Heaviness in the intestines: causes, symptoms and treatment

The intestines hurt in the lower abdomen on the right because it signals problems in the functioning of the body. The intestines are filled with symbiont microorganisms of the digestive tract and are vulnerable to infections. He is injured when poisoned by substances.

How long have you had this pain syndrome?

Several days (26%, 782)
First day (21%, 634 Votes)
Several months (13%, 382)
Week (10%, 309)
Several weeks (10%, 301)
About a month (8%, 250)
Chronic form (7%, 205)
About a year (6%, 181)

Total voters: 3 045

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Symptoms of intestinal diseases

Doctors consider changes in body temperature, and not always an increase, to be common signs of inflammatory processes. General weakness, reluctance to move, do even simple work and change the lying position unless absolutely necessary.

Diseases that cause pain in the right side of the lower abdomen are often accompanied by increased sweating - characteristic “cold sweat”, disturbances in the correct heart rhythm, thready pulse and unfavorable changes in blood pressure.

The described symptoms also indicate internal diseases not related to digestion: similar signs, including acute pain, including on the lower right, are observed in 60 percent of patients with myocardial infarction.

Belching and excretory processes are specific. Belching of air should appear due to improper eating habits, causing excessive absorption of air, the appearance of a sour taste in the mouth and heartburn - the result of pathological damage to the walls of the stomach.

Severe gas formation is caused by damage to the thick or thin sections: the loops of the intestine are pinched, causing blockage of the lumen of the path of moving food or feces, bloating and a set of digestive disorders occur.

Loose stools (frequent diarrhea) or prolonged constipation are caused in mild cases by insufficient absorption of consumed substances by the intestinal walls; in others, the cause is severely damaging with an unpredictably severe development.

Close to intestinal diseases with a similar syndrome are irritable processes in the area of the mesenteric plexuses, manifested by colic in the navel area with the possibility of localization to the right and below.

If the iliac lymph nodes begin to hurt, appendicitis is likely; it is reasonable to treat this disease surgically.

What is the cause of the sensations?

Heaviness and pain in the intestines indicate improper functioning of the digestive organs. In some cases, everything is explained by functional disorders due to the pathological state of organs and tissues due to exposure to external factors. The organic nature of malfunctions of tissues and cells is possible. This is observed against the background of somatic pathological conditions.

However, most often the unpleasant sensations can be explained by the peculiarities of the diet. In order for the stomach and intestines to be normal, you need to eat correctly, following a regimen and sticking to healthy foods. Ignoring these rules and advice, a person learns very well by himself what heaviness in the intestines after eating is.

What does dull, pulling, point or cutting pain in the abdomen indicate?

The presence of pain in any part of the body indicates the progression of the disease. The nature of the pain syndrome is classified into pathological and physiological (the case of pregnancy).

Nagging painful sensations can be a temporary ailment or appear suddenly with such intensity that the patient cannot cope with them (there may be a serious threat to health).

Painful sensations indicate:

gastrointestinal disorders;
kidney problems (pain radiates to the lumbar region);
inflammation of the urinary and reproductive systems.

Any disorder of the gastrointestinal tract is a consequence of ongoing diseases; their carrier often has no idea about the presence of problems in the body.

Reasons why the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted:

Peptic ulcer: the intensity of pain varies - from moderately weak to unbearably strong. In case of acute cutting pain, urgent medical intervention is carried out, because probably the release of acidic stomach contents into the abdominal cavity.
Inflammation of the mucous membrane (gastritis): manifests itself in dull, aching pain, heartburn (often after a person has eaten).
Pancreatitis: pain begins in the upper abdomen, tormenting for several days, while eating, the discomfort intensifies (bloating is felt, the temperature may rise).
Inflammation of the gallbladder: pain in the right hypochondrium, often radiating to the arm, chest and neck on the right side.

Diseases reveal themselves by tingling, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Rare sources:

Stomach polyps: diagnosis is difficult; the medical history consists of a dull aching pain on palpation, bleeding, nausea, and vomiting.
Cancer: characterized by a constant, mild aching feeling in the stomach.
Stress: great physical and emotional stress can cause disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, causing a feeling of pain in it (stool upset and vomiting may occur).
Allergy: when an allergen enters the body, an aching feeling appears that does not have a clear localization.

If the pain is physiological in nature, i.e. a woman is carrying a child, this is a natural phenomenon: the growing uterus puts pressure on nearby organs, resulting in a feeling of discomfort.

In men

A nagging pain in the right lower abdomen in men suggests inflammation of the prostate gland - prostatitis. The disease is accompanied by painful and sluggish urination and erectile dysfunction.

In addition, an inguinal hernia can cause pain. If, in addition to pain, there is an increase in temperature, soreness and redness at the site, as well as pain when urinating, this means a strangulated hernia. In this case, it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance.

When do you need to see a doctor urgently, and which doctor will help?

Of course, going to the clinic at the first sensation of pain is not necessary. Perhaps a hearty breakfast is poorly absorbed by the body, or the yogurt has expired.

