Symptoms, causes and treatment of intestinal colic in adults. Intestinal colic in adults

Intestinal colic is cramping abdominal pain that is caused by spasms of the large or small intestine. It should be noted that intestinal colic is not a separate pathology. As a rule, this is a pronounced exacerbation of any pathological process or just one of the symptoms of a serious pathology gastrointestinal tract. Accordingly, treatment should be aimed not only at stopping the pain syndrome, but also to eliminate the cause that led to the development of this pathological condition in a specific clinical case.

Be that as it may, if you experience cramping pain in the abdomen, you should seek professional help. medical care for the sole reason that this manifestation may be associated with a pathology requiring immediate surgical intervention. So first you should determine the cause of abdominal pain, and only then carry out treatment (if you do the opposite, you can only disrupt clinical picture, on which the entire clinical diagnostic program will be built). The only situation in which relief of pain can precede diagnostic measures is if the patient has a chronic disease, exacerbations of which periodically occur.

A few words about what a spasm is, which is actually the cause of the development of a pain symptom that has a cramping nature. Contraction of the muscular layer of the intestinal wall (meaning peristalsis) alternates with its relaxation. If relaxation does not occur for some reason, muscle spasm occurs. Taking into account the fact that the functioning of smooth myocytes is in no way controlled by the human consciousness, it is impossible to eliminate this condition on your own.

What could be the cause of the symptom in question?

Today, there are a great many pathologies that can contribute to the development of intestinal colic in adults. What is the most dangerous thing - to become the cause this symptom can become a functional digestive disorder (that is, a pathology that is associated exclusively with a violation physiological processes, the implementation of which is assigned to the gastrointestinal tract), and a disease that has a certain surgical pathology (that is, associated, one way or another, with a violation of the anatomical integrity of the body). In principle, the signs of intestinal colic in adults are very similar to acute abdominal syndrome, with the only difference being that the pain with the above syndrome is more or less specific in terms of localization and can be migrating, while painful sensations, indicating intestinal colic, spread throughout the abdomen.

So, what pathologies in the overwhelming majority of cases cause severe, diffuse abdominal pain?

In addition, it is necessary to understand that intestinal colic in children and adults has some differences in terms of origin. Naturally, in pediatric practice it can be encountered much more often (especially in children younger age). The most common reasons why colic occurs in children is a malnutrition (switching to another formula or lack of breastfeeding), increased gas formation and age-related imperfections digestive system. Common pathology of the younger childhood is Hirschsprung's disease, which consists of disruption of the innervation of a certain area of the intestine with subsequent accumulation of feces in this place.

It is very important to remember about some acute viral infections, which are accompanied by severe dyspeptic syndrome and the manifestation of severe intestinal spasms. It's about rotavirus infection and Norfolk virus disease.

According to statistics, colic often occurs during pregnancy. The reason for this is believed to be compression internal organs, which the fetus has on later pregnancy.

Characteristic symptoms of intestinal colic

Naturally, the most characteristic manifestation- This pain symptom, which has several fundamentally important characteristics:

The pain is diffuse. It is the lack of clear localization that makes one think in favor of intestinal colic;
Characteristic irradiation to the pubic area, which sometimes simulates a hernia. During pregnancy, irradiation is often not observed at all;
Depending, of course, on the cause that served as the stimulus for the development of colic, other manifestations of dyspeptic syndrome are also noted - nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

In addition, in the case of colic, which is a symptom of obstruction of the intestinal lumen, severe stool disturbance (constipation) and very clear symptoms will be characteristic. If similar manifestations occur during pregnancy, then it will be necessary to conduct ultrasound diagnostics of the organs. abdominal cavity.

Classification of the symptom in question:

Rectal form - observed as a sign of intestinal obstruction, characterized by false urges to defecation and sharp pain in the abdomen;
Appendicular form - exactly simulates all manifestations of the symptom of acute appendicitis, although in reality inflammatory process does not arise;
Lead colic - partly imitates the signs of poisoning with salts of heavy metals, since this symptom is characterized by an increase in temperature to febrile levels, nausea and vomiting;
Hepatic colic is, let’s say, a mixed variant, since in in this case intestinal spasm is associated with pathology of the liver or gallbladder (usually cholecystitis). It should be noted that the liver itself almost never hurts - all these dysfunctions affect other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, painful sensations are localized in the right hypochondrium;
Pancreatic colic - similar to the above case, only with the condition that the pathology covers predominantly the left hypochondrium and colic is associated with functional pancreatic insufficiency.

Some researchers consider it necessary to distinguish colic during pregnancy as a separate form, since its relief is somewhat specific (many effective drugs cannot be used).

How to diagnose etiological factors (root cause) and prescribe the correct treatment for intestinal colic?

This question is somewhat rhetorical, since there are certain contradictions between patients and doctors in terms of what treatment is necessary to eliminate the symptom in question - the former claim that they urgently need to relieve the pain syndrome, while the latter insist on the need for row diagnostic studies which will help identify the cause of this condition.

The most rational management tactics would be hospitalization of absolutely all patients, regardless of what, to a hospital surgical department, followed by a comprehensive examination and prescription of therapy that will be aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease. It will be necessary to perform a diagnostic laparoscopy, since only in this way will it be possible to get rid of doubts regarding the etiological factor that became the direct cause of the disease. In addition, the results should be obtained general analysis blood, biochemical blood test (determination of the renal-hepatic complex, electrolytes and alkaline phosphatase). Based on the data from these studies, it will be possible to say what exactly caused the spasm of the intestinal muscles and the subsequent pain syndrome.

