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Painful muscle contractions and abdominal cramps can occur for many reasons, however, correct diagnosis is essential for treatment.

The feeling of convulsive pain is associated with painful spasms in the intestines and needs proper therapy.

Constipation, viral infections, diarrhea and food poisoning, as well as many other factors, can cause stomach cramps.

When there are colic in the abdomen, what to do? The answer to this question will be to identify the causes of this condition.

The reasons

Although colic may only last a few minutes, it can be quite severe and make life literally unbearable for the sufferer.

Colic gives pain due to involuntary contraction of the abdominal muscles. When these abnormal contractions are accompanied by an increased frequency of bowel movements and diarrhea, one cannot help but take this phenomenon seriously, since this symptomatology signals the presence of an indigestion.

In some cases, colic is limited to a specific part of the abdomen, indicating that some organ in the abdomen is not working properly. It could be:

  • gallbladder;
  • pancreas;
  • intestines.

However, if colic and similar pains affect a large part of the abdomen, it is often due to overeating and an inactive lifestyle that lead to gas, indigestion and bloating.

The causes of severe muscle spasms and stomach cramps can range from minor factors to serious problems.

Eating contaminated food can lead to food poisoning.

Infection with viral agents (eg, rotavirus) is also possible. Common symptoms of viral infections are diarrhea, muscle cramps, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Infections such as viral gastroenteritis, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems.

Lactose intolerance is another cause of gastrointestinal problems. Lactose is present in milk and dairy products. Some people cannot tolerate lactose because the body cannot absorb it easily.

Intolerance to this substance can cause abdominal cramps in specific individuals. Other symptoms include flatulence, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.

Lack of coordination between the muscles of the intestines and the nervous system causes irritable bowel syndrome.

The symptoms of this digestive disorder are cramps, colic, constipation, bloating, and nausea. In the initial stages of IBS, after a bowel movement, colic disappears, but after a while they return again.

Another cause of colic in the abdomen is gastritis. The perception of pain is first felt above the navel, and it moves downward, producing severe abdominal colic.

Other signs of spasm are nausea, diarrhea, bad breath and belching, and stomach pain.

In some people, gluten is hardly absorbed by the body and causes gluten intolerance. Consuming gluten can damage the small intestine if a person is suffering from celiac disease.

In this condition, the small intestine lacks the ability to absorb nutrients, leading to colic, dehydration, and fatigue.

Severe abdominal pain may be a symptom of colon cancer. The formation of a tumor in the colon causes obstruction, constipation appears.

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can also cause abdominal cramps and bowel dysfunction.

The pancreas is mainly involved in the production of enzymes and digestive juices that allow the body to digest the food that is swallowed.

It is believed that pancreatitis is often diagnosed in alcoholics. Regardless of what its cause is, the symptoms of pancreatitis that are observed in patients include:

  • girdle pain in the abdomen;
  • gas formation;
  • nausea;
  • diarrhea.

In cholecystitis, the gallbladder becomes inflamed. The main task of the gallbladder is to concentrate bile (digestive juice) from the liver and transfer it to the duodenum for normal digestion.

The formation of gallstones in the bladder and stones in the bile ducts are the most common causes of cholecystitis.

Patients with this disease often complain of colic in the right side of the abdominal region. As the condition progresses, it can affect the liver and cause jaundice.

Some studies show that people who have crossed the age of 60 tend to suffer from diverticulosis, a condition in which sac structures (sacs, also called diverticula) form on the inner wall of the large intestine.

In most cases, these multiple packets are found in the lower left side of the bowel. These formations are harmless and usually do not affect the normal functioning of the intestines.

Consequently, many people do not even realize that they have diverticula. However, when these sacs become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. It is characterized by colic, which usually occurs in the left side of the abdominal region.

Appendicitis causes inflammation of the appendix (a structure in the caecum). Colic, which causes severe pain in the right side of the abdomen, is the most well-known manifestation of appendicitis.

In addition to severe pain and fever, patients may also experience diarrhea or constipation.

Infections that are found in the digestive tract can also cause health problems such as stomach ulcers and gastroenteritis.

Intra-abdominal colic, along with diarrhea and vomiting, are common symptoms of many stomach diseases.

People with stomach problems often lose their appetite. Abdominal discomfort is often seen as a precursor to stomach ulcers.

Persistent diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps can also indicate colon cancer. Until the tumor becomes large enough, symptoms usually do not appear, therefore, go unnoticed.

However, once the cancer has spread, there may be significant rectal bleeding in the form of bloody diarrhea.

Eating contaminated food often causes food poisoning, which can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Therapy and prevention

It is always possible to take preventive measures in the early stages of abdominal colic.

Eat healthy foods and follow a diet that includes fiber supplements and increased fluid intake. In addition, you can eat bran along with oatmeal.

It is important to protect yourself from anxiety and stress. Exercise and yoga are useful for maintaining a normal psychological state and avoiding abdominal discomfort.

Changes in a person's lifestyle through healthy and regular exercise will help him live a full life without health problems.

Colic in the abdomen can be easily eliminated if you pay attention to this condition in a timely manner.

Treatment for colic and abdominal pain can vary from one person to another, depending on the cause and overall health.

For a minor cause (excessive gas, for example), home remedies such as lemon and ginger can help relieve pain.

Ginger root tea has healing properties for intra-abdominal spasms and colic.

A diet high in fiber, avoiding junk food, and avoiding excessive alcohol intake can help avoid most digestive problems.

Consuming foods rich in probiotic bacteria, which help maintain a healthy intestinal flora, can help relieve the symptoms of constipation and colic.

