Violent abdominal pain at night. We figure out why the stomach can hurt at night and what to do about it? Causes of night pain

Many people have experienced the problem of having a stomachache before going to bed. Soreness can continue at night, interfering with proper rest.

These symptoms may indicate problems in the gastrointestinal tract. If the pain becomes regular, it is worth visiting a specialist doctor and finding out what causes it.

After all, only a specialist can identify the causes of their appearance, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate therapy.

Pain syndrome at night can warn of the presence of a duodenal ulcer or stomach ulcer. If the stomach hurts during this period of time, then the pain syndrome can be acute, intense and prolonged.

Such manifestations significantly change the lifestyle of a sick person.

Trying to minimize the sensations of pain and improve well-being, he tries to find a more comfortable sleeping position. Be that as it may, the spasms may return with greater force.

Usually, hunger pains appear at night. A distinctive feature is the time of their formation.

The basis of night pains is the feeling of hunger. Hungry pains may indicate education serious illness like an ulcer.

Inflammation of the walls of the stomach occurs in the antrum or in the duodenum 12.

You can not ignore such pain, it is better to consult a specialist doctor and, if necessary, undergo an examination.

Often, discomfort and painful sensations appear after 7 hours after eating. In such cases, it is necessary to drink a glass of water or milk.

Doctors divide pain according to the following signs:

Degree of intensity.
duration period.
Character features.

Night pains have their own characteristics. The pain is aching, shooting, throbbing, burning. Only such indicators for a gastroenterologist are insignificant.

After all, each organism is individual and has a different threshold of sensitivity. To find out why there are pains in the digestive organ, a thorough examination will help.

Incessant pain syndrome at night indicates an ulcerative process, cholelithiasis, exacerbation of an existing pancreatitis or cholecystitis. In this case, you need to call a doctor.

Types of night pain

Soreness at night contains the following varieties:

Parietal. Provokes such pain irritation of the peritoneum. Pain sensations are sharp, cutting, accompanied by strong pains. Parietal pain is constant, there may be an overstrain of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. May be aggravated by movement or breathing. The pain has a clear focus, a person can accurately show the location of the pain. In the presence of such pain, a person lies motionless, since any changes in the body exacerbate pain.
Visceral. There are sensations of pain as a result of exposure to nerve endings located in the walls of organs abdominal cavity. Pain may be associated with spasms or distention of the stomach. In rare episodes, pain is due to a lack of blood supply to the mucosa. Pain occurs in the form of intestinal, hepatic, renal colic with varying intensity. It is difficult for a person experiencing visceral pain to determine a clear place of its occurrence. It appears in the middle of the abdomen and can move to neighboring organs of the body.
Psychogenic (abdominalgia). Observed in exceptional cases and appears as a reaction to psycho-emotional overstrain. Pathological currents or functional failures of organs digestive system have nothing to do with the occurrence of such pain. Psychogenic pain depends on the characteristics of a person, his excessive suspicion, anxiety and sensitivity. This morbidity is often accompanied by gastrointestinal disorder and is not food related.
Neurogenic. Appears due to diseases of the nerves that excite nerve fibers abdominal organs or roots spinal cord. Damage to sensitive nerve fibers. Neurogenic pain has a burning character. It manifests itself even with slight pressure on the stomach or with changes in ambient temperature.

Soreness in the stomach can suddenly appear and disappear, be shooting in nature with lesions of the spinal nerves or roots of the spinal cord.

Depending on the variations in the power of the pain syndrome over time, the pains are increasing (progressive), constant (monotonous), decreasing (regressing), intermittent.

Painful syndrome by nature is divided into cramping (spastic and paroxysmal) and dull constant pain.

Cramping cramps appear due to narrowing of the intestinal lumen, adhesive disease, failure of intestinal motility, nonspecific ulcerative colitis.

Constant pain is hallmark progressive inflammation. They are observed in irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis.

The reason why the stomach hurts at night is a violation of motor and secretory functions.

Provocateurs of pain in the digestive organ at night

Leading causes of spasms in the digestive organ:

Irritation of receptors located in the area of ulcerative lesions.
Disorder of motor functioning of the stomach.
high education of hydrochloric acid, which increases the concentration of juice in the stomach.

In addition to the above points, there are other reasons that lead to discomfort and morbidity of the stomach at night:

Inflammatory processes provoked by various infections.
Food poisoning.
negative emotions, nerve strain, stress.
Too much gas.
Intensive contraction of the walls of the esophagus.

The above problems can be fixed medicines. The main thing is that they are prescribed by a specialist doctor.

Pain in the stomach, manifested in the evening or continuing at night, may appear due to poor nutrition.

Thus, the digestive system responds to fried, spicy or spicy foods. A well-chosen diet will help eliminate pain.

Stomach pain can occur regardless of the time of day. If the pain suddenly started and stopped after a couple of minutes, then there is no reason to worry (except if short-term pain appears more than once).

If the stomach hurts for more than an hour, then during the day it is better to seek advice from a gastroenterologist or call an ambulance.

Often, pain at night is not a single symptom of a malfunction in the body.

You should also pay attention to other signs:

Changing the position of the body, the pain intensifies.
There is an urge to vomit.
Sweating increases.
There is intense rumbling in the abdomen.

Intestinal infections or problems with the biliary tract are manifested not only by pain and spasms.

Other symptoms appear:

The body temperature rises, up to a feverish state.
There is weakness, chills, dizziness, headache.
Urine becomes dark in color.
The stools become light in color.