In the event that no pathology is detected that requires immediate surgical intervention, it will be necessary to carry out drug treatment for the purpose of pain relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nimesil, ibuprofen tablets) and drugs that eliminate spasms (no-spa or drotaverine) are best suited for this. You can, to all this, add the use of calendula solution - one glass of decoction, prepared at the rate of two teaspoons of calendula flowers per glass of water.

There are some healers who believe that using calendula can stop a pain attack. They are somewhat wrong, since calendula does not have pain-relieving properties. Calendula can be used in the treatment of the pathological process in question only as an adjuvant.

Conclusions

Intestinal colic in adults is a manifestation of any primary pathology, which can have both functional and organic character. In order to assign effective treatment, it is necessary to clearly understand the nature of the pathology. In the event that it is used exclusively symptomatic treatment, significant damage to the patient’s health can be caused due to the fact that the cause of this process has not been eliminated. Particular attention will need to be paid to intestinal colic, which occurs during pregnancy, since this condition can be caused not only by a physiological process, but also by a disease that has organic nature(and its treatment will require urgent intervention).

Colic is a sudden, very severe and sharp pain, resulting from intense contraction of smooth muscles. Such contractions can occur in any organ consisting of such muscles. Intestinal colic is acute abdominal pain of varying intensity. It may be accompanied by diarrhea and bloating or constipation. Often the pain symptom alternates and increases in waves, depending on the segment of the intestine in which at the moment pathological contractions occur over time.

In the first months of life, a child naturally experiences intestinal spasms from time to time. This is because the intestines have not yet begun to fully function, and difficulties arise when removing accumulated gases. In adults, colic can occur due to various factors.

Causes of intestinal colic in adults

Under the guise of intestinal colic, very serious pathologies abdominal cavity, which may require surgical intervention. That is why such a symptom should make the doctor wary and be able to quickly navigate in determining the causes disease process. Intestinal colic is often associated with such a concept as “ acute stomach", they can indicate both functional disorders intestines, and on its deep organic lesions.

This type of intestinal syndrome is characterized by mixed symptoms, when colic, in addition to pain, is accompanied by indigestion (diarrhea) and manifestations of respiratory tract infection (cough, runny nose, pain and redness in the throat). Pain in the muscles of the abdominal wall can be quite severe and intensify with movement, which can lead to diagnostic errors. In such cases, consultation with a surgeon is necessary.

The cause of intestinal colic can be intestinal obstruction, impaired motility, stretching of intestinal loops, accumulation of feces, or a mechanical obstruction (tumor, adhesions). Unpleasant condition may occur due to heavy lifting and excessive physical activity.

There are many factors that cause intestinal colic; only a specialist can understand the reasons causing the unpleasant symptom and determine measures that can eliminate pain and alleviate the patient’s condition. What are the main symptoms accompanying intestinal colic?

Symptoms

What could be the main signs of this phenomenon? The very first thing to note is sharp, severe pain in the intestines, usually coming in waves or spasms. They can be acute and growing. Most of all, the patient feels pain in the navel area, but often they are felt in the lower abdomen. There are fewer cases where patients complain of spasms in the lumbar region. Pain often begins in the groin area, with male patients radiating to the testicular area, and in female patients - to the area of the genital organ.

The duration of colic varies and in some cases it can last ten minutes or more, and sometimes it lasts only half a minute, or even less. However, when difficult situations happen similar symptoms can last all day. It should be noted here that patients experience other symptoms between attacks.

The nature of pain when intestinal colic occurs is also very diverse. The pain can be barely noticeable, or, on the contrary, pronounced. There are often complaints of paroxysmal, cramping, cutting and stabbing symptoms.

Intestinal colic should also be considered. Symptoms in adults typically include:

Bloating, flatulence. It often becomes hard. The patient feels discomfort upon palpation.
Stool disorders, patients experience both constipation and diarrhea. Often there is a disturbance in the formation of feces.
Mucous discharge during bowel movements and white ribbons are found in the stool.
State of nausea and dizziness.

Colic can also appear after a lot of nervous strain or conflict. When the abdomen is felt during an attack, the patient feels severe pain, although the muscles, as a rule, are not relaxed. Body temperature remains normal.

When a patient has diseases such as acute gastritis, then the main symptoms of this disease may be accompanied by symptoms of a dyspeptic nature - vomiting and refusal to eat.

Clinical manifestations

Medical practice divides intestinal colic in adults, the symptoms accompanying them, into some types of pathology:

Appendicular. Most of all, it serves as an initial sign when acute appendicitis. This is characterized by the appearance severe attack pain that occurs unexpectedly; the patient feels sharp pain, which covers the lower right side of the abdomen. This occurs as a result of inflammation that has begun in the appendix of the colon, the pain does not stop over time, but on the contrary becomes stronger;

Rectal. Characterized by acute attacks of pain in the rectal area; they intensify over time; along with them, the patient suffers from a painful urge to defecate;

Lead. This phenomenon occurs when the patient’s body is exposed to lead poisoning, in most cases this is the result of hazardous production. Characterized by sharp, excruciating pain, which in turn strains abdominal wall; periods of calm occur rarely; severe bleeding of the gums, they become covered with a white coating; The patient's temperature rises and may approach a critical level. In such a situation, immediate medical attention is required;

Vascular. The main reason This type of intestinal colic should be called poor blood supply to the intestinal muscle tissue as a result various pathologies– tumors, vein thrombosis, polyps and adhesions. Initially, the pain may be mild, slightly aching; but then they begin to intensify; because of oxygen starvation attacks of sharp pain appear in the muscle tissue, which spreads throughout the abdominal cavity.