The patient should still consult a doctor if he often suffers from pain and colic in the abdomen.

Only after the doctor knows the history of the disease and the type of symptoms, he can prescribe to identify the causes of colic and tell the patient what to do to get rid of the pain.

Useful video

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Health 03.11.2017

Dear readers, today we will talk about colic in the stomach. If you have never encountered them, you are a very lucky person, and I am very happy for you. But here I myself suffered a lot from this problem before. Sometimes they still occur. I learned how to deal with them, I hope that our article today will help many of you if you have such a problem. A doctor of the highest category, Evgenia Nabrodova, will tell us more professionally about everything about the causes of their appearance and possible treatment. I give her the floor.

What is colic? These are cramping pains that occur mainly in the peritoneal region. They can be of different intensity and speak of both a banal violation of the diet and the development of serious diseases of the internal organs. Colic in the abdomen causes inconvenience to a person, and if they occur periodically, they significantly reduce the quality of life. To eliminate discomfort and intestinal spasms, it is necessary to determine the causes of possible disorders and diseases. This can be done by a qualified person. Using modern diagnostic methods, the doctor will determine the causes of abdominal colic in an adult and determine further treatment.

Causes of colic in the abdomen

Intestinal colic can be associated with acute or chronic diseases or occur due to a violation of the diet. Most often, abdominal cramps appear due to overeating and eating foods that cause fermentation and decay. This can also happen due to a deficiency of enzymes that break down food, and the doctor prescribes them in separate preparations. It is necessary to work with each patient separately, it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis. Of course, you can drink an antispasmodic pill and forget about colic for a while, but this does not solve the problem.

Common causes of abdominal colic in adults:

  • binge eating;
  • consumption of low-quality food;
  • the predominance of gas-producing foods in the diet (cabbage, legumes, corn, potatoes);
  • intestinal infections;
  • chronic diseases of the digestive tract;
  • helminthic invasions;
  • dysbacteriosis;
  • poor nutrition, an abundance of fatty, fried foods and simple carbohydrates in the diet;
  • constant psycho-emotional stress.

Intestinal colic can occur at any age, even in children, are detected in young and middle-aged people. Experts have noticed that women suffer from them somewhat more often than men. This is due to the peculiarities of the nervous system and fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle. Abdominal cramps tend to intensify shortly before menstruation, before responsible events, which makes it possible to suspect a connection between colic and psychological factors.

How do abdominal colic manifest?

The clinical manifestations of colic are varied. Additionally, the following symptoms may occur:

  • stool disorders: constipation, which often alternates with diarrhea;
  • feeling of incomplete bowel movement;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • belching;
  • bloating;
  • pain in the epigastric and hypochondrium;
  • headache;
  • increase in body temperature;
  • decreased performance and sleep disturbances.

As you can see, it is impossible to accurately determine the causes of colic based on the patient's complaints alone. It is important to adequately assess your well-being and not try to drown out the pain with symptomatic means. Medicines for colic should be prescribed by a doctor. Pain is the main symptom of colic. It can be aching and dull or sharp and unbearable.

If the pain in the abdomen increases, it is urgent to call an ambulance team. Colic can occur in medical emergencies, including appendicitis, acute pancreatitis, and intestinal obstruction. In women, colic in the lower abdomen often appears with problems with the appendages and ectopic pregnancy.

Examination for colic in the abdomen

Diagnosis for colic may include the following procedures:

  • Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
  • irrigoscopy;
  • CT scan of the intestine;
  • colonoscopy;
  • sigmoidoscopy;
  • laboratory tests of blood, feces, urine.

The main purpose of the examination for colic is to identify organic pathology, which can lead to spasms, impaired stools and deterioration in general well-being. Sometimes it is necessary to carry out several instrumental research methods at once in order to assess the severity of the patient's condition and prevent complications.

Irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal colic

Irritable bowel syndrome refers to functional disorders of the digestive system and is characterized by the appearance of prolonged pain in combination with stool disorders. The basis of the disease is a violation of the peristalsis of the large intestine against the background of poor nutrition and psychological problems.

Pain in irritable bowel syndrome often has a dull character. Localized in the lower abdomen. In many patients, against the background of this disorder, additional symptoms periodically appear: nausea, loss of appetite, physical weakness, worsening sleep. The disease has a chronic course, requires an integrated approach to treatment. Colic in the lower abdomen with irritable bowel syndrome can be removed by changing the nature of nutrition and lifestyle. Some patients require consultation with a psychologist, psychotherapist. Drug therapy is prescribed only if specialists detect an organic pathology (pancreatitis, gastritis, dysbacteriosis).

This video explains in a clear way about irritable bowel syndrome and how to deal with this disease.

Pancreatitis and abdominal colic

Frequent colic in the abdomen, especially in its upper part, occurs in chronic pancreatitis. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas and a gradual change in its structure. In recent years, chronic pancreatitis occurs in young people under 35 years of age, while earlier it was detected mainly after 55 years of age. This trend is associated with an increase in the number of people who abuse alcoholic beverages, lead an unhealthy lifestyle and eat irrationally.

Other factors that lead to the development of chronic pancreatitis:

  • cholelithiasis;
  • metabolic disease;
  • autoimmune processes;
  • lack of regular physical activity against the background of obesity;
  • high content in the diet of simple carbohydrates, fried and fatty foods.

Pain in the upper abdomen, which often passes into the left hypochondrium, often encircles the entire peritoneum. The pain syndrome is combined with nausea and vomiting, pronounced gas formation in the intestine. The stool is unstable, constipation may alternate with diarrhea. Against the background of constant aching pain and deterioration in general well-being, body weight may decrease.