If the stomach hurts and at the same time the person's feces become black, then it is necessary to urgently call a doctor. This symptom may indicate internal bleeding.

Therapy for pain in the digestive system

If your stomach hurts, you should find out the reasons leading to this situation. To do this, you should consult a gastroenterologist. After a thorough history taking, additional (laboratory and instrumental) examination methods are prescribed.

Fibrogastroduodenoscopy is the most effective method for detecting pathologies of the gastrointestinal intestinal tract. This study provides an opportunity to review in detail ulcer formations and size of lesions.

If development is suspected malignant formations perform a biopsy. A small area of the affected tissue is taken for further histological and cytological examination.

They are carefully examined to confirm or refute the assumption of the presence of oncological pathology.

After all examinations, the patient is prescribed effective therapy.

The main principle of treatment is the timely prevention and prevention of the development pathological processes that lead to pain at night.

All therapy is aimed at restoring the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.

In the presence of severe, regular pain, painkillers are prescribed to the patient. They quickly and effectively help to cope with soreness.

To reduce the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, antisecretory drugs are prescribed. When used, an increase in the level of acidity is blocked.

If the stomach hurts due to stress, then first of all it is necessary to eliminate them. In such cases, the help of a psychologist is needed. It will help to understand why soreness occurs before bedtime or at night.

Excruciating discomfort at night is difficult to endure, but self-treatment is not recommended.

If disease state worsens or no strength to endure pain, you should seek medical help.

If the spasms are minor, then it is useful to carry out the following suggestions:

Consume a small amount of ice water.
Lie down with your legs tucked under you.
drink warm tea or herbal decoction. It is not recommended to eat at the same time.

The best decision would be to consult with a specialist doctor. Postponing a visit to the doctor, a person can worsen his condition and provoke exacerbations. This can lead to irreversible consequences.

Useful video

Treatment for severe nighttime stomach pain may include medication, surgical intervention, psychotherapy. Diet is a must.

Severe pain in the stomach at night may appear due to various pathologies which call:

violation of the activity of the intestines and stomach;
increase in acidity gastric juice;
inflammatory response of mucous tissues;
contraction of smooth muscles (spasm);
thrombosis.

With ulcerative and cholelithiasis, gastritis, abscess and pancreatitis, the pain is permanent, but if in daytime a person concentrates less on sensations, then at night the discomfort no longer allows you to fall asleep, which makes the pain seem an order of magnitude stronger. In some cases, the stomach hurts at night due to objective reasons.

Pathologies caused by increased acidity of gastric juice

"Hungry" pains in the abdomen at night appear, as the concentration of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice rises and the process of autolysis begins, that is, self-digestion of the walls of the stomach. Acid-dependent diseases include the following pathologies.

Gastritis

Normally, the walls of the stomach are protected from the aggressive effects of the secretion of mucus. At adverse factors this protection is destroyed and an inflammatory process begins in the mucosa.

Against the background of inflammation, erosions appear, which, when favorable course can regenerate within three days, and if unfavorable, they transform into an ulcer. The expression can heal within two weeks, otherwise a chronic peptic ulcer develops.

peptic ulcer

With a disease on the gastric mucosa or duodenum statements appear. Pathology occurs due to toxins secreted by Helicobacter pylori, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, and stress.

An ulcer appears due to the fact that against the background of a deterioration in the evacuation function of the gastrointestinal tract, the protective function of the mucosa is impaired and the aggressive environment of gastric juice (hydrochloric acid, pepsin, bile) acts on it.

During an exacerbation, pain is felt in epigastric region(under the pit of the stomach), which can spread to the left side of the back, chest, shoulder blades, lower back, sometimes pain starts from the center of the spine. If the ulcer has developed in the pylorus, then pain often occurs at night or late pain (3-4 hours after eating), and their intensity increases.

Also, with peptic ulcer, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, stool disorders, bad smell from the mouth, plaque on the tongue. Gagging usually appears at the peak of pain and brings relief. Artificial provocation of vomiting leads to the development of the disease.

functional dyspepsia

It develops as a result of increased secretion of hydrochloric acid, infection with Helicobacter pylori infection, drug therapy, malnutrition, hypovitaminosis. Under unfavorable factors, the sensitivity of visceral receptors of the gastric mucosa increases, which leads to a violation of motor and secretory functions.

The disease is manifested by pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, a feeling of early satiety. With an ulcer-like form of the disease, severe nocturnal or “hungry” pains occur, which manifest themselves against the background of emotional overstrain. The symptom subsides after eating or taking antacids.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

In pathology, the walls at the bottom of the esophagus are inflamed, as there is a reverse movement of acidic gastric and intestinal contents. The disease occurs due to a violation of the ability of the channel to evacuate food into the stomach and lowering protective function mucous tissue.

An aggressive environment irritates the esophageal mucosa, which leads to deep ulcerations and greatly increases the risk of developing cancer.

Reflux symptoms are heartburn, belching, chest pain. If this occurs more than twice a week, then it is necessary to conduct an examination.

As a rule, these pains disappear if you eat. To avoid reflux, it is recommended to eat every 3-4 hours in small portions and no later than three hours before bedtime, avoid taking medications that affect the functions of the esophagus and act aggressively on the mucous membrane, raise the head of the bed by 15 centimeters.

With peptic ulcer pain can be relieved by applying a cold heating pad or antispasmodic.