Regardless of the initial causes that contribute to the formation of painful spasms, the main symptoms in most cases are pain of a sudden, cramping nature, localized in the abdominal cavity and only intensifying over time. They manifest themselves, as a rule, after eating, but in diseases of a gastroenterological nature, their unexpected appearance is acceptable, and on an empty stomach, regardless of the time of day.

Muscle spasms may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

if pain during attacks continues long time, then they begin to radiate to the lower back and tailbone area, creating the feeling that the pain has spread throughout the entire abdominal cavity;

with prolonged spasm, an obstacle is created for the normal release of gases and feces, resulting in flatulence with severe bloating belly. A patient develops belching with nausea due to diseases such as gastritis or a stomach ulcer;

in some cases, blood pressure suddenly increases, this does not apply to cases where the patient suffers intestinal obstruction, in this situation, on the contrary, the pressure drops;

the patient experiences a loss of strength, his health is steadily deteriorating, this condition is typical in acute intestinal obstruction;

in the patient’s bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea) you can see not only mucus, but also an admixture of blood;

The patient’s body temperature rises during spasmodic attacks, but only if provoked by poisoning or viral and intestinal infections.

In the event that the patient’s condition begins to steadily worsen from the moment the pain attacks begin, it is necessary to immediately seek medical help, since only a doctor can determine the reasons that caused such a condition. We must not forget that such severe conditions as intestinal obstruction, severe dysentery and poisoning require immediate treatment. Otherwise, the risk of death increases.

Diagnosis of the disease

Since it can provoke the appearance of intestinal colic in adults wide range predisposing factors, the diagnosis will be complex.

Before prescribing laboratory and instrumental examinations, the specialist needs to perform several manipulations:

study and analyze the patient’s medical history and family history to identify possible sources of such symptoms;

conduct a thorough survey regarding the presence, degree of intensity and first occurrence of signs of the clinical picture;

carrying out a physical examination, with mandatory palpation of the abdomen.

Only after this do laboratory tests begin, which include:

To instrumental diagnostic measures include:

Ultrasound will make it possible to identify the disease that became the source of intestinal colic;

FEGDS is a study of the mucous organs of the gastrointestinal tract, which makes it possible to detect foci of inflammation, ulcers, erosion and neoplasms on the membrane;

colonoscopy – endoscopic procedure studying the surface of the colon;

sigmoidoscopy - a similar examination of the rectum;

radiography using contrast agent– can detect internal factors causing such a symptom, and also provides a complete image of the affected organ;

CT scan helps identify tumors, deformities and other intestinal neoplasms. It is used only in cases where other diagnostic methods have failed to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

In cases of intestinal colic occurring in combination with other symptoms, the patient should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible. medical institution. Before the ambulance arrives, you should not take painkillers. This is explained by the fact that such measures can distort the clinical picture, causing doctors to incorrectly assess the patient’s condition.

Treatment of intestinal colic depends on the etiology of its occurrence, which was identified during the diagnostic process. If such a symptom was not caused by a serious disorder requiring surgical intervention, such as appendicitis, then the basis of therapy will be taking medicines. Patients are often advised to take:

sedatives;
antispasmodics, most commonly No-shpu, which relieve symptoms;
medications to normalize stool;
drugs to reduce the secretion of digestive juices;
antacids that reduce the production of hydrochloric acid;
anti-inflammatory substances.

Special food

Very often, to eliminate such an unpleasant symptom, special nutrition is required. Before its appointment, the patient needs to completely abstain from food for several days. This therapeutic fasting, during which you can drink warm tea and eat crackers. After this, follow the rules of the diet for intestinal colic. Diet therapy involves avoiding:

fatty, fried and spicy foods;
pickles and marinades;
smoked meats and canned food;
products with high content coarse fiber;
alcoholic and sweet carbonated drinks;
spicy spices and sauces;
sweet bakery products;
legumes and other foods that promote increased gas formation.

Instead, the diet should consist of the following foods:

fruits;
boiled vegetables;
lean meats and fish, steamed or oven-cooked, but without adding fat;
low-fat dairy and fermented milk products;
herbal teas;
porridge with water or with the addition of a small amount of milk;
steam omelettes;
freshly squeezed juices.

It is worth noting that for some diseases, the diet may differ slightly from the above list.

Often, traditional medicine is used in treatment, which can only be used after preliminary consultation with your attending physician. Recipes based on pumpkin seeds, tansy flowers, essential oil lavender, white wormwood, fresh juice cabbage, ginger, thyme, lemon balm and St. John's wort.