What to do with colic in the abdomen in an adult?

Experts do not recommend self-medication with the appearance of colic in the abdomen. When a person is left alone with severe pain, he can become confused. The first desire is to take an effective colic medicine that will take away the pain. But analgesics and antispasmodics can erase the clinical picture if severe spasms appear against the background of emergency conditions (acute pancreatitis, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction). Therefore, when colic begins, it is necessary to call a specialist at home or contact the nearest medical center to a gastroenterologist, therapist or surgeon.

Colic during pregnancy is especially dangerous, behind which serious violations can be hidden, up to the threat of miscarriage and premature birth. Be carefull! If a woman has abdominal cramps, but her lower back still aches (with or without spotting), see a doctor immediately!

During pregnancy, women have increased levels of progesterone, a hormone that relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus and helps to bring the fetus to term. But smooth muscle fibers are also located in the intestines, and that is why pregnant women often experience colic, constipation and other stool disorders. Proper selection of enzymatic agents and adherence to a diet help to quickly solve the problem.

Medical treatment and dietary guidelines

Of the drugs for intestinal colic, the following can be prescribed:

  • antispasmodics;
  • analgesics;
  • enzymatic agents;
  • drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora;
  • anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • antibiotics.

Antibacterial drugs are prescribed for intestinal infections with a high risk of complications in pancreatitis, cholelithiasis. Basically, experts are limited to antispasmodics and enzymes that improve the digestive process.

If a patient is diagnosed with intestinal dysbacteriosis, probiotic cultures are required. Probiotics and prebiotics are responsible not only for the quality of digestion, but also for the activity of the immune system. Most of the immune cells are located just in the intestinal mucosa, which forms a protective intestinal barrier.

But probiotics alone are not enough to fight chronic dysbacteriosis and digestive disorders. It is important to adhere to the principles of dietary nutrition. Your diet should include fresh fruits, plant fiber, complex carbohydrates, and healthy protein, which can be obtained from lean meats and fish. Avoid fried foods, fast food, chips, soda, and any other junk food that clogs the intestines and causes chronic abdominal pain.

It is recommended to take food at the same time, in small portions. Frequent meals start metabolic processes, speed up metabolism and help you feel better even in conditions of heavy employment. Instead of a fried patty dripping with fat, it's better to eat a safe homemade sandwich with a cup in between meals. When it comes time for lunch or dinner, the food should be complete: complex carbohydrates with vegetables, fish, salad, soups, cottage cheese with fruits.

If desired, cooked meals can be taken with you to work or on the road, putting food in small containers. Today you can buy thermomugs and thermothermos of various sizes, where liquid and food are heated in a matter of seconds.

A diet for intestinal colic is selected taking into account the main symptoms and the diagnosis. If the patient complains of diarrhea, then for a while it is necessary to exclude vegetable fiber from the diet and prescribe astringents and fixatives. With constipation, on the contrary, cereals, vegetables and fruits, bread with bran are useful. Every morning it is recommended to drink a glass of cool water on an empty stomach and massage the abdomen with colic, accompanied by flatulence and difficult exhaust gases.

When is urgent medical attention needed?

Urgent medical attention is needed for the following symptoms:

  • unbearable pain in the abdomen;
  • frequent vomiting, nausea;
  • yellowing of the mucous membranes, skin and sclera (suspicion of acute pancreatitis and hepatitis);
  • diarrhea, combined with severe pain and spasms;
  • skin blanching;
  • loss of consciousness.

Pain in the abdomen with frequent colic appears mainly after eating or before bowel movements. If the pain syndrome increases and does not go away completely after taking classic antispasmodics and analgesics, the situation is serious and you need to seek urgent medical help.

Traditional medicine for colic

Alternative treatment can help reduce gas formation, improve digestion. It is recommended to use dill water to combat persistent flatulence. and helps improve digestion. Fresh has the same effect: it is recommended to drink it in 0.5 cups on an empty stomach every morning. It reduces signs of inflammation, promotes healing of the mucosa of the digestive tract. A decoction of chamomile has a positive effect not only on the functioning of the intestines, but also has a mild sedative effect on the body.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. I suffer from frequent colic in the abdomen, especially after eating. During the examination, no diseases were found. Pancreatin was prescribed. But colic does not disappear.

Most likely, the cause of colic is psychological. Due to increased anxiety, nervousness, functional bowel disorders may occur. If the diagnosis did not confirm the presence of diseases of the digestive system, you need to contact a psychotherapist, start taking sedatives (as prescribed by a doctor).

2. What is the best test for intestinal cramps?

It's best to have an ultrasound first. The method is affordable, not dangerous and quite informative.

3. Is it possible to go in for sports with frequent intestinal colic?

Sports loads can even be useful, especially if there are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. But training is contraindicated in acute conditions and the threat of their development.

Doctor of the highest category
Evgenia Nabrodova

My personal experience

I thank Evgenia for the information. And I'll add a little of my own. I first encountered colic when I had gallbladder attacks. It turned out that there were stones. The pain was such that only an ambulance saved. After the operation, there were no such colic. But sometimes, when there are big breaks in eating, you eat something wrong, when you get nervous, discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract begins and colic may occur.

I already know my condition. I learned to understand and not to miss the very beginning. Of course, first of all, it is a diet. Lying down helps me a lot. Apparently, the intestines relax and the pain goes away. I also brew myself chamomile with flaxseed and drink everything during the day. I drink more and more as needed. Spasms and pains go away, inflammation is removed. I wrote about my recipe in the article And it also saves me.

