is also a high fever and sweating.

Blood in the stool and black, usually foul-smelling vomit are alarm signals that indicate a serious illness of the gastrointestinal tract. Anyone who generally feels weak and observes an increased heartbeat or feelings of dizziness may suffer from an acute abdomen or a ruptured appendix - both should be clarified quickly by an emergency doctor.

If the skin also turns pale and there is a feeling of weakness, an emergency doctor should also be alerted. If the pain spreads to the chest area or the intestinal region and is accompanied by a hardened, throbbing abdominal wall, quick action is required due to the risk of an intestinal obstruction or a similarly serious illness.

Even if the stool behavior changes within a short time or the abdominal pain occurs in phases, a visit to the doctor is recommended. Possibly there is a food intolerance, an intestinal tumor or bile semolina, possibly also intestinal protuberances can be responsible for the pain.The general rule is: if the abdominal pain persists or increases for several days, this requires a medical examination.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Treatment of stomach pain can be very different depending on the cause. Self-medications only combat the first symptoms and should not be taken without consulting your family doctor. If the abdominal pain does not stop with warmth, rest and relaxation exercises or light diet, further causes must be looked for.

During treatment, medical advice should therefore be sought in any case - especially in the case of severe abdominal pain - especially in order to rule out serious illnesses such as heart disease or colon cancer or, if necessary, to treat them. In such cases, of course, home remedies are no longer enough. Then medication, radiation or surgical measures are necessary.

Outlook & forecast

Treatment is not absolutely necessary for abdominal pain. This symptom is temporary in most people and can have many different causes that do not have to be directly related to a problem in the stomach.

In most cases, the abdominal pain will go away on its own after just a few hours. They can occur mainly in the case of intolerance or allergies and also disappear when the body has broken down the respective ingredient.

However, if the abdominal pain is very severe or persists for a long time, a doctor must be consulted. This can be a serious infection in the gastrointestinal tract. The treatment takes place in most cases in the form of medication and also leads to success. In some cases, however, surgery is necessary, for example to remove ulcers from the abdomen that are causing the abdominal pain.

Abdominal pain can also occur during the menstrual period and is a common symptom. Using a hot water bottle can alleviate abdominal pain and relieve the symptoms for a short time. In most cases, medical treatment leads to a positive course of the disease, so that no further complications arise.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for stomach ailments and pain

prevention

Home remedies ↵ for abdominal
pain One can have a number of causes for stomach pain exclude yourself. In order to prevent psychosomatic complaints, a balanced lifestyle, a healthy and balanced diet (lots of fruit and vegetables, fresh food, not very difficult to digest and fatty or too much, too hot and too cold food) is helpful.

In general, nutrition is the most important aspect of the care of the gastrointestinal tract by doctors. The way in which food is consumed also has an impact: the food should not be swallowed but should be consumed slowly and well chewed. Yoga or sport in general prevents abdominal pain caused by circulatory disorders, for example.

Aftercare

Abdominal pain is usually only temporary. They pass by themselves again without any need for action. As there is no subsequent symptom, no systematic follow-up is necessary. However, patients can ask their doctor how they can prevent new bulging pain. You are then responsible for implementing the recommendations.

Follow-up care is only necessary in the case of persistent or recurring abdominal pain. It should be noted that the discomfort can result from an existing illness. Doctors must turn this off in order to achieve long-term freedom from symptoms. The aftercare is therefore about everyday support and long-term treatment.

Depending on the extent of the underlying disease, the doctor and patient agree on an individual rhythm of presentations. Depending on the type of complaint, blood and stool examinations take place, if necessary a sonography and a gastroscopy or colonoscopy. Aftercare very often includes medication.

The behavior of the patient is decisive for the success of the treatment. This must avoid triggering factors for a lasting freedom from symptoms. This is the only way to prevent recurrence. If symptoms are caused by stress and anxiety, psychotherapy is usually advisable. Only in this way do those affected learn coping strategies and achieve stabilization.

You can do that yourself

There are various measures for self-help with abdominal pain. First of all, it is good to know the cause. In the case of an underlying gastrointestinal infection, reducing food intake and switching to easily digestible food is recommended. Adequate fluid intake should not be forgotten. Warmth and relaxation generally help with existing abdominal pain. A warm bath or a hot water bottle promote blood circulation. A little exercise works against cramps and muscle tension. A walk is enough.

If there are indigestion or flatulence behind the discomfort, tea relieves the pain. In particular, a blend of fennel, aniseed and caraway seeds reduces existing flatulence. Chamomile or lemon balm also help. Especially with babies, an abdominal massage is pain-relieving for harmless abdominal pain. Flatulence, three-month colic and constipation can be relieved with a massage.

If abdominal pain is common, diet and lifestyle may also play a role. Sufficient fiber from fruits and vegetables promotes healthy digestion and prevents symptoms such as constipation. Prunes work against existing constipation. They swell up in the intestine and stimulate it to empty. Abdominal pain occurs in some people due to stress. Small breaks in stressful everyday life and enough sleep can help. Cigarettes, coffee and alcohol irritate the stomach. In doing so, they aggravate existing complaints or encourage them to develop.