Traditional methods of treating intestinal colic

Recipes traditional medicine, applied in the background traditional treatment, can significantly increase the effectiveness of the impact. Let's look at how to get rid of colic using the most popular folk recipes:

Dill works great for colic. To prepare the medicine, a large spoonful of plant seeds is steamed in a glass of hot milk;

Herbal preparations are also used. It is recommended to mix with a large spoon oak bark, calamus and angelica. Place the resulting mixture in a liter of boiling water and infuse the anti-colic remedy for 24 hours. The drink is taken before main meals, each dose is two large spoons. This drink allows you not only to get rid of colic, but also to relieve bloating;

Spastic phenomena are well relieved by motherwort juice. After washing, crushing and squeezing the plant through several layers of gauze, its juice is taken as follows: a small spoon of liquid is diluted in 200 ml of warm water;

Effective folk remedies for colic include pumpkin seeds. Place two small spoons of crushed seeds in 300 ml of boiling water, add two small spoons of granulated sugar into the container, take the infusion for five days;

Tansy inflorescences also help with the problem. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over a large spoon of dried raw materials, leave until cool, filter, and drink the product throughout the day. The duration of such therapy is three days;

It is recommended to use lavender oil, which not only relieves pain and spasms, but also calms the nerves. Add five drops of the product to a small amount of water and drink the drink;

Helps get rid of colic ginger tea. The root of the plant is crushed, half a small spoon of the raw material is added to a glass of boiling water and the product is infused. You should drink up to three cups of hot ginger tea daily;

You should squeeze the juice out of fresh cabbage and take it before main meals, diluting it with a small amount of water. You can increase the effectiveness of the product by adding carrot or beet juice to it;

If, in addition to colic, there is diarrhea, prepare the following herbal infusion. Mix an equal amount of alder cones, lemon balm leaves, nettles, thyme and St. John's wort, add cinquefoil root to the mixture in the same amount. Then a large spoon of the mixture is placed in a cup of boiling water, infused and filtered. You should take half a cup in the morning and evening before meals;

Oregano is taken to relieve intestinal irritation. It is necessary to place 30 grams of flowers in a cup of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes, then filter and drink after main meals. A single serving is one 200 ml cup.

Before use folk methods You must first consult with your doctor.

Preventive measures

The first thing you need to do when colic appears is to establish proper nutrition. Perhaps this will help, and you will not encounter this problem again.

Try not to skip main meals, breakfast is especially important to start the stomach.
Snacks should not consist of sandwiches. The best option There will be fruits and dairy products.
Once a week you should brew flax seeds; they not only improve digestion, but also cleanse the body.
Do not overeat spicy and salty foods, try to eat more protein foods.
Avoid late dinner by drinking a glass of kefir, fermented baked milk or natural yogurt.
Try to eat more green vegetables, but not cabbage, as it causes severe gas.
Avoid canned fish and meat products.
Drink more fermented milk products, try to eat less legumes and melons.
Avoid or limit alcohol and cigarettes.
Pay attention physical fitness and prevention of colds.

Intestinal colic is a spasm of the smooth muscles of the intestines, manifested by cramping pain that either increases or subsides. Colic can be functional (temporary, reversible, caused by external reasons) or organic (caused by inflammation or injury, damage or intestinal obstruction). This is not a disease, but a symptom, the second most common after headache. The first occurrence of colic requires a medical examination, during which it becomes clear what actually happened.

According to statistics, up to 20% of the entire population of the planet suffers from intestinal colic, and in half of them no clear cause can be found.

Symptoms

Intestinal colic is an abnormal condition and always indicates a violation of the physiologically correct digestive process. The mechanism of formation is a burning, gnawing pain without clear localization, accompanied by vegetative manifestations: sweating, anxiety, pallor, nausea, vomiting. Pain with colic has medium or high intensity, which is caused by stretching and increased contraction of the intestinal wall.

Intestinal colic has common features and manifestations, but sometimes, based on its specificity, one or another disease can be suspected.

General manifestations

periodic short-term intestinal pain;
nausea or even vomiting at the height of pain;
vegetative manifestations – cold sweat, increased heart rate, general anxiety;
rumbling and bloating;
cessation of colic after the passage of stool or gas.

Peculiarities of manifestations in various diseases

Disease	Specific symptoms
	the pain is constant, intensifies over time, against its background colic either intensifies or weakens; pain begins in the navel and goes down to the right iliac region; repeated vomiting; body temperature may rise
Food poisoning	are required severe nausea and repeated vomiting, often mixed with bile; cold sweat, trembling in the body (“shaking”); diarrhea occurs; signs of dehydration - disorders heart rate, dry skin, small amount of urine; stool discoloration; violation general condition
Reaction to stress	colic occurs after mental shock against the background of normal nutrition; pronounced emotional reaction - tears, lamentations; colic develops against the background of excessive nervous vulnerability or if the traumatic event is of high significance for the patient
	accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication - weight loss, weakness, decreased performance, refusal to eat meat; symptoms become more severe over time
	the passage of feces and gases stops; bowel sounds subside; signs of intoxication increase - lack of appetite, bad smell from the mouth, weakness and lethargy
Inflammation	dyspeptic symptoms - aversion to food, severe nausea; alternating constipation and diarrhea; white coating on the tongue; swelling and pain on palpation
Lead poisoning	severe cramping pain around the navel; severe bloating; black and gray border on the gums; gray skin color, especially on the face; indication of work involving lead
	persistent constipation; feces in the form of a “fir cone”; flatulence; frequent pain in the left iliac region; decreased appetite; pustular skin rashes

Diagnosis of causes

Diagnosis is quite difficult, since there are many reasons. It all starts with data collection and examination, the results of which make it clear what disease to look for.

Taking an anamnesis is the most important stage, since it allows you to avoid many unnecessary tests. Every disease has characteristic features, which serve as a guide for the doctor.

Laboratory research

general and biochemical analysis blood;
general urinalysis;
coprogram or laboratory test feces;
stool occult blood test.