The course of probiotics helped a lot. I bought RioFlora Immuno to restore normal intestinal microflora.

Dear readers, I hope that our information will be useful to you. Health to all of us and life without colic!

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Symptoms and treatment of intestinal colic in adults depend on the characteristics of the disease and its origin. Symptoms can be the same even in the presence of different types of the disease.

In addition, it is possible for one disease to feel different symptoms, which will depend on the individual characteristics of the organism.

The occurrence of causes

The causes of abdominal colic in adults can be divided into two groups, which manifest themselves in connection with external and internal factors. External factors may be the use of low-quality products or malnutrition. Internal factors are various diseases of a chronic and acute nature. Thus, it is possible to divide the causes of occurrence into two groups. First group:

Internal factors of occurrence can also be different:

  • any inflammation, such as appendicitis or a tumor, can cause a pain syndrome;
  • any respiratory disease, for example, the most common flu or SARS, can cause intestinal colic, which will be accompanied by mixed symptoms of a viral disease;
  • one of the most common causes of pain syndrome is the occurrence of obstruction in the intestines. It can be caused by various factors, for example, both ordinary constipation and a malignant tumor. Any damage to the intestine, its lining, or the intestinal tract can eventually develop into a deformity that will lead to obstruction. With this form of colic, after eating, an unpleasant heaviness will initially be felt, which will develop into pain;
  • colic can be caused by any disease of the digestive system, that is, any gastritis, peptic ulcer can lead to the systematic appearance of pain. In this case, it is problematic that such a pain syndrome will not cease to manifest itself while there is a disease. In addition, there are a number of diseases associated with the pathology of the pancreas and liver, which are very dangerous. In this case, colic can be really very strong.

Any persistent cramping pain requires contacting a specialist. If the pain syndrome has a periodicity, then it is necessary to undergo an examination to determine the exact cause of the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of intestinal colic in women may have similar features with menstruation of a painful type. In addition, in all people, symptoms can be expressed by various pain syndromes and signs. Most often, intestinal colic is accompanied by various secondary or primary symptoms. The main thing here is that it is colic that is usually very painful. All symptoms can be divided into several groups:

  • the main symptom is spasmodic, sharp pain that prevents the person from even walking fast. In this case, the pain syndrome can increase and give to various zones, including the genital area. The pain can last for a couple of hours or a couple of days. In addition, the rolling of spasms will be accompanied by secondary symptoms in the form of bloating or constipation;
  • if a person has a disease, for example, an acute form of gastritis, then the pain syndrome of intestinal colic will pass along with nausea, bloating, belching, and a little less often vomiting. A strong heaviness will appear in the stomach, which will not go away;
  • in the presence of intestinal colic, diarrhea is possible;
  • any intestinal colic will be accompanied by weakness, lack of appetite and loss of strength.

If the colic does not go away, and an increase in pain begins with vomiting and a general deterioration in the condition, then these symptoms indicate acute intestinal obstruction. At home, it is not treated, hospitalization is required. In addition, any intermittent intestinal colic should be a factor for going to the doctor and for a complete examination. This will help to establish the causes of the disease and eliminate them.

Children should be immediately shown to a pediatrician, who, if necessary, will refer to a highly specialized specialist.

Colic can be of different types, so for each type there is a specific set of symptoms:

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  • for rectal or rectal colic, there are symptoms in a false and painful urge to empty the rectal tract;
  • with appendicular colic, which is the main symptom of the acute form of appendicitis, the symptom is increasing severe pain in the right iliac region. Dull pain turns into sharp directed pains;
  • with lead colic and poisoning with heavy metal salts, there is a sharp periodic, spasmodic pain. The abdominal wall is in a tense state. The temperature can rise to thirty-nine degrees. The gums may bleed, and a gray coating will appear between them and the teeth;
  • renal colic is characterized by constant intense pain that radiates to various places. For example, in the groin or lumbar region. The body temperature rises, blood pressure decreases, the pain syndrome increases with any attempt of a person to move. Secondary symptoms are gag reflexes, nausea, fainting and various disturbances in urination. This type of colic can be caused by any kidney disease, including a tumor or inflammation. With hepatic colic, pain is felt on the right side of the abdomen with a return to the shoulder region or to the area under the right shoulder blade. Gagging reflexes occur, a bile taste appears in the mouth, in addition, the person will constantly feel sick;
  • with pancreatic colic, the pain syndrome will be located in the stomach, after which it will encircle the abdomen completely, any pathology of the pancreas, including a tumor, has pronounced symptoms in the form of gag reflexes, bloating, constant nausea and diarrhea. Gastric colic is also characterized by a set of similar symptoms.

Each colic has its own treatment. If there is no certainty that its cause was found by the accompanying symptoms, then it is necessary to contact specialists who will help remove the cause. This is due to the fact that it is often possible to find out the real cause of the pain syndrome only with the help of an examination.

In addition, very often both the symptoms and causes are mixed, that is, a person has several diseases that together lead to intestinal colic.

Treatment

If severe colic continues or has a frequency, then you need to call a doctor. Since the pain syndrome can have a variety of causes, it is not recommended to take various medications or perform various procedures, including an enema, before the arrival of an ambulance or contacting a specialist.

