Abdominal pain can be neglected, but it can be a symptom of many serious health problems. Among other things, it is often the first symptom of intestinal colic. It is worth to go to a doctor’s consultation and, if necessary, decide on a colonoscopy. Proper treatment will help to quickly get rid of the ailment. Read how to deal with intestinal pain.
Abdominal and intestinal pain
Intestinal pain can have various causes. Many diseases of the digestive system can give similar symptoms. The doctor may indicate the causes of pain, depending on its localization on the right or left side.
If the pain or discomfort is primarily on the right side of the abdomen, a diagnosis should be made to rule out appendicitis.
Intestinal pain can also indicate bowel diseases such as:
- obstruction,
- ulcerative colitis,
- Crohn’s disease.
Sometimes it is also a symptom of potentially deadly bowel cancer.
Causes of abdominal pain on the right side
Sometimes abdominal pain on the right side is caused by other causes than intestinal problems. This can be the result of intestinal colic in the course of nephrolithiasis, it also occurs during appendicitis or in rare but serious conditions of ectopic pregnancy.
Pain on the right side of the abdomen can also be caused by inflammation of the gallbladder or bile ducts. This can also be caused by gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer, as well as liver disease and even lung disease, such as inflammation of the lower right lung.
Causes of abdominal pain on the left side
On the left side of the abdomen pain can also be caused by Lesniowski-Crohn’s disease, but not only. Such a symptom can also give a splenic colitis or diverticulitis. In the course of ulcerative colitis and in the case of cancerous lesions of the colon, pain on the left side may also occur.
Also pyelonephritis, inflammation of the lower lobe of the left lung, ruptured spleen, diseases of the pancreas, appendages, ovaries and ectopic pregnancy can cause abdominal pain on the left side.
Diagnosis of intestinal pain
Intestinal pain can have a variety of causes, so it is necessary to see a doctor to find out the exact cause of the ailment and begin treatment.
In addition to a medical interview and a basic visit, additional tests may be necessary to verify the causes of the problems. The tests that are usually performed for this type of disease are:
- rectal examination,
- morphology,
- checking for cancer markers,
- endoscopy,
- colonoscopy.
It is also worth noting whether there are abnormalities or unusual changes during defecation, as these may be additional symptoms that facilitate the diagnosis.
Pain caused by intestinal colic
Intestinal pain caused by intestinal colic can not be underestimated. The appearance of this condition can signal the onset of a more serious disease.
Intestinal colic can develop into intestinal torsion or indentation. In both cases, surgical intervention will be necessary. If colic is caused by a dietary error, it is sufficient to follow a strict diet. After a while, the pain should subside. To relieve discomfort, you can apply a warming compress. Such a compress is soothing for abdominal pain.
Intestinal colic may also indicate:
- intestinal obstruction,
- intestinal obstruction,
- intestinal ischaemia,
- acute intestinal infections,
- food poisoning.