Instrumental studies

The set of instrumental examination methods varies depending on the suspected cause of colic and may include:

First aid for intestinal colic - how to relieve pain?

If colic occurs for the first time, then you need to consult a doctor and not delay it. On your own, especially during an attack of pain, it is impossible to determine what hurts and why.

If you have intestinal colic, you cannot take any medications on your own!

Medicines are prohibited because painkillers and antispasmodics change the clinical picture, and it will be impossible for the doctor to understand what happened. In addition, we are all designed in such a way that after the pain has calmed down, we are unlikely to see a doctor. The medications will do their job, and the disease will progress. It is clear that nothing good will come of this.

Before consulting a doctor, you need to visit the toilet. You can try to change the position of the body - find one in which the pain is least severe. You need to stop eating, even if you really want to eat. Still clean water you can drink as much as you want.

You should also not heat or rub anything - if the cause of colic is inflammation, then heating will only intensify it.

Treatment

Treatment should be carried out by a gastroenterologist after thorough examination. According to the standards of medical care, the tactics are as follows:

medicinal pain relief;
nutrition correction;
lifestyle modification - optimization of physical activity, change in professional stress, normalization of emotional state.

Medicines

WHO recommends using only level 1 analgesics – non-opioid – to relieve intestinal colic. The standard drug of this series is paracetamol, recognized as the most effective and safe.

To enhance the analgesic effect, additional drugs are used:

anticonvulsants – Finlepsin, valproic acid derivatives in the lowest possible doses;
tricyclic antidepressants - Amitriptyline, Anafranil, Doxepin, Melipramine and the like.

Be sure to use, the most effective of which is hyoscine butyl bromide or Buscopan. The substance is an antagonist of endogenous muscarinic receptors, so a systemic effect does not develop, the effect affects only the intestines. The drug is available in tablets and suppositories, which significantly accelerates the onset of the therapeutic effect.

Diet

Nutrition needs to be given attention special attention, because without normalization it is impossible to recover. Regular meals are required, always at the same time, without long breaks, in small portions.

Exercises

During periods between pain, walking, climbing stairs without an elevator, and other physical activity, which . Exercises for strengthening the abdominal muscles are very useful:

Massage

Massage improves blood and lymph flow, activates metabolic processes, strengthens and warms muscles.

Massage movements are performed with warm hands. The main ones are:

stroking around the navel clockwise;
“mill” - palms are placed across the abdomen, movements from the ribs to the pelvis alternate;
stroking from the ribs to the pelvis with both palms at the same time.

Self-massage is not difficult to master, and its benefits are undeniable.

Folk remedies

An ancient folk remedy is dill seeds boiled in milk. For a glass of milk you need to take 1 tablespoon of dill seeds and boil for no more than 5 minutes. Cool, strain and drink in small sips throughout the day.

Traditional medicine offers a variety of... The peculiarity of all is to take it for a long time, at least a month, since the concentration active ingredients not tall. The following are used:

Folk remedies have to be selected by trial and error, but each person has the opportunity to find his own, most effective remedy.

Prevention

You can only prevent colic that is caused by eating low-quality foods - just don’t eat spoiled foods. Colic of other origins, accompanying illnesses or everyday disasters, is almost impossible to stop.

At chronic diseases intestines, it is only possible to undergo anti-relapse treatment on time and eat right.

The main thing is not to panic when intestinal colic appears. You need to calmly find out the cause and behave according to the diagnosis. Cooperation with a doctor and reasonable behavior are the key to good health.

It turns out that many suffer from colic in the intestines. In adults (how to treat it will become clear later) it is an ordinary spasm of one of the sections of the intestine - the small (upper) or large intestine. However, this division of symptoms does not play a big role, despite the predisposition of the small intestine to painful contractions. The spasms occurring in the upper part quickly begin to spread throughout the intestines.

Spasm in the intestines - the cause of colic

Sometimes about developing pathologies in gastrointestinal tract They say it is colic in the intestines in adults. Treatment and symptoms of this problem are interrelated. The diagnosis, and therefore the treatment in the future, depends on the description of the character. Having determined that colic is caused by intestinal spasm, it is necessary to deal with the irritant, which is causative factor the occurrence of intestinal spasms.

Often, cramping pain in the abdominal area appears due to excessive amounts of food consumed. Even if the products were of 100% high quality, the stomach might not be able to fully cope with the volume of food supplied and not digest it at the proper level. Gastritis and pancreatitis are considered one of the most common diseases that prevent complete digestion. It follows that it is these ailments that can contribute to the occurrence of colic in the intestines in adults. Everyone needs to know how to treat the problem.

Poor quality and junk food - a provocateur of spasms

Eating food that is sometimes stale and begins to ferment often causes bloating. In national Russian cuisine, the predominant number of dishes are prepared in ways that are not the most suitable for the digestive system. For example, sauerkraut, soaked apples, fermented kvass, bread - and that is made with yeast, so, in principle, you should not be surprised at the appearance of a spasm that provokes colic in the intestines in adults. How to treat (nutrition plays an important role here - it is extremely important to completely reconsider your usual diet) is described below, and now about next reason intestinal spasms.

After eating contaminated food, the normal reaction of the intestines will be irritation.

We are talking about getting into the gastrointestinal tract:

pathogenic microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, salmonellosis, etc.;
opportunistic bacteria that do not always cause diseases (some varieties coli, staphylococcus, Klibsiella, etc.);
toxic waste products of pathogenic microorganisms (food toxicosis, berries and other plants).