Tablets can only be taken if they have been prescribed or prescribed. The whole process of helping the patient consists of several important points:

  • after incessant colic, complete rest is provided;
  • an ambulance is called and a specialist is expected to arrive;
  • if an ambulance was not called, then you just need to see a doctor. Until the moment the patient is shown to a specialist, the only medicine allowed for him will be an ordinary noshpa, which will help relieve pain. If there is a history of the disease, then previous prescriptions can be used in case of a chronic disease that causes colic;
  • an examination is carried out and with the help of diagnostics the primary cause of this disease is revealed, after which treatment is carried out and it will be eliminated. When the cause is removed, the symptoms disappear. What you can eat and what you can not, the doctor establishes at the first examination.

All treatment can also be described from the moment you contact a specialist:

  1. a number of tests are prescribed, including those of a general nature, for example, if possible, analysis of feces and urine, as well as a general blood test and, in some cases, a number of social tests;
  2. diagnostics is carried out using ultrasound, while at a certain painful area, ultrasound of the liver or ultrasound of the kidneys can be performed;
  3. after identifying the accompanying pain syndrome causes and factors that contributed to this development, a number of treatment measures are taken, including drug treatment, and in case of an acute situation, surgical intervention. What to do in each case is regulated by the doctor, since self-medication can lead to poor health;
  4. if the cause has not been found, then the specialist is obliged to leave the patient under observation and after a certain time to conduct a secondary examination. Even if in this case the cause is not found, the patient will be under the supervision of a specialist for a year. In the case of a secondary manifestation of the pain syndrome, the causes will be identified until the pain and symptoms are relieved.

The whole treatment process, together with the examination, is aimed at identifying the cause and eliminating it, since the simple elimination of symptoms can lead to complications and an advanced form of the disease.

Preventive measures

All prevention can take place both in conjunction with treatment and without it. Preventive measures may include a complex, which is also used in the treatment in order to get rid of the factors that provoke the disease. For example, standard prevention includes the following items:

  • a healthy lifestyle without the abuse of alcohol and cigarettes;
  • sports, while there are various forms of maintaining health with the help of a sports method. For different categories of people, running, walking or gymnastics are used;
  • constant monitoring by specialists and treatment in accordance with the appointment;
  • if necessary, a diet is prescribed that outlines the range of permitted foods. Each cause of illness requires its own diet. For example, with pancreatitis and renal colic, there are different dietary restrictions.

In general, all prevention comes down to the fact that a person must switch to a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid the development of diseases. It will also help bring the body back to a normal healthy state.

Colic in the abdomen in adults is not a separate disease. They signal violations in the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Cramping pain occurs due to spasm of the large or small intestine. There are many provoking factors: from non-pathogenic causes to serious diseases.

Colic in the abdomen in adults - causes

If colic happened for the first time, it is possible that they arose against the background of psychogenic factors - stress, depression, nervous excitement. Most often, for this reason, impressionable asthenics suffer from intestinal spasms.

The most common cause of colic is malnutrition. It leads to intestinal dyskinesia, that is, a violation of the tone of the muscular membrane and the motility of this organ.

What exactly in the diet can cause cramps:

  • fiber deficiency;
  • the predominance of cold or stale food;
  • frequent use of dishes created on the basis of fermentation (buns, kvass, beer, pickled and pickled vegetables);
  • starvation diets and overeating;
  • abuse of fast food, fatty and fried foods.

In case of poisoning with poor-quality food, painful spasms also occur.. Intoxication is caused not only by poisonous mushrooms or food with an expired shelf life. You can also get poisoned by dishes that look fresh, but the technology for their preparation is broken.

Diseases that cause an unpleasant syndrome

People with congenital pathologies of this organ suffer from frequent spasms of the intestine. But painful changes can also be acquired: due to chronic diseases or as a consequence of recent abdominal operations.

Diseases that are symptomatic of colic are listed below.

Colic can also be provoked by hormonal changes and diseases associated with metabolism, in particular diabetes. Also, spasms in adults appear due to improper bowel movements. Constipation leads to the accumulation of feces, which increases their obstruction.

Types and symptoms of colic

The main symptom of colic is severe abdominal pain. But in addition to it, bloating of the peritoneum, rumbling sounds, flatulence, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, the appearance of mucus during defecation join it. The pain may radiate to the groin, vagina, testicles. With intoxication, headaches often occur. In hypertensive patients, pressure surges are possible. The nature and location of unpleasant sensations are directly related to the causes that caused them.

Table. Types of colic, causes and symptoms.

Type of colicSymptomsPossible disease
Rectal (rectal) False urge to defecate, accompanied by severe pain.Pathological changes in the rectum.
Hepatic Sharp pain in the right side of the peritoneum under the ribs, radiating to the shoulder and scapular regions, as well as bitterness in the mouth, nausea. With severe spasms - vomiting of bile.Cholelithiasis, exacerbation of cholecystitis.
Pancreatic Diarrhea, vomiting, bloating. Dull, aching pain is concentrated in the left upper part of the peritoneum.Exacerbation of pancreatitis and other pathological changes in the pancreas.
renal Severe pain radiating to the lower back and groin, problems with urination. Possible rise in temperature, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, loss of consciousness.Urolithiasis, neoplasms in the excretory organs, pyelonephritis, kidney tuberculosis.
appendicular Rapidly growing pain in right iliac region.Acute appendicitis.
lead Strong contractions in the peritoneum against the background of rising temperature. Probably bleeding gums and the appearance of a grayish plaque around the teeth.

There are many causes of spastic phenomena in the abdomen; only a qualified doctor is able to make an accurate diagnosis. After conducting research, he will not only offer medicines that relieve pain, but also draw up a therapeutic course. Timely treatment of the disease that caused colic will help to avoid relapses.

First aid for colic

Only a doctor can prescribe treatment. But if there is no way to endure the pain before his arrival, try to reduce them.