To reduce the production of hydrochloric acid, antacids (magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, aluminum phosphate, aluminum hydrochloride), H 2 -histamine blockers, proton pump inhibitors are prescribed. The patient is advised to follow a diet and adhere to a diet, do not overeat and do not long breaks between meals. After eating, you can not lie down to rest, you need to move.

Pathologies leading to reflux

Night pains in the abdomen can also develop because all the organs of the gastrointestinal tract are at the same level. Pain and heartburn occur because it is easier for the contents of the stomach to enter the esophagus. For this reason, pain often appears at night due to the following pathologies.

Achalasia cardia

Pathology of the esophagus, in which peristalsis and muscle tone change during swallowing, which leads to a violation of food from the esophagus to the stomach. Since there is no reflex relaxation of the sphincter, there are difficulties in swallowing food (at an early stage it is solid, at a later stage it is even difficult to drink), regurgitation.

The reflux of food from the esophagus into oral cavity can occur during meals or after 2-3 hours. Sometimes this happens in sleep (nocturnal regurgitation), which causes " nocturnal cough"as the food gets into Airways. Pain occurs on an empty stomach or while eating.

Localized behind the sternum, can be given to the jaw, neck, the area between the shoulder blades. The disease is characterized by paroxysmal pain that occurs during excitement, at night or during physical exertion, lasting from two minutes to an hour.

Diaphragmatic hernia

Pathology is formed when the displacement in chest area part of an organ that should normally be under the diaphragm. The disease provokes retrosternal pain, heartburn, regurgitation, impaired swallowing, hiccups, arrhythmia.

Soreness is localized in the epigastric region, spreads along the esophagus, radiates to the area between the shoulder blades or the back, and can be girdle. There is pain in the supine position, during exercise, coughing, after eating.

Acquired hernia is formed as a result of weakening of the ligaments esophageal opening. Increases the risk of developing the disease systematically, sharp rise intra-abdominal pressure(constipation, severe vomiting, bloating, obesity, blunt trauma, heavy lifting, sharp bends).

Even in the absence of sphincter pathology, casting can occur when bending, exercise, at night time

To avoid stomach pain at night, it is recommended not to eat 3 hours before bedtime and to raise the head of the bed so that the head is slightly higher than the stomach. Pain in achalasia disappears after vomiting, food entering the stomach, taking antispasmodics.

Other reasons

Severe spastic pain may appear in the lower abdomen due to increased gas formation, causing stretching of the intestinal walls, nervous tension and stress, and also due to a violation of peristaltic waves. Reduced in sleep physical activity intestines, as nerve stimulation is reduced.

Therefore, in some diseases associated with the evacuation function of the intestine, the symptoms may worsen at night. Signs of diseases caused by a slowdown in peristalsis are constipation, false urges to defecation, heaviness in the abdomen, lack of vitamins and minerals.

IN evening time the level of the hormone of the adrenal cortex (glucocorticoid), which suppresses the inflammatory process and the pain caused by it, reaches a minimum, therefore, any discomfort associated with inflammation increases.

Often it is at night or at dawn that pain begins to bother acute inflammation appendix. Aching at first Blunt pain does not have a clear localization and spreads throughout the abdomen, and then shifts to the right side under the ribs. Sensation increases when coughing, laughing, moving.

The pain is so intense that the person takes forced posture, as a rule, if you lie on your right side, then the symptom subsides somewhat. In addition to pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever may occur. Acute appendicitis develops rapidly, and after three days the appendix can rupture and the contents enter the abdominal cavity.

The child may develop abdominal migraine, which is characterized by pain in the area near the navel or in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, pallor, circles under the eyes. The etiology of the disease is not fully understood, it is believed that it is psychogenic pain. In an adult, the disease almost never occurs.

The question is often asked whether inguinal hernia stomach ache at night. Most likely, the pain is caused either by another pathology or a complication. Because inguinal or umbilical hernia they begin to hurt during physical exertion, straining, coughing, and in the supine position they disappear.

Abdominal pain often occurs at night due to malnutrition

Approximately 3-4 hours after eating, food enters the intestines, where it must be broken down into simpler compounds. If there are no enzymes, then the food is in the large intestine unchanged and a lot of gas is released in the process of putrefaction.

If a person has an individual intolerance to certain products (for example, milk), then pain occurs three hours after their use. Intolerance can be congenital and appears in children already in early age or purchased.

Discomfort can be felt after fatty, spicy, salty foods, while rumbling in the abdomen is also noted, increased gas formation, feeling of heaviness. Symptoms go away after a bowel movement.

In infants, abdominal pain may occur due to the transition to artificial feeding or to adult food. This is attributed to the fact that enzymes have low activity and in the intestine there is no necessary microflora.

If your stomach hurts at night, then the reason may be endocrine disorders. Pregnant women often complain of pain as a restructuring takes place. hormonal background. The “pregnancy hormone” (progesterone) relaxes smooth muscle, therefore, intestinal motility is disturbed, heartburn may occur due to reflux.

Abdominal pain can also be caused by strain ligamentous apparatus that supports the growing uterus, and the pressure of the fetus on the internal organs. Physiological pains in the abdomen during pregnancy are aching, pulling in nature.

How to eliminate pain

If pain at night arose after a heavy dinner, drinking alcohol, then most likely the reason for this is indigestion. To help digestion, it is recommended to drink an enzymatic preparation that contains substances that stimulate the pancreas.