Chemical poisoning of the body and worms

Quite often, people whose professional activity directly related to the use of lead, colic in the intestines can be detected.

In adults, treatment in this case will be aimed at quickly cleansing the body of chemical poisoning heavy metal. It is often easy to notice a characteristic dark plaque between the teeth of those who have been poisoned.

It often happens that uncomfortable colic in the intestines is a consequence of helminth infection. Worms are detected during clinical laboratory tests of stool. In the contents, experts find eggs of one or another type of helminth. However, intestinal colic is not the only sign of uninvited “guests” appearing in the body. In addition to painful spasms, the following is observed:

rapid weight loss;
nausea;
complete lack of appetite;
constant itching around the anus;
the presence of more than 4 eosinophils in the blood parameters of the clinical analysis.

Neurological cause of intestinal colic

As a stress reaction of the body, colic in the intestines can occur in adults. How to treat a spasm in case of nervous excitement is quite difficult to answer. Naturally, the body's response to any shock with spastic contractions of the intestine is not entirely standard for humans. For example, unexpected diarrhea in a frightened bear is a completely natural phenomenon. Most often, the problem lies in the congenital abnormal distribution of nervous excitation.

Homemade Gut Health Recipes

Since the problem of intolerable spasms always takes you by surprise, you must always be prepared for the onset of colic in the intestines in adults. Treatment at home involves the use of a lot of methods, including proven medications, and recipes from traditional healers.

The most important thing is to stay in bed when intestinal colic occurs, eat nothing and apply a warm heating pad to your stomach. Massage often helps eliminate intestinal colic in adults. What to treat (folk remedies are very popular due to their harmlessness and the naturalness of each component) - choose individually. Several recipes proposed below have been tested over the years and deserve special attention.

It’s absolutely not difficult to prepare an infusion that will relieve colic, bloating, and so on. The following components are mixed in equal quantities:

chamomile;
angelica;
oak bark

Pour three tablespoons of the mixed mixture into one liter of boiling water and cook over low heat for no more than half an hour.

The resulting decoction must be drunk throughout the day, taking 100 ml at a time.

Motherwort, oregano and lavender

Among chronic diseases that cause constant colic in the intestines, acute colitis occupies one of the first places in terms of prevalence. You can relieve irritation of the intestinal walls with the help of an infusion of motherwort and stinging nettle. Finding a dry collection of motherwort in a pharmacy is not difficult, and pour two tablespoons of dry herb into two glasses at home hot water, after 30-40 minutes the infused drink can be filtered and consumed in medicinal purposes. You need to drink this drug for three weeks.

Oregano herb is another effective remedy that helps overcome intestinal colic in adults. How to treat and how to get rid of spastic pain, many supporters know alternative medicine. They found their salvation in an infusion of a dry plant. To get healing drink, you will need 3 tablespoons of dry inflorescences of the plant, poured with a liter of boiling water. You do not need to infuse this drug for a long time; after ten minutes you can begin treatment.

"Mountain lavender", sung in songs, is capable of short term calm the intestines and relieve spasms. A plant prepared as a simple tea that does not need to be specially infused helps. The recipe is simple - a teaspoon per glass of boiling water. However, it is extremely important not to overdo it folk therapy and drink no more than three cups of tea per day.

Popular herbal “cocktails”

When it’s not just colic in the intestines in adults that causes discomfort. How to treat (tablets that have been trusted for many years - No-Shpa) concomitant diarrhea at home - quite frequently asked question. The herbal mixture, represented by thyme, alder cones, St. John's wort, lemon balm and stinging nettle in equal quantities, is poured with boiling water overnight, and the medicinal drug is infused in this way until the morning. For 10 grams of dry herbal “mix”, 250 ml of boiling water is enough.

Another recipe that helps with the same problem is another collection medicinal herbs. It is prepared from three main components (snakeweed, valerian root and chamomile inflorescences), but arnica is often added or a quarter liter of hot water is enough for a tablespoon of herbal collection. Before taking the medicine, it should be infused in a thermos, and it is recommended to drink it on an empty stomach.

Many people do not know how to overcome intestinal colic in adults or how to treat it. Medicines prepared independently will bring no less benefits than potent pharmaceutical medications. For example, a decoction of alder bark boiled over a fire for a couple of minutes is one of the most effective means against intestinal colic.

Cabbage juice will improve bowel function

A developing infection in the intestinal cavity or the onset of inflammatory processes in the intestinal cavity will be eliminated by cabbage juice.

Despite its specific and not entirely pleasant aroma, the drink is useful to drink not only for people with problems with colic in the intestines. Twice a day, a glass of cabbage liquid diluted with water or carrot-beet juice should be drunk to maintain the body's immune strength and resistance to colds.

Colitis and flatulence have long been treated with enemas and temporary fasting. A person suffering from intestinal spasms was allowed to drink only herbal infusions and infusions of thyme, dandelion, coltsfoot, marjoram and blueberries.

Wormwood with honey

The following recipe proposed by traditional healers is guaranteed to overcome colic. To prepare it you will need about 100 grams of fresh wormwood. After pre-soaking the grass for 24 hours, put it on the fire and cook it. Add 2 cups of honey to the strained broth. After stirring and completely dissolving the honey, you need to take this medicine several times throughout the day, a tablespoon at a time.