Mild spasms can go away after first aid without further treatment. Fix the result with a 12-hour fast, and give up food that causes excessive gas formation (cabbage, legumes, dairy products) for a week.

In case of repeated attacks, sign up for a consultation with a gastroenterologist. If spasms are accompanied by fever or vomiting, call emergency services. Self-treatment is dangerous with serious complications, even death.

Diagnosis and treatment

When visiting a therapist, be prepared for the fact that he will ask you about all chronic diseases, working conditions, as well as diseases of close relatives, in order to exclude the hereditary factor of malaise. Try to clearly articulate the nature of painful sensations, their localization and accompanying signs.

Diagnostic studies

During the examination, the doctor palpates the painful area and examines the surface of the abdomen - the condition and shade of the skin. The patient is then referred for additional examinations.

Table. List of additional surveys.

If there is a risk of neoplasms or perforation of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, computed tomography is performed. In difficult cases, consultation of a narrow specialist is required - a surgeon, urologist, gastroenterologist.

Therapy with pharmaceuticals

To get rid of the suffering caused by painful spasms, the doctor will advise a suitable antispasmodic drug: No-shpu, Drotaverin, Bekarbon, Notensil. If the pain is too severe, the patient will be given an injection of Atropine, Papaverine or Dimedrol.

After that, the doctor will analyze the patient's condition and, based on the results of diagnostic examinations, prescribe treatment:

In case of toxic damage or intestinal infection, the patient is hospitalized. In the hospital, he is being treated with antibiotic drugs (Gentamicin, Levomycetin) and intestinal antiseptics (Biseptol, Furozalidon). If the intoxication is severe, droppers with glucose, the use of saline and vitamin solutions are recommended.

With a tendency to intestinal colic, it is useful to talk with a nutritionist so that the specialist makes the right diet, depending on the cause of the spasms. You need to eat fractionally, in small portions.

Folk methods

Herbal teas help to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract and improve the discharge of gases. As a brew, you can use:

  • fennel;
  • mint;
  • yarrow;
  • sage.

Decoctions of chamomile, immortelle and wormwood are especially good for spasms. Other folk methods are aimed at relieving pain and improving bowel function. They are carried out only after consultation with the attending physician.

Table. Effective folk remedies.

Folk remedyCooking technologyMode of application

Grind the seeds (2 large spoons), pour a glass of hot water. To improve the taste, add a little sugar or honey.Drink in small sips for five days.

Grind the ginger root, brew a couple of pinches in 250 ml of boiling water.Drink two cups of a hot drink every day for at least a week.

Add five drops to a glass of water.Drink with pain caused by nervous shocks.

Soak young kidneys (0.5 cups) in alcohol for 14 days, putting them in a dark place. Filter.Dissolve 20 drops in a glass of water and drink for cramps.

To cleanse the gastrointestinal tract of toxins and feces, you can use herbal enemas based on mint, lemon balm or chamomile. Such procedures should not be practiced for more than five days.

Before treatment with enemas, be sure to consult your doctor. If performed incorrectly, they can disrupt the intestinal microflora and increase dyskinesia.

Prevention of intestinal colic is aimed at the timely treatment of chronic diseases. Normalize the diet, give up nightly snacks, alcohol, lemonade and fast food. Focus on fiber-rich vegetables and fruits in your diet. People prone to spastic dysfunctions need to avoid stress. Sports activities should be gentle.

Video - Pain in the abdomen. 7 types of abdominal pain

Intestinal colic is not a disease. Most likely, it is a symptom of a combination of gastrointestinal diseases. Colic is characterized by a pain syndrome that occurs in the abdomen in a spastic type, it can actively increase or disappear suddenly. Often the result of pain is the urge to defecate or pass gases.

As a rule, pain occurs due to any changes occurring in the intestines. But it is not easy to understand the origin of pain, because, as mentioned above, colic is not a separate disease - it is a whole series of complications that signal that the normal functioning of the digestive tract organs is disrupted in the body. However, for most attacks, an inherent general condition, which speaks of a disorder of intestinal motility, its tone and spasm.

In medical practice, there are several types of colic, but intestinal colic is considered a more well-known type, also called intestinal dyskinesia. It is a complex of disorders due to malfunctions of the motor function of the intestine, and without its organic changes.

The reasons

The basis of pain manifestations is functional disorders of the intestine, spasmodic contractions of the colon. The cause of occurrence can serve as a variety of factors based on internal or external properties.

For example, the cause of pain is often:

  • The patient has gastritis or stomach ulcers. And also as a result of other diseases of the digestive system. For example, colitis of a non-infectious type or with functional failures occurring in other organs, when poorly digested food enters the small intestine in large quantities and contributes to the development of colic.
  • An adult patient may suffer from intestinal colic as a result of loop distension of the intestine.
  • Often a condition occurs when nerve endings are irritated in the intestinal walls from any factors.
  • Carrying or lifting heavy various objects, as well as heavy physical exertion, can cause colic.
  • Often there are intestinal colic due to acute intestinal obstruction. This occurs as a result of the accumulation of feces in the intestines, as well as other kinds of factors, when there is a "struggle" of the intestinal muscles with the obstacles that have arisen. These are intestinal adhesions, volvulus, increased growth of neoplasms, and the like. Of the factors of an external nature, the cause of symptoms is often injuries and other injuries in the abdominal cavity, causing obstruction.
  • As a result of poisoning. It can be both food products and plant poisons, chemicals, salts of heavy metals.
  • The patient is suffering from some type of intestinal infection, such as dysentery or salmonellosis, as well as cholera or typhoid fever. Provoking factors are often viral infections - acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis and others.
  • Affects the manifestation of symptoms of intestinal colic and poor-quality nutrition, for example, excessive consumption of foods that contribute to the high formation of gases and fermentation, such as kvass, lemonade, sauerkraut. Their use is strictly prohibited;
  • Can provoke the appearance of colic helminths.