But there are a number of cases when seeing the doctor on time means avoiding negative consequences:

A strong, piercing pain that appeared for the first time.
For a long time (up to a week) the feeling of discomfort and heaviness does not go away; if the feeling intensifies, then it is better not to wait a week, but to consult in time.
Flatulence lasting a couple of days.
Associated symptoms include frequent urination or a burning sensation that appears during the process.
Stool disorder is observed for four or more days.
An elevated temperature is added, which indicates an inflammatory process in the body.
Pain radiating to the chest, neck, lower back.

If a woman is in an “interesting” position, then any deviation from the norm is a reason for urgent consultation with a specialist.

There are a number of accompanying symptoms that indicate that you cannot do without medical help:

changes in the patient’s behavior: previously cheerful and full of energy, with the onset of the disease he becomes apathetic and lethargic;
vomit;
problems with stool;
the abdominal wall is in a tense state;
the pulse is quickened, the person feels hot and cold, and perspiration appears;
pronounced pallor of the skin.

Doctors of different specializations help with existing problems. A gastroenterologist will help if we are talking about gastrointestinal disorders (usually related to food). If you suspect genitourinary problems, you should seek help from a urologist; women should visit a gynecologist. If discomfort is caused by the groin area, a proctologist will help.

If it is difficult for the patient to self-diagnose the condition (“It just hurts here, but I don’t know what”), it is best to start visiting the clinic with a therapist, who will prescribe the appropriate tests and tell you which specialist to contact. If a child needs help, a pediatrician will consult.

Top medications to reduce abdominal pain, painkillers

The course of treatment is selected by the doctor. But if it is not possible to visit a doctor, and it becomes unbearable to endure, the use of painkillers is allowed.

No-shpa

Dispensing in pharmacies is made without a doctor's prescription. The main active ingredient is drotaverine, which has an antispasmodic effect.

Indications for use: spasms associated with disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, with disorders of the digestive system.

Use with caution in children and pregnant women.

An antispasmodic can significantly reduce blood pressure, therefore, people with hypotension are advised to monitor their condition when taking No-shpa. Taking the drug for more than two days without a doctor's prescription is not recommended.

Metoclopramide

The drug is not available in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. The main active ingredient is metoclopramide, it stops vomiting, normalizes the gastrointestinal tract, and eliminates pain.

The drug is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women and children. Also not allowed for use by women during lactation.

The use of the drug together with alcohol is unacceptable. It is recommended to stop driving a car for the next 24 hours after taking Metoclopramide.

Maalox

The drug is available in the form of chewable tablets and suspension. Can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription. The drug is based on algeldrate and magnesium hydroxide, which have an enveloping effect and cope with pain in the upper abdomen. Actively fights heartburn, a feeling of heaviness and bloating.

Not recommended for use by pregnant and nursing mothers, children under 15 years of age, persons with diabetes mellitus, or kidney disease.

It is permissible to take no more than 12 tablets per day.

Duspatalin

The release form of the drug is tablets. Can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription. Mebeverine is the main active ingredient, which has an antispasmodic effect, fights colic and heaviness.

Not recommended for women expecting to give birth.

Motilium

Lozenges. Available without a prescription. The drug is based on the substance domperidone, which has a reducing effect on the walls of the stomach. Eliminates nausea, vomiting, and discomfort in the epigastric area. Effective against overeating.

There are contraindications for persons under 10 years of age and pregnant women.

Liver

Pain in the upper right abdomen often indicates pathological processes occurring in the liver. Inflammation of the liver is called hepatitis and is usually of viral origin. There are several varieties of it:

Hepatitis A. This disease develops due to the consumption of contaminated food and water. The main symptoms are malaise, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and enlarged liver. In some cases, the skin and mucous membranes acquire a jaundiced tint.
Hepatitis B. The source of infection is patients and virus carriers. The disease is transmitted sexually or parenterally. Accompanied by sleep disturbances, increased fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, jaundice, and joint pain.
Hepatitis C. The disease is transmitted parenterally, as well as through damaged skin, mucous membranes and blood. The chronic form can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Alcohol abuse, indiscriminate use of certain medications, and excessive consumption of fatty and spicy foods can cause liver damage.

Preventive measures to avoid abdominal pain

There are a number of measures aimed at preventing gastrointestinal diseases:

avoid evening snacks and overeating before bed;
Strictly limit or eliminate the consumption of foods high in fat, flour, and sweets;
coffee is an enemy to health, try to give it up completely;
food products made with the help of deep processing of meat (sausages, sausages) are one of the possible causes of the development of colon cancer: by refusing to eat them, you will not lose anything; eating natural meat is more beneficial;
after eating, avoid any stress on the abdominal area for two hours;
The most banal, but most useful advice of all - do not forget to wash your hands after visiting the toilet and before eating.

Although these recommendations seem primitive, their effectiveness has long been proven. It is not difficult to follow them, and the effect will be obvious.

What causes sudden abdominal pain?

Pain is explained by the body's response to irritants. By its nature one can determine the original source.

cutting

If the abdominal cavity seems to be cut into pieces, most likely the problem lies in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract: the stomach, duodenum, pancreas.

The appearance of pain: hydrochloric acid, which is part of the gastric juice, has an aggressive effect on the mucous membrane, which is already damaged.