Prevention of intestinal colic

For colic, probably caused by an intestinal infection, it is advised to eat fresh artichoke roots and grated carrot and apple puree.

These vegetables are effective antiseptics in the gastrointestinal tract.

You can prevent the occurrence of colic in the intestines by following the basics healthy eating and excluding bad habits. Alcohol and smoking pose a danger to the entire body. Poor quality of drinking water can also affect negative consequences on the state of the digestive organs. In addition, you should not overuse self-medication. Only a doctor, after conducting an examination, will be able to make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate therapy.

A sharp painful urge to defecate, like muscle cramps, is intestinal colic, the causes of which can be very diverse. Abdominal colic leads to spasms in the walls of the colon due to the development inflammatory process, other provoking factors. What is intestinal colic, what are the causes, symptoms and treatment in adults, we will consider in more detail in this article.

First, colic in adults begins to manifest itself in the form of spastic contractions in the walls of the large or small intestine, gradually covering the entire intestinal cavity, leading to multiple unpleasant symptoms. In adults, colic is usually caused by stretching of the intestinal loop, irritation of the nerve endings in the intestinal walls against the background of:

excessive lifting of weights;
development of intestinal infections;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or oral cavity;
allergies;
intestinal obstruction with the accumulation of stool masses in the intestines;
motility disorders in the cavity of the large intestine;
eating large portions of food at one time;
intestinal damage from drugs or spoiled foods or helminthic infestations;
dysentery.

Intestinal colic in adults cannot be called an independent disease; rather, it is a sign of the development of one or another pathology in the digestive system, which can lead to:

spasms of intestinal smooth muscles;
painful attacks in the lower abdomen;
increased gas formation and stool upset;
discharge of feces with mucus.

Typically, colic in the intestines manifests itself in attacks, sometimes quite long - more than 2-3 days. Symptoms directly depend on the cause that led to the disorder in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to spasms, abdominal pain, bowel disorders, diarrhea or diarrhea in adults, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, bloating, intestinal obstruction due to impaired motility in the large intestine, accumulation of feces leading to narrowing of the lumen in the large intestine are observed. small intestine and eventually spastic attacks. The condition is dangerous and can lead to paralysis of the intestines and appendix. Sometimes the patient needs emergency assistance and inevitable surgery.

The causes of colic in women during pregnancy can be due to a sedentary lifestyle, a malfunction of the digestive system against the background of:

non-compliance with the diet;
passive sedentary lifestyle, lack of gymnastic exercises.

As a rule, intestinal colic in adults manifests itself sudden attacks, pain in the lower abdomen after overeating. Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from eating large portions of food. The fetus increases in size, begins to put pressure on the uterus, and the load on the digestive tract and the intestines in general. As a result, large portions of food lead to disruption of intestinal motility and spastic attacks in the lower abdomen. Diarrhea or constipation is inevitable. If similar symptoms of intestinal colic appear, then women can take a tablet of no-shpa or papaverine to relieve pain and spasms, but in any case consult a doctor urgently.

Typically, intestinal colic in the abdomen of an adult appears suddenly in the form of a sharp pain in the lower abdomen with a return to the lower back during physical overexertion or during a fast run, taking a large amount of acute, fatty foods. The cutting pain that covers the entire lower abdomen sometimes reaches such strength that you just want to scream. Gradually it grows, radiating to the groin area and genitals due to irritation of the nerve fibers of the peritoneum and impaired discharge of gases.

With colic in the intestines in adults, nausea, dizziness, headache, flatulence. Also associated symptoms:

promotion blood pressure in hypertensive patients;
impotence immediately after partial bowel movement;
pain continues for a long time in the lower abdomen, even after going to the toilet.

Symptoms of colic against the background of acute gastritis are observed in the form of heaviness in the abdomen, belching, nausea and vomiting. When there are cramps in the stomach, the stool passes with mucous secretions. If the intestine is clogged, then the main symptoms of obstruction are:

paleness of the skin;
cold sweat;
prostration;
severe weakness.

If such signs appear, you should urgently consult a doctor. As a rule, with intestinal colic there is no high temperature, although if the body is intoxicated by infection or helminthic infestations, it may rise to 38-39 degrees. Moreover, the symptoms are basically similar to the common cold.

In adults, the main signs of intestinal disease are acute, increasing pain involving the genital organs and radiating to the genitals. I feel very dizzy, feces pass with mucous secretions, and gas formation is impaired. There is no muscle tension, but there is severe pain and spasms in the lower abdomen, with a stomach ulcer - all signs of diarrhea.

The appearance of intestinal colic in adults requires a thorough examination and a series of tests to determine the real reason, which led to such a pathology, clarifying the pathological factors that can provoke the disease. Perhaps an infectious process is occurring in the stomach or intestines. If signs of intestinal obstruction are observed, emergency surgical intervention is required. Only a set of diagnostic measures will identify pathology; symptoms and treatment will depend directly on the test results obtained. The doctor will definitely listen to complaints, feel the stomach, and identify visual signs of the disease.

The main diagnostic method is a culture test for the presence of intestinal helminthic infections and the development of dysbacteriosis. To make a final diagnosis, it is possible to redirect the patient to colonoscopy, gastroduodenoscopy, or cholecystography. Depending on the type of colic, sometimes the patient has a fever and gums bleed, which requires immediate and comprehensive treatment.