There are many other reasons that provoke the appearance of symptoms of this phenomenon. It should be noted that the risk group includes patients:

  • at the age of forty and older, regardless of gender;
  • those who have undergone abdominal operations;
  • patients who have adhesions on the abdomen;
  • patients suffering from chronic constipation;
  • patients complaining of intestinal bleeding.

As already mentioned, intestinal colic is characterized, for example, by a sharp appearance and independent disappearance. Such phenomena can often be observed in patients at the time of public speaking, when passing exams, and the like, which are particularly suspicious. If spasms are provoked by a stressful environment. In other cases, such colic in adult patients occurs, as a rule, periodically, often with increasing pain. This condition requires immediate treatment in a hospital for examination and consultation with a doctor.

Intestinal colic in adults: symptoms

What could be the main signs of this phenomenon? The very first thing to note is sharp severe pain in the intestines, usually rolling in waves or spasms. They can be sharp and growing. Most of all, the patient feels pain in the navel, but often they are felt in the lower abdomen. There are fewer cases when patients complain of spasms in the lumbar region. Often, pain begins in the groin area, while male patients are given to the testicles, in women - to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe reproductive organ.

The duration of colic is different and it happens that in some cases it can be ten minutes or more, and sometimes it can last only half a minute, or even less. However, when severe situations occur, such symptoms can persist throughout the day. It should be noted here that in the intervals between attacks, patients have other symptoms.

The nature of pain during the appearance of intestinal colic is also very diverse. Pain can be barely perceptible, or vice versa, pronounced. Often there are complaints of paroxysmal, cramping, cutting and stabbing symptoms.

Intestinal colic should also be considered. Symptoms in adults usually appear:

  • Bloating, flatulence. It often becomes hard. The patient feels discomfort on palpation.
  • Disorders of the stool, patients have both constipation and diarrhea. Often there is a violation in the formation of feces.
  • Mucous discharge during bowel movements, white ribbons are found in the feces.
  • Nausea and dizziness.

Colic can also appear after a big nervous strain or conflict. At the moment of probing the abdomen during an attack, the patient feels severe pain, although the muscles, as a rule, are not relaxed. Body temperature is kept 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 associated with them, into some types of pathology:

  • Appendicular. Most of all it serves as an initial symptom in acute appendicitis. In this case, it is characterized by the appearance of a strong attack of pain that occurs unexpectedly; the patient feels a sharp pain that captures the right lower side of the abdomen. This happens as a result of the onset of inflammation in the process of the colon, the pain does not stop with time, but rather becomes stronger.
  • Rectal. It is characterized by acute attacks of pain in the rectal area; they intensify over time; along with them, the patient suffers from painful urge to defecate.
  • Lead. This phenomenon is observed when the patient's body is exposed to lead poisoning, in most cases this is the result of harmful production. It is characterized by sharp, excruciating pains, which in turn strain the abdominal wall; periods of calm are rare; severe bleeding gums, they are covered with a white coating; the patient's temperature rises and may approach a critical point. In such a situation, immediate medical attention is required.
  • Vascular. The main cause of this type of intestinal colic should be called a weak blood supply to the tissues of the intestinal muscles as a result of various pathologies - tumors, vein thrombosis, polyps and adhesions. Initially, pain may be weak, slightly aching; but then they begin to intensify; due to oxygen starvation, attacks of sharp pain appear in the muscle tissues, which spread throughout the abdominal cavity.

Despite the initial causes that contribute to the formation of excruciating spasms, the main symptoms in most cases are pains of a sudden cramping nature, localized in the abdominal region and only getting worse over time. They manifest themselves, as a rule, after eating, but with diseases of a gastroenterological property, their unexpected appearance is permissible, and on an empty stomach, regardless of the daily time.

Muscle spasms can be supplemented by the following symptoms:

  • if the pain during attacks continues for a long time, then they begin to radiate to the lower back and to the coccyx, creating a feeling that the pain has spread throughout the abdominal cavity;
  • with prolonged spasm, an obstacle is created for the normal exit of gases and feces, as a result, flatulence is formed with severe bloating. The patient, against the background of diseases such as gastritis or stomach ulcers, has an eructation with nausea;
  • in some cases, blood pressure suddenly rises, this does not apply to cases where the patient suffers from intestinal obstruction, in this situation, on the contrary, the pressure drops;
  • the patient experiences a breakdown, his state of health is steadily deteriorating, this condition is typical for acute intestinal obstruction;
  • in the patient's stools (constipation, diarrhea), one 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 from the moment the pain attacks begin to steadily worsen, it is necessary to immediately seek medical help, since only a doctor can determine the causes that caused such a condition. We must not forget that such serious conditions as intestinal obstruction, severe stage of dysentery and poisoning require immediate treatment. Otherwise, the risk of death increases.

Differences and Diagnosis

Is it possible, without the help of specialists, to correctly recognize that the patient has symptoms of acute intestinal colic, and not another problem? At least, this is possible if you can distinguish between the symptoms of other diseases.

In acute gastritis, uncharacteristic symptoms appear, for example, this can be expressed in a coated tongue, lack of appetite, even more aversion to food, as well as nausea, vomiting.

If the patient has a lead type of colic, then the symptoms are expressed in a gray face and other skin integuments, a gray border with a lead tinge appears on the gums.