This is where pain of a burning nature arises. If a person is sick with pancreatitis, then damage to the solar plexus becomes quite possible.

Intestinal colic also reveals itself as a cutting pain. They appear against the background of stress, overwork and other reasons. If a person has acute gastritis, to which food poisoning is added, then such symptoms cannot be avoided.

Stabbing

For various intestinal problems, the most common complaint among patients is stabbing pain in the navel area. Various damaging factors affect the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall, thereby causing its sharp contraction.

Shingles in the abdominal area

Dull pain surrounding the abdominal cavity has not many causes. It all depends on its location. If it appears on both sides and extends to the top of the navel, then it may be inflammation of the pancreas, or acute pancreatitis. One of the factors in the manifestation and progression of diseases is considered to be excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.

If the symptom appears on one side along the lower rib, then we can talk about damage to the spinal nerve. The lesion may be a consequence of a previous injury or intervertebral hernia.

Paroxysmal

If a painful feeling manifests itself in attacks according to the “let go-grabbed” principle, then most likely the problem is an intestinal disorder. The process is explained by intestinal peristalsis (complex movements that move a bolus of food).

Pulsating

Perhaps the most dangerous species. It may indicate a purulent process in the abdominal cavity. For example, it could be an abscess that appears as a result of acute appendicitis.

An inflamed pancreas manifests itself with the same symptoms.

Gallbladder

With gallbladder diseases, pain can migrate to the back, under the shoulder blade and the heart area.

Gallstone disease is characterized by the formation of stones in the gallbladder and ducts.
Cholicystitis or inflammation of the organ is the most common complication of cholelithiasis. The cause is a violation of the outflow of bile and complications of blood supply due to atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta.
Cholangitis - inflammation of the bile ducts develops as a result of the above diseases or cancer.

What do various abdominal pains indicate when eating various foods?

According to medical statistics, a third of the world's population experiences discomfort in the abdominal area due to poor nutrition. Therefore, for those who have digestive problems, it is better to avoid some names.

Legumes

Belonging to the legume family, vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins. But at the same time, the oligosaccharides they contain increase gas formation produced by the digestive system. This is where pain occurs, irritable bowel syndrome.

Soaking legumes overnight will improve their properties. But if this procedure is futile, it is better to switch to whole grains.

Carbonated drinks

If in the case of legume products, complete rejection of them is recommended only under extreme circumstances, then rejection of carbonated drinks is one of the prerequisites for a healthy stomach and intestines.

Any “soda” is characterized by a high level of carbon dioxide, which contributes to bloating and the appearance of pain. That is, with every sip of a carbonated drink a person consciously adds gases to the body, which is where the spasms begin.

Since “soda” does not have the slightest nutritional value, you can safely replace it with freshly squeezed juices and fresh juices.

Wheat

According to studies, gluten contained in wheat can contribute to digestive system disorders. But the usual diet of many people largely consists of this cereal.

If you are hypersensitive to gluten, it is recommended to completely avoid this crop, as well as similar ones that also contain gluten: rye, barley, oats, etc.

Eating products containing wheat grains can lead to pain, diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating.

Onion

Most people, even with their mother’s milk, learn the rule that onions are healthy, the more you eat, the better, you will get sick less.

But, if a person has problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then the sulfur compounds and fructans that make up raw onions will cause flatulence, bloating and pain. To avoid this, it is recommended to replace onions with other spicy herbs that do not have a similar effect.

Dairy

Due to the high level of lactose, contrary to the general opinion about their usefulness, they cause irreparable harm to health. Butter, cheeses, milk, and yogurt contain milk sugar, which causes discomfort in the stomach.

People who are lactose intolerant suffer from bloating, intestinal cramps, diarrhea and increased gas formation after consuming milk-containing products.

An excellent alternative to cow's milk is soy, rice, coconut or almond milk. They are also rich in beneficial microelements, but do not cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Apples

“An apple a day and you don’t have to go to the doctor,” says a well-known proverb. But the high fructose and fiber content makes the apple a source of bloating, excess gas accumulation in the intestines and digestive problems.

If it is not possible to completely give up apples, you should try cooking them - this will reduce the pain of side effects.

Garlic

The fructans and sulfur contained in garlic cloves contribute to the appearance of bloating, cramps, and stomach pain. Garlic is also considered a powerful allergen. People with garlic intolerance experience painful flatulence and unpleasant belching after eating it.

Heat treatment of garlic usually helps to avoid unpleasant consequences after eating.

Don't rush to completely give up your favorite foods. Try reducing the amount of them in your diet and subjecting them to various treatments, which will reduce the likelihood of side effects.

Kidneys

Chronic and acute kidney pathologies caused by injuries, metabolic disorders or infection are accompanied by pain, fever, swelling, increased pressure and aching joints. In addition, the likelihood of kidney disease is high in case of cloudy urine and problems with urination.

With pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidney), algia intensifies when walking or physical activity. Pathology can be caused by urolithiasis, intestinal infections, decreased immunity and diseases of the pelvic organs. The chronic form of pyelonephritis can lead to kidney failure and abscess.