The basic principle of treatment is “do no harm.” Often, when intestinal colic appears, adults try to eliminate the pathology on their own, taking the first pills that come to hand, which can only cause complications and lead to complications in diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

First of all, it is important to identify the reasons that provoked cramps in the intestines. It could be a leak acute infection in the body, tumor development in the gastrointestinal tract, hepatitis, urolithiasis.

As first aid, before the ambulance arrives or the doctor arrives, you can take an antispasmodic (Nosh-pa tablet, Papaverine). It is not recommended to take other painkillers unless directed by a doctor.

If these are ordinary intestinal colics, then treatment is not required; relief should come after passing gas and going to the toilet. The attacks will stop completely after 12 hours.

If attacks intestinal colic associated with anatomical features body in adults, the presence of concomitant diseases or alcohol intake, smoking, psychotropic drugs, what to do, first of all, it is important to review the diet, eat only small portions, avoid overeating (in particular salty and fried foods), give up bad habits.

It is non-compliance with the diet and snacking on the run that often causes spasms and pain in the intestines. Ultimately lead to serious complications and even irreversible processes in adults, further difficult treatment: jaundice, hepatitis, rupture of appendicitis, suppuration and rupture of the appendix, neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract, necrosis of the pancreas, suppuration in the kidneys, renal failure.

In such cases, surgical intervention and emergency surgery are already inevitable. If primary symptoms appear, your doctor will tell you how to treat colic, you should not delay treatment.

If colic occurs due to overeating or eating poor quality food, you should try to induce vomiting to empty the stomach of food debris. To eliminate pain, Spazmalgon, No-shpa, Smecta, Enterosgel will help to remove toxins.

When colic occurs, sometimes, but with the doctor's permission, it is possible to perform an enema to cleanse and empty the intestines. If a viral illness appears, you can take activated charcoal.

If colic is caused by severe stress, then you should take a warm bath to calm and relieve pain.

Colic can be caused by serious gastrointestinal diseases, infection of any part of the intestine, the development of cholecystitis, gastritis, pancreatitis or colitis. First of all, treatment of the underlying disease is required, elimination of intestinal dyskinesia, restoration of impaired motor function.

Many problems can be adjusted with nutrition. A diet for intestinal colic that includes foods containing fiber in the diet is indispensable. In case of excessive accumulation of gases, take Meteospasmil, Espumisan, Drotaverine to reduce gas formation.

To relax the intestinal muscles and normalize contractions, you can prepare an immortelle decoction as first aid; in the first hours of colic, refuse to eat at all except for drinking tea without sugar.

Among the medications, Diphenhydramine and Becarbon will help to relieve spasms and relax the intestinal muscles. It is possible to prescribe rectal suppositories (papaverine in the form of injections), as well as antibiotics for the development of colic due to intestinal damage by bacteria, toxins, and infections. Furazolidone, Gentamicin to relieve inflammation and disinfect the intestines. At infectious infection intestines, a glucose drip is prescribed. IN severe cases- blood transfusion. For intestinal spasms caused by the development of a tumor, courses of radiation and chemotherapy, and the prescription of anticancer drugs are indicated.

After passing the examination, taking urine and feces tests, ultrasound and establishing the true cause that provoked intestinal disorders The doctor will prescribe appropriate therapy. Self-treatment spasm can lead to complications and other irreversible consequences.

Treatments like traditional methods, most likely suitable for the purpose of prevention from possible appearance sandpiper in the intestines. Effective traditional methods only after establishing the true cause of pain and cramping in the abdomen, only after the attending physician makes a final diagnosis and prescribes the main treatment.

To eliminate renal colic You can prepare a decoction of sage, chamomile, knotweed, rose hips, linden blossom, and birch cones. Prepare a carrot and onion salad with honey.

Taking on an empty stomach for liver spasms will help with an infusion of senna herb, cinnamon, a decoction of oak bark or birch mushroom.

A decoction of oregano, motherwort, chamomile, and immortelle effectively eliminates diarrhea, nausea and cramps. Recipes against colic with the addition of garlic for oral administration in its natural form are popular among people.

For colic in the pancreas, a diet containing daily oatmeal jelly is effective for a beneficial effect not only on the pancreas, but also on the entire gastrointestinal tract.

If treatment with folk remedies is unsuccessful and does not get easier, then you need to consult a doctor. For colic caused by the appendix, folk remedies will no longer help; the disease may progress to a chronic stage, when surgical intervention can no longer be avoided.

For primary symptoms, you can make a decoction of blackberries, wormwood, and tarragon. If colic is caused by chemical and lead poisoning, home remedies will not help. It is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. After passing the main treatment course At home, it is necessary to establish nutrition. To remove residual waste, other chemical elements from the body, include eggs (protein), cereal broths from rice, buckwheat, and oats into the diet.

First of all, to avoid such a problem, it is important to follow a diet and regulate proper nutrition. Never give up a light breakfast to start your stomach, but on-the-run snacks consisting of sandwiches should be eliminated forever. It's better to eat fruit and drink a milkshake.

If you are constantly suffering from constipation, it is recommended to drink a decoction of flax seeds to cleanse the body and completely avoid spicy, salty foods. Include protein foods in your diet, do not eat at night (it is better to drink a glass of yogurt, kefir), refuse or limit your intake of alcohol and smoking. Also don't forget about timely treatment colds infectious diseases. Normal colic should not be neglected. If severe pain and spasms in the intestines begin to bother you constantly, these may be symptoms of serious ailments in the body. Only timely consultation with a doctor will help avoid serious problems with health in the future.