With intestinal obstruction, symptoms atypical for colic can be expressed in difficult passage of feces and gases, vomiting. At the same time, pain sensations do not have a characteristic localization and at the moment of respite between attacks completely disappear.

If the patient suffers from an abdominal crisis, then such a condition is characterized by symptoms such as the appearance of sharp and severe pain in the umbilical region. In this case, it must be borne in mind that there must necessarily be the presence of hemorrhagic rashes on the skin - something like bruising. The presence of blood impurities in the feces is not excluded.

This information is relevant, since often intestinal colic is confused with just these diseases.

Diagnostics

As already mentioned, intestinal colic is not a separate disease, but rather the result of a large number of disorders in the body, so doctors need to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. This need is due to the fact that you need to determine the real cause of spasmodic attacks of muscle tissue. As a rule, the initial diagnosis is made in the process of questioning the patient. However, it will be possible to speak about the final diagnosis only after the results of the procedures performed, which are described below:

  • Gastroduodenoscopy. During this endoscopic examination, when the doctor conducts a visual examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, possible disturbances in the work of the digestive organs that provoked the occurrence of intestinal colic are revealed.
  • Cholecystography. This is the name of the method, which involves x-rays and a contrast agent, which help to identify abnormalities in the functioning of the gallbladder.
  • Colonoscopy. Using this method, the doctor can detect quite a lot of anomalies in the large intestine. For example, it is possible to diagnose diverticulitis, malignant and benign tumors, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, narrowing of the intestinal ducts, which were caused by inflammatory processes.
  • Sigmoidoscopy. With its help, the intestines are examined, more precisely, the rectus and sigmoid sections, in order to identify the presence of various kinds of neoplasms, ulcers, inflammatory processes, adhesions, and the like.
  • ultrasound. Allows you to conduct a visual examination of the structure and functioning of organs and identify the pathologies that the patient has.
  • Blood. Analysis is carried out to detect inflammatory processes.
  • Urine. This analysis is necessary, first of all, to identify possible pathologies in the work of the pancreas, kidneys and liver.
  • Cal. This type of diagnosis in the event of intestinal colic should be given a special place. It allows you to identify the activity of enzymes, the presence of infections, as well as the presence of dysbacteriosis.

The results will help the doctor choose the appropriate treatment in this case.

Doctor's advice: when intestinal colic appears, it is strictly not recommended to use painkillers, as they can affect the clinical picture, which, in turn, will create difficulties in making a diagnosis.

After passing the examination, the doctor selects the necessary course of therapy for the patient. Basically, the treatment is aimed at eliminating the factors of the underlying disease that provoked the pain syndrome.

Treatment

To eliminate the symptoms of intestinal colic, to relieve the patient of severe pain, they are initially blocked. In this case, when the pain is eliminated, the patient should go to a specialist to find out the true causes of this phenomenon. It must be remembered that intestinal colic may be accompanied by severe diarrhea, or, conversely, persistent constipation will occur.

Therefore, do not hesitate to go to the doctor. Moreover, it is impossible to exclude, for example, the presence of a dangerous intestinal infection, which requires immediate hospitalization in the infectious diseases department. The acute phase of intestinal obstruction also requires a serious attitude, it may even require urgent surgical intervention.

If you ignore the appeal to the doctor, then, both in the first case and in the second, this will lead to serious complications.

Treatment of intestinal colic in adult patients is known to be based on the diagnosis and the factors that provoked this symptom. What means are used for treatment? First, you should probably dwell on those that help to cope with pain:

  • Great for relieving spasms and giving the patient a break when using a relaxing bath. At the same time, the temperature of the water in it should not be very high. Warm water has a beneficial effect on the body. You need to know: you can not use a hot heating pad as a compress for intestinal colic and put it on your stomach. For biliary colic, it is recommended to use an ice pack.
  • In the event that attacks are provoked by poor-quality food, it is imperative to cleanse the stomach by causing vomiting. Not bad help in this situation such funds "No-shpa" and "Spazmalgon".
  • It is also recommended to use tools that help restore the normal functioning of the stomach. For example, such a drug is Smecta.
  • In case of poisoning, Enterosgel helps well. It promotes the elimination of toxins, which in turn significantly speeds up the healing process. At the same time, you can use a cleansing enema.
  • With the viral nature of colic, activated charcoal is used, as well as vitamins and diet.

Diet

Intestinal colic of any kind requires a special diet, which is the basis of treatment. When an adult patient has a strong spasm, he needs, first of all, to provide his diet with foods that are rich in fiber and vitamins. It should also consist of fermented milk products, decoctions of various herbs and juices from vegetables.

Meals should be taken according to the schedule, preferably in small portions, in order to avoid overeating and at the same time avoid prolonged fasting.

  • Vegetables. They must be in boiled form. At the same time, the use of raw carrots, green apples and pumpkins is not prohibited.
  • Dairy products. The patient can eat cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, kefir, as well as low-fat sour cream and snow.
  • Fish. This product should be consumed boiled or steamed. In the same form, veal and chicken are cooked.
  • Kash. They should be low-fat and cooked in water.
  • Bread. A dried white variety is recommended. Also crackers are not banned.
  • Vegetables. These include those species that contribute to increased gas formation. Therefore, it is undesirable to use cabbage, legumes, corn, radish and other similar vegetables.
  • Milk. Should not be in the diet of fatty sour cream.
  • Pork.
  • Kashi. Cooked not on water, as well as using hercules, millet and pearl barley.
  • Sweets. Sweet pastries, cakes, pastries and other similar products should be avoided.
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