But if the pain is sharp, dagger, then there is a possibility that pancreatitis has developed. To reduce the production of hydrochloric acid, proton pump inhibitors or H 2- are prescribed. histamine receptors. Spasm will help eliminate antispasmodic drugs(No-Shpa, Drotoverin).

Enterosorbents (activated carbon, Smecta) will remove toxins from digestive tract. Defoamers will eliminate the gases accumulated in the intestines, for example, Espumizan, Simicol. Normalize digestive function prebiotics and probiotics are capable, which are taken in courses of 3-4 weeks.

If the pain in the abdomen lasts more than an hour, then this indicates serious pathological processes occurring in the stomach.

Even if the pain does not appear every night, you still should not put off visiting a doctor. It is forbidden to treat pain on your own, since some groups of drugs are aggressive to the gastrointestinal mucosa and taking them will only aggravate the situation.

It is possible to find out the causes of severe nighttime pain in the abdomen only after an examination, which begins with blood tests, ultrasound abdomen, X-ray with contrast, CT, MRI. It will not work to independently determine why the stomach hurts at night, since diseases of the digestive tract have a similar clinical picture (pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fever, stool disturbance).

A description of the intensity and localization of discomfort is also insufficient, since radiating pain may occur, or pain in the duodenum may be perceived as gastric. That is why, if the stomach hurts at night, you should consult a doctor.

Timely diagnosis will stop the development and avoid complications of pathology. The doctor will not only prescribe medications that can eliminate the disease or prolong remission, but also tell you what to do to avoid relapses.

We figure out why the stomach can hurt at night and what to do about it?

Nocturnal abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints at a gastroenterologist's appointment. Intensity and Localization pain can be different, it depends on the existing pathology.

If you notice that your stomach often hurts at night, you should definitely consult a doctor, because this can be a sign of dangerous diseases.

Possible reasons

Pain in the abdomen at night can be divided into 2 types. The first type is colic. These sensations can occur suddenly with varying frequency and intensity. They are usually accompanied by bowel deformities. If the pain is sharp and severe, you need to call ambulance.

The second type is constant, pulling and exhausting. Most often, such sensations are observed with serious inflammatory diseases organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastritis

Gastritis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining. At chronic gastritis the pain has a pulling dull character, and with exacerbation the pain becomes sharp, sword-like. Pain sensations are localized in the upper abdomen, while most often unpleasant sensations occur after eating, and weaken at night. Additional symptoms of gastritis are:

No appetite;
involuntary belching of air;
nausea sometimes with vomiting.

If you suspect gastritis, you need to contact a gastroenterologist to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe therapy. by the most effective method The diagnosis of gastritis is gastroscopy.

stomach ulcer

stomach ulcer - chronic pathology, at which there are ulcerative lesions gastric mucosa. The most common causative agent is bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Pain in a stomach ulcer is stable, aching in nature.

Pain occurs in the upper abdomen, mainly at night, in stressful situations and between meals.

After eating, the soreness may return, but if the ulcer is located in the duodenum, eating on the contrary relieves the condition. TO additional symptoms stomach ulcers can include:

With these symptoms, you need to seek help from a gastroenterologist. Diagnosis of gastric ulcer includes a patient survey, external examination with palpation, blood test, PH-metry, FGDS. Therapy of the disease consists in taking medications and dieting.

GERD is a common disease of the stomach, which is accompanied by a regular reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. As a result of this, damage to the mucous membranes of the esophagus and neighboring organs occurs. Pain in GERD is often felt behind the sternum, they resemble pain symptom heart attack and angina pectoris. Symptoms worsen after eating physical activity, at night time. Associated symptoms are:

Heartburn;
sour belching;
discomfort when swallowing food;
difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis of GERD includes a set of studies:

Muscle and joint pain;
skin rashes;
signs of anemia;
weight change;
sleep disturbance;
chronic fatigue;
decrease in immunity.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The pain most often occurs at night or in the early hours of the morning. Localization of pain first around the navel, later with right side belly. The pain is increasing, aggravated by movement and coughing. With the development of inflammation, the following symptoms join:

The pain in this form is dull, aching, there are no associated symptoms. If you suspect appendicitis, you need to call an ambulance.

Diagnosis of the disease can be carried out by an ambulance doctor. The diagnosis is made if the patient has a sharp increase in pain when the doctor gently presses on the abdomen and abruptly raises his hand. If in doubt, the patient can do an ultrasound and CT scan. Treatment is always surgical.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a collection of symptoms of bowel dysfunction. Pain in this disease can be both dull and sharp. Unpleasant sensations are aggravated after eating and nervous experiences. The disease is considered incurable, treatment is symptomatic. The signs of IBS are:

Stomach ache;
violation of the chair;
flatulence;
feeling of not emptying the intestines after going to the toilet;
secretion of mucus;
unsuccessful urge to go to the toilet.

If you suspect IBS, visit a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. Diagnosis of deviation is based on the exclusion of other pathologies that are similar in symptoms. Treatment is aimed at improving bowel function and relieving the underlying symptoms.

Slow intestinal peristalsis

Intestinal atony develops against the background of weakening of the muscles of the intestinal tract. The disease is accompanied by constipation, which causes a feeling of discomfort and cramping attacks in the abdomen. Localization of pain depends on the place of accumulation stool. Associated symptoms are:

constipation;
unsuccessful urge to go to the toilet;
heaviness in the abdomen;
anemia and beriberi.

This disease is treated by a gastroenterologist. Diagnosis includes laboratory tests for dysbacteriosis and coprogram. Additional hormonal testing thyroid gland to rule out hypothyroidism.

Nephropathy

Nephropathy is a kidney disease in which the parenchyma and glomerular apparatus are damaged. Pain in the abdomen with this disease can be both pulling and acute. Localization can be girdle or laterally with a return to the back, it is observed for more than one day. Associated symptoms include:

Constant thirst;
sweating;
urinary incontinence;
signs of intoxication;
swelling of the eyelids;
disturbances in the work of the heart.

If you suspect a kidney disease, you should contact a therapist who will give a referral for tests. After that, the nephrologist will deal with the treatment. Diagnosis of nephropathy consists in the evaluation of urine and blood tests, ultrasound of the kidneys.

Inflammation of the bronchi or lungs

Inflammatory processes in the bronchi or lungs are not always characterized by pain in these organs. Sometimes soreness can be felt in the abdomen or in the region of the heart. Pain in the abdomen or side can be acute, indicating inflammation of the lower parts of the lungs or bronchi. You can distinguish such pain by the accompanying symptoms:

Diseases of the lungs and bronchi are treated by a therapist, a pulmonologist, in the direction of an oncologist. Diagnosis is carried out with the help of an external examination, listening to breathing, tests and x-rays.

Infected kidneys and bladder

Infectious diseases Bladder and kidney are often manifested by pain in the abdomen at night or during the day. Inflammation is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes pain is given to the back. At urolithiasis pain worse at night. The nature of the pain is sharp, cutting. Symptoms by which inflammation of the bladder and kidneys can be recognized:

Pain when urinating;
frequent urge to go to the toilet;
urination is difficult.

For staging primary diagnosis you need to contact a therapist who will give a referral to a narrow specialist. Diagnosis consists in questioning the patient, examination, evaluation of urine and blood tests, ultrasound. Treatment depends on the form and stage of the disease.

Bronchitis, sore throat or acute respiratory infections

With angina, acute respiratory infections or bronchitis, night pains in the abdomen may also disturb. The pain is acute in nature without a specific localization. These sensations are associated with an increase in abdominal lymph nodes. The pain is aggravated by coughing and may last for several days. Associated symptoms:

Increased body temperature;
cough;
fever;
inflammation of the tonsils, etc.

With these symptoms, you need to consult a therapist. Diagnosis is made after examining the patient, assessing biochemical analyzes, hardware diagnostics.

Physiological intolerance to certain foods

Often pain in the abdomen at night is associated with malnutrition. Pain occurs 3 hours after the last meal. Localization may be different, but most often it is the area around the navel. Also, the stomach can hurt from unbalanced food, when it is difficult for the stomach to digest it. It can be fatty foods, salty or spicy foods. Associated symptoms:

The pain goes away after a bowel movement. To improve digestion, it is recommended to balance the diet. You need to contact a therapist, gastroenterologist, nutritionist.

Increased acidity of gastric contents

Pain can occur at any time of the day. Its intensity can vary from sipping and tingling to acute attacks. Localization - the region of the stomach. Additional symptoms:

Diagnosis consists in determining the cause of the deviation, most often it is gastritis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and necessarily includes diet.

In which case immediately see a doctor?

The pain is severe;
pain does not subside within 2 hours;
the pain grows;
are joining dangerous symptoms(temperature, fever, weakness, sweating, etc.).

First aid, how to relieve pain?

Before you relieve pain, you need to accurately determine the cause of discomfort. Doctors advise not to self-medicate, but to call a doctor. Only after the diagnosis, the specialist will be able to prescribe adequate therapy. If the pain is not strong, you can take medications that relieve spasm, but it is better to refuse painkillers. Going to the toilet can also help.

Prevention

Most often, abdominal pain occurs from malnutrition. It can be a harbinger of the development of pathology or its symptom.

Be sure to watch the following video

Conclusion on the topic

Why does pain occur at night in the abdomen? Unpleasant feelings never come without a reason. It is at night that the human body relaxes, and we can feel that the digestive tract is under a special load.

Stomach ache
smell from the mouth
heartburn
diarrhea
constipation
belching
increased gas production (flatulence)

If you have at least 2 of these symptoms, then this indicates a developing gastritis or ulcer. These diseases are dangerous serious complications(penetration, stomach bleeding etc.), many of which can lead to FATAL. Treatment needs to start now. Read the article about how a woman got rid of these symptoms by defeating their root cause in a natural way. Read material.

Why does my stomach hurt at night?

The manifestation of discomfort, when the stomach hurts at night is simply unbearable, there is no way to sleep - these are the most common complaints when visiting a gastroenterologist. Usually, the localization of the pain syndrome can be very different, depending on the etiology and intensity of the processes.

Everyone who has had to deal with pain in the digestive tract knows how painful they are and how much trouble they cause to the patient. If you have experienced such a phenomenon as abdominal pain, which is especially active at night, you need to know what could be the reason to its occurrence and how to anticipate the development of such a serious spectrum of diseases.

Features of night pain

Discomfort during nighttime sleep leads to disruption of the sleep structure, insomnia and the appearance of a significant imbalance in the functions of the central nervous system. Along with symptomatic pathologies of the digestive tract, pain usually occurs:

The child in the nursery and adolescence night pain is a consequence of hostile relationships at school or another educational institution. Conflict situation with classmates or teachers is a significant factor of a neurotic nature, provoking very serious abdominal pain in the early hours before the start of the school day.

Particular attention should be paid to the localization of the severe pain, as well as its strength, character and intensity. It should be borne in mind that usually the so-called “fetal” position brings quite a lot of relief, despite its inconvenience in this situation. Night pains can manifest themselves in a dagger, almost unbearable form, dull or sluggish aching, and colic also appears. Usually, colic is considered the very first sign of indigestion or weakness of the evacuation functions of the intestine. But this is one of the components of the symptom complex of others, more serious pathologies. Most dangerous sign can be called dagger pains. This is the most faithful and clinically bright sign catastrophic events, which are an acute attack of appendicitis, inflammatory process peritoneum - peritonitis, stomach ulcers.

Despite the fact that self-medication in any case is categorically contraindicated, in this case it is urgent to call an ambulance and apply a bubble with ice chips to the stomach before it arrives.

Types of abdominal pain

By studying the characteristics of the varieties of manifestations of abdominal pain at night, it is quite easy to carry out preliminary diagnosis one pathology or another. Due to the separation of the two most common types of pain syndrome, when collecting an anamnesis, the doctor suggests checking the body for the presence of pathological processes. The two most common types of pain identified by clinicians and practitioners are:

Spasmodic or convulsive pains called colic. It is characterized by the presence of attacks of a wave-like type with varying intensity. Occurs after an increase in intestinal activity, as its compression or stretching, excess formation and accumulation of gases, infectious inflammation or stress.
Sustained persistent abdominal pain, characterized by relatively stable and constant manifestations. Night pains are varied. Burning, cramps, sharp or hungry - they clearly indicate ulcerative lesions, abscesses and other dangerous inflammatory processes of the abdominal cavity systems, attacks of gallstone disease or acute pancreatitis.

Therefore, it is rather problematic to speak unambiguously about a particular disease based on the type of pain syndrome alone. It is important to carefully study other symptoms that practical medicine are called escorts. They are still identified and systematized by a specialist.

Features of accompanying symptoms

Symptoms that usually accompany pain in the abdomen at night can be very different, from discomfort to upset bowel function. Why clinical picture this phenomenon has acquired the name of the accompanying syndrome? This is due to the fact that the most active development one or another pathology of the digestive system manifests itself quickly enough and, as a rule, it is impossible not to notice it literally on early stages development.

Night pains in the intestines or stomach occur against the background of the following accompanying symptoms and external signs. They may be:

bouts of nausea and vomiting;
sweating of the middle stage;
rumbling in the intestines, which is activated during a change in posture or taking a horizontal position;
inflammatory and infectious processes lead to the appearance of chills, the release of cold sweat;
unnatural color of discharge;
pains change character, can become intense with a convulsive component.

The main causes of nighttime abdominal pain

Painful sensations can be short-lived - up to a couple of minutes. These spasms are not usually cause for concern. But hours and whole nights in the claws of tearing or aching pain can rightfully be called serious signs and signals for an early visit to a medical facility and examination. While these symptoms may appear in different time, they become most stable at nightfall, when the body relaxes, nervous system needs some rest. At such a time, the autonomic nervous system comes into action, which is characterized by the manifestation of all the most significant symptomatic pathologies. Considering the most different reasons pain in the abdomen at night, clinicians distinguish the following main and most important:

Appearance abdominal pain, forcing to wake up, can occur on an empty stomach with excessive production of gastric juice.
Painful cramps immediately after eating, when there is indigestion due to an imbalance in the acid-base balance.
Due to insufficient bowel movement or immediately after the act of defecation.
A consequence of irritable bowel syndrome, possibly with biliary dyskinesia.
Eating unbalanced food. It can be salty, excessively hot or cold food.
Dishes from foods rich in cholesterol, provoking the occurrence and active movement of gallstones.
Physiological intolerance to certain products: milk, lactose and other dairy products.

Determination of root causes can only occur in medical institution after the diagnostic measures prescribed by doctor.

Late evening is the time when the ambulance and reception departments hospitals are especially busy. During the day, changes occur in the human body. Late in the evening, the production of glucocorticoids, hormones of the adrenal cortex that suppress inflammation and associated pain, reaches a minimum. The threshold is lowered pain sensitivity. Any pain associated with inflammatory processes makes itself felt stronger.
Closer to the night, hospitals are usually more intensively filled with new patients, many of whom complain of pain in the abdomen, under the ribs, in the pit of the stomach. Some morning it will get better and they will go home. Others will have to undergo a course of treatment for a week or two.

Often it is at night that pain begins to disturb acute appendicitis. Usually, at the beginning, the whole abdomen hurts, around the navel, then the pain shifts to the right iliac region.
"Hungry", night pains in the upper abdomen are characteristic of some forms of chronic gastritis, ulcers in the lower part of the stomach, duodenum. Usually, if you eat, the condition improves.
With gastroesophageal reflux disease (a condition in which the contents of the stomach are periodically thrown into the esophagus), chalazia cardia (insufficiency of the muscle pulp in the lower part of the esophagus), diaphragmatic hernia the condition worsens when the person is in horizontal position, especially if he ate shortly before bedtime. In this case, the contents of the stomach enter the esophagus more easily, heartburn and pain occur.
Dyspepsia is an indigestion that occurs when various diseases. Pain, heaviness and bloating in the abdomen can bother you at night if you eat before bed.
night and morning pain under the right rib can disturb with cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, liver disease. Especially if there was a holiday the night before, a stormy feast with an abundance of fatty foods and alcohol.

Where to go for help?

If the pain is very intense, the general condition has greatly worsened, other symptoms are disturbing, such as nausea and vomiting, yellowness of the skin, pallor, dizziness, fever - you need to call an ambulance. Before the arrival of the doctor, you can not take painkillers, laxatives, do an enema.
If there was no ambulance, the next day you need to visit a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. If the pain does not bother the first night in a row or occurs periodically already long time- Do not hesitate to go to the hospital. Symptoms of a chronic disease can be tolerated for some time, but gradually the condition will worsen anyway, serious complications can develop.
In order to diagnose the cause of nighttime abdominal pain, the doctor may prescribe blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, X-ray contrast studies, CT, MRI, and other procedures.

Nocturnal abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints at a gastroenterologist's appointment. The intensity and localization of pain sensations can be different, it depends on the existing pathology.

If you notice that your stomach often hurts at night, you should definitely consult a doctor, because this can be a sign of dangerous diseases.

The second type is constant, pulling and exhausting. Most often, such sensations are observed in serious inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract.

Put accurate diagnosis only a doctor can, however, you can suspect the cause of the pain yourself, given the location, nature, intensity of pain and the presence of concomitant symptoms.

Gastritis

Gastritis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining. In chronic gastritis, the pain has a pulling dull character, and with exacerbation, the pain becomes sharp, sword-like. Pain sensations are localized in the upper abdomen, while most often unpleasant sensations occur after eating, and weaken at night. Additional symptoms of gastritis are:

No appetite;
involuntary belching of air;
nausea sometimes with vomiting.

If you suspect gastritis, you need to contact a gastroenterologist to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe therapy. The most effective method for diagnosing gastritis is gastroscopy.

The treatment for gastritis is to take antibacterial drugs, antiseptic and regenerating agents, as well as in dieting.

stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer is a chronic pathology in which ulcerative lesions of the gastric mucosa are observed. The most common causative agent is a bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Pain in a stomach ulcer is stable, aching in nature.

Pain occurs in the upper abdomen, mainly at night, in stressful situations and between meals.

After eating, the soreness may return, but if the ulcer is located in the duodenum, eating on the contrary relieves the condition. Additional symptoms of stomach ulcers include:

Frequent heartburn;
sour belching;
sour vomiting;
hungry pains.

For complications and frequent relapses the patient is recommended surgical treatment.

GERD

GERD is a common disease of the stomach, which is accompanied by a regular reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. As a result of this, damage to the mucous membranes of the esophagus and neighboring organs occurs. Pain in GERD is often felt behind the sternum, they resemble the pain symptom of a heart attack and angina pectoris. Symptoms are aggravated after eating, physical exertion, at night. Associated symptoms are:

Heartburn;
sour belching;
discomfort when swallowing food;
difficulty swallowing.

With the above symptoms, you should consult a general practitioner or gastroenterologist.

Diagnosis of GERD includes a set of studies:

Laboratory tests of blood and feces;
proton pump inhibitor;
daily pH-control of the esophagus;
X-ray of the esophagus;
Analysis for Helicobacter pylori.

Treatment of GERD consists of giving up bad habits, following a meal schedule, following a diet, taking medications as prescribed by a doctor, and limiting physical activity.

Muscle and joint pain;
skin rashes;
signs of anemia;
weight change;
sleep disturbance;
chronic fatigue;
decrease in immunity.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The pain most often occurs at night or in the early hours of the morning. Localization of pain first around the navel, later on the right side of the abdomen. The pain is increasing, aggravated by movement and coughing. With the development of inflammation, the following symptoms join:

Nausea;
vomit;
chills;
fever.

The chronic form has less pronounced symptoms.

The pain in this form is dull, aching, there are no associated symptoms. If you suspect appendicitis, you need to call an ambulance.

IBS

Stomach ache;
violation of the chair;
flatulence;
feeling of not emptying the intestines after going to the toilet;
secretion of mucus;
unsuccessful urge to go to the toilet.

If you suspect IBS, visit a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. Diagnosis of deviation is based on the exclusion of other pathologies that are similar in symptoms. Treatment is aimed at improving bowel function and relieving the underlying symptoms.

Slow intestinal peristalsis

constipation;
unsuccessful urge to go to the toilet;
heaviness in the abdomen;
anemia and beriberi.

This disease is treated by a gastroenterologist. Diagnosis includes laboratory tests for dysbacteriosis and coprogram. Additionally, an analysis is performed for thyroid hormones to exclude hypothyroidism.

The therapy includes drug treatment, diet and exercise therapy.

Nephropathy

Constant thirst;
sweating;
urinary incontinence;
signs of intoxication;
swelling of the eyelids;
disturbances in the work of the heart.

Medical treatment with diet and drinking schedule.

Inflammation of the bronchi or lungs

Always the pain is related to breathing;
increased body temperature;
no appetite;
cough;
difficulty breathing.

Treatment depends on the nature of the pathology and consists in taking antibacterial or antiviral drugs.

Infected kidneys and bladder

Infectious diseases of the bladder and kidneys are often manifested by pain in the abdomen at night or during the day. Inflammation is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes pain is given to the back. With urolithiasis, pain intensifies at night. The nature of the pain is sharp, cutting. Symptoms by which inflammation of the bladder and kidneys can be recognized:

Pain when urinating;
frequent urge to go to the toilet;
urination is difficult.

To make a primary diagnosis, you need to contact a therapist who will give a referral to a specialist. Diagnosis consists in questioning the patient, examination, evaluation of urine and blood tests, ultrasound. Treatment depends on the form and stage of the disease.

The most common therapy is medication.

Bronchitis, sore throat or acute respiratory infections

With angina, acute respiratory infections or bronchitis, night pains in the abdomen may also disturb. The pain is acute in nature without a specific localization. These sensations are associated with an increase in the abdominal lymph nodes. The pain is aggravated by coughing and may last for several days. Associated symptoms:

Increased body temperature;
cough;
fever;
inflammation of the tonsils, etc.

With these symptoms, you need to consult a therapist. The diagnosis is made after examining the patient, evaluating biochemical tests, hardware diagnostics.

Treatment consists in eliminating the underlying disease.

Physiological intolerance to certain foods

Feeling of heaviness;
rumbling;
gas formation.

Diagnostics given state does not require additional hardware methods (only as an exception to pathology).

The pain goes away after a bowel movement. To improve digestion, it is recommended to balance the diet. You need to contact a therapist, gastroenterologist, nutritionist.

Increased acidity of gastric contents

Pain can occur at any time of the day. Its intensity can vary from sipping and tingling to acute attacks. Localization - the region of the stomach. Additional symptoms:

Heartburn;
heaviness in the stomach;
belching;
bloating.

You need to contact a gastroenterologist.

Diagnosis consists in determining the cause of the deviation, most often it is gastritis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and necessarily includes diet.

In which case immediately see a doctor?

The pain is severe;
pain does not subside within 2 hours;
the pain grows;
dangerous symptoms (fever, fever, weakness, sweating, etc.) join.

First aid, how to relieve pain?

If the intensity of symptoms increases, call an ambulance.

Prevention

Most often, abdominal pain occurs from malnutrition. It can be a harbinger of the development of pathology or its symptom.

To prevent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, you need to eat right, give up bad habits and lead active image life.

Be sure to watch the following video

Conclusion on the topic

Periodic pains cannot be ignored, they always indicate existing problems in the body.

Medical statistics indicate the frequency of treatment with pain syndrome. After a thorough examination, the doctor puts provisional diagnosis prescribes examination and treatment. Patients complain that by the evening the stomach begins to hurt. The mentioned symptom may indicate a malfunction in the organ and become the first bell about possible development peptic ulcer, gastritis.

The stomach begins to ache with spasms that cause the organ to contract and stretch. There is an excess production of gastric juice and, accordingly, the amount of hydrochloric acid increases. There is irritation of the walls of the organ. Causes night pain in a stomach:

inflammatory processes. An intestinal infection can also be a source.
Excess gas. Air can accumulate in the stomach during meals, and increased gas formation in other digestive organs, in the intestines, is also possible. If it is impossible to remove them naturally, bloating and discomfort occur. The pains appear at night due to the relaxation of the muscles of the organs.
Accelerated contraction of the walls of the esophagus.
Excited state of the patient.

In addition to the causes, in medicine there is a division of the pain itself into a number of types:

Visceral. Nerve endings located on the walls of the abdominal region are exposed to irritating effects. It is characterized by aching and dull pain.
Parietal. Irritation is on the peritoneum. The pain syndrome is intense, the source is easily determined. The patient tries to take shallow breaths to minimize the movement of the abdomen and diaphragm, which helps to slightly reduce pain.
Psychogenic. The body's negative response to stress. The symptoms are very diverse, it all depends on the degree of nervous tension. It usually develops in people who have had mental illness. Manifested by pain in the stomach.
Neurogenic. It manifests itself as a consequence of diseases associated with human neuralgia. Characterized as chronic pain. Nervous tissues are damaged and there is an incorrect supply of pain signals to the brain. It develops in diseases: alcoholism, diabetes, HIV, multiple sclerosis. The patient feels burning, numbness, tingling.

The nature of pain is judged on possible reason. The doctor wants to know what kind of pain syndrome bothers the patient: strong, aching, pulsating, shooting, burning. What accompanies the symptom: hunger, nausea, increased gas formation, increased body temperature, sweating. Even a change in the color of urine and feces will help in making a diagnosis.

If the urine has darkened and the stool has become lighter, there is evidence of abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. pancreas, liver and bile ducts should also become the object of close attention of physicians. The appearance of pain at night and without visible reasons- the patient is supposed to provide first aid, and be sure to call a doctor in the morning.

Attention! If the color of the feces is dark, closer to black, then bleeding in the intestines is necessary urgent hospitalization with subsequent operation.

Of no small importance is the place where the pain syndrome is felt. If the source is at the top of the abdomen, a stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, liver dysfunction, and pancreas are possible.

The severity of the disease of the stomach is indicated by the posture adopted by the patient to reduce the intensity of sensations. Changing the position of the body does not save for long, the pain returns again. This is a hint for immediate medical attention.

If the night pains in the stomach are short-lived, this indicates an improper and irregular diet. It is enough to adjust the menu, refuse causing discomfort products and unpleasant feeling won't bother.

Major diseases

If the pain does not go away, no matter what position the patient takes, the cause is a disease. There are a number of diseases that make the stomach hurt at night.

Gastritis

A disease that occurs in every third inhabitant of the planet. Inflammatory process on the gastric mucosa. This leads to disruption of the body and leads to malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract. The source is thought to be Helicobacter pylori infection. Uncontrolled reception anti-inflammatory drugs and nervous tension – additional reasons occurrence of gastritis. The patient complains about aching pain, he is tormented by nausea, vomiting, heartburn, belