The intestine plays a central role in the human body. A disease or damage to the gastrointestinal tract can therefore have considerable consequences for health. Last but not least, a large number of symptoms and diseases result from a disruption of the digestive system. Occurring Bowel pain For this reason, medical advice should always be provided in order to initiate suitable treatment at an early stage.
What is bowel pain?
Intestinal pain is a discomfort in the region of the intestine, which is alternatively referred to as intestinal pain. From a medical point of view, intestinal pain belongs to the group of so-called visceral pain. These describe pain sensations emanating from viscera such as the liver, kidneys, stomach or intestines.
As a rule, intestinal complaints are cramp-like and wavy, but can also be permanent and permanent. They are often equated with stomach pain, as pain sensations in the stomach as well as in the intestines are localized in similar regions. In addition, numerous causes of intestinal pain establish a connection between the intestinal and stomach areas.
causes
Intestinal pain can have different causes, which can be differentiated depending on the individual extent of the pain. In the case of episodic pain at short intervals, for example, urinary stones or blockages of the bile duct are often the causative factors of intestinal pain. Simple gastrointestinal infections particularly often cause discomfort in the intestinal region.
Food intolerance can also be the cause of intestinal problems, as special foods are particularly irritating to the intestine. In contrast to this, continuous and long-lasting pain in the intestine is caused by inflammation of the peritoneum or an abdominal organ, which include the gallbladder, the appendix or the pancreas. In the form of Crohn's disease, chronic inflammation of the bowel is the basis of the pain.
This disease is favored by genetic components and risk factors such as smoking. In addition, intestinal complaints can also arise as a result of a rupture of the intestine, which manifests itself in an acutely increasing pain sensation with a subsequent decrease in pain.
Another possible cause of intestinal pain is intestinal obstruction. However, since intestinal obstruction can be caused by different factors, no assignment to a specific pain sensation is possible in this case. In extreme cases, bowel pain hides the development of colon cancer.
In this context, however, intestinal pain represents a relatively late-onset symptom. On the other hand, early symptoms of colon cancer are rare and consist of constipation or blood in the stool. Often, however, the occurrence of intestinal pain is only caused by stress. This increases the motor activity of the intestine. In an extreme form, irritable bowel syndrome can be present, as a result of which, in addition to pain, constipation and diarrhea occur.
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➔ Medicines against flatulence and digestive problemsDiseases with this symptom
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Food intolerance
- Crohn's disease
- Intestinal perforation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- abdominal influenza
- Crohn's disease
- Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
- Appendicitis
- Colon cancer
- Intestinal colic
- Intestinal inflammation
- Feces
- Diverticulitis
- gastritis
Complications
As a rule, intestinal pain disappears after a drug treatment at the latest without any special late effects or after-effects. In some cases, however, complications develop that can have life-threatening consequences. If the cause of the intestinal pain is a gastrointestinal infection, however, complications are very rare.
An acute course of the disease is quite conceivable, especially in immunocompromised patients. Those affected may, for example, have an invagination of the intestines, which in turn causes an intestinal obstruction. The result is severe pain, which can only be removed by surgery. A common complication associated with gastrointestinal infection is excessive fluid loss, which can be extremely fatal.
Special pathogens causing gastrointestinal infections can also cause inflammation and enlargement of the colon. In the case of a serious cause of intestinal pain such as colon cancer, for example, intestinal obstruction, intestinal hernias or peritonitis are classic complications. In the advanced stage, other organs can also be affected or metastases may form. As these problems are life-threatening, medical care should be sought immediately. In view of the complications outlined, it is all the more important to consult a specialist at the first sign.
When should you go to the doctor?
If a slight gastrointestinal infection is the cause of the intestinal discomfort, it is not absolutely necessary to consult a doctor. The infection can usually be overcome quickly with the help of simple home remedies and commercially available drugs.
However, if the intestinal pain persists over a longer period of time or if it manifests itself to an extreme extent, it is advisable to seek medical advice. A professional diagnosis by a doctor is necessary, especially if the pain is accompanied by fever, bleeding or discomfort during bowel movements. Doctors recommend an examination after the illness lasts for about three days.
It is also advisable to clarify any new constipation, as this can rule out organic causes of intestinal pain. A general examination is also recommended for people who generally have to strain a lot when defecating. While the general practitioner can be contacted in the case of slight complaints, a visit to a specialist is necessary for acute or permanent pain. Gastrointestinal doctors or internal medicine specialists are suitable for this. In addition, gastroenterologists and proctologists specialize in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
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diagnosis
In order to diagnose intestinal pain, a detailed medical history of the patient is first carried out as part of a medical examination. Here, information is primarily collected about the frequency, duration, severity and location of the pain. An initial physical assessment of the patient also takes place.
The affected body region can then be examined more closely with the help of an ultrasound device. This enables clinical pictures such as inflammation or fluid accumulation to be detected. In addition, it is often necessary to carry out a digital rectal examination, in which the rectum is checked for bleeding or resistance.
It is also possible to take X-rays and to complete a computed tomography to determine the causal factors of the intestinal pain. As long as there is no inflammation and pain, a colonoscopy can also be performed. On the other hand, if stool irregularities and acute pain sensations are present, this measure should not be taken, as there is an increased risk of an intestinal rupture.
Treatment & Therapy
There are different treatment methods for treating intestinal pain. Which therapy is best suited for the person concerned always depends on the individual cause of the pain. For example, an existing gastrointestinal infection can be remedied relatively quickly by taking special drugs. The acute symptoms disappear after just a few days.
In addition to drug treatment, sufficient fluid intake is also crucial for gastrointestinal infections in order to counteract dehydration. Water, unsweetened teas or isotonic drinks are particularly suitable for this. These drinks not only give the body fluid, but also important salts. If, on the other hand, a food intolerance is the cause of the intestinal complaints, a special diet usually has to be used.
Incompatible substances should be removed from the menu and, if necessary, supplemented with substitute products. If the intestinal pain is due to Crohn's disease or cancer, the severity of the disease alone is decisive for the choice of treatment. In principle, drug or surgical interventions are possible.
In this context, the precise diagnosis of the disease and an early start of treatment are always of great importance. If irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed, ultimately no treatment method can be clearly assigned to the patient. Depending on the cause, both medicinal and psychological therapies can help. If there is physical damage to the intestine, an operation is also conceivable.
Outlook & forecast
Depending on the cause and the treatment chosen for the symptoms, the prognosis for bowel pain can vary. In the case of gastrointestinal infections with a weak course, a cure can set in without drug therapy, for example by providing an initial remedy with sufficient fluids.
In other cases, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen at the latest leads to a recovery. In the case of more severe symptoms, the administration of potent drugs can also relieve the intestinal pain. However, medical advice should first be obtained here. In principle, however, it is impossible to make a general prognosis for intestinal pain.
The reason for this is that the course of the disease varies greatly from person to person. As a rule, however, early treatment of the pain and its cause can successfully prevent a persistent course of the disease or the development of complications.
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➔ Medicines against flatulence and digestive problemsprevention
Intestinal pain is difficult to prevent specifically. However, it is possible to generally relieve the strain on your bowels by following certain principles. A healthy diet is particularly useful in order to protect the digestive tract. For example, high-fiber foods such as fruit, vegetables, legumes or whole grain products can be used against diarrhea and constipation.
Dried fruits such as dates, plums or figs also optimally support digestion. Because fruits and vegetables contain, among other things, polyphenols, which seal spaces within the intestinal wall cells. This prevents harmful substances from entering the blood. In addition, they reduce stress and prevent inflammation. It is also sensible to consume a conventional whole milk yogurt. This contains lactic acid bacteria, which are useful for digestion and strengthen the immune system.
These lactic acid bacteria are also found in sauerkraut or kefir. On the other hand, light food such as salad or fish should be consumed in the evening in order to counteract the natural slowdown of the metabolic process in the evening. In general, we recommend eating three main meals that contain digestive foods. Adequate hydration is also helpful as it makes it easier to get rid of waste.
This can prevent constipation and diarrhea. We recommend drinking 1.5 to two liters per day. Even taking a glass filled with lukewarm water in the morning can stimulate the digestive system and prepare it for the meals that will come that day. In addition, exercise in the form of sport or walks is just as important for a healthy bowel as a balanced diet.
The movement counteracts slackening of the intestinal muscles and thus blockages. Even fifteen minutes of physical activity is sufficient to optimally support the bowel. The establishment of special diets is particularly useful for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. As part of this diet, spicy or acidic products should be avoided as far as possible. In addition, it is possible to counteract the formation of irritable bowel syndrome by reducing stressful situations in everyday life. It is also important to allow the intestines to rest at regular intervals.
You can do that yourself
As soon as the first signs of intestinal pain appear, those affected have numerous self-help options available in order to limit the symptoms as far as possible for the time being. In the case of intestinal pain caused by diarrhea or constipation, the use of a hot water bottle is particularly recommended.
The heat has a calming and relaxing effect on the intestines, which can reduce pain. The consumption of certain foods that give the intestines enough energy back is also effective. Furthermore, sporting activities or walks can stimulate the metabolism and bowel function again. Ultimately, those affected should rest enough and allow their body and intestines to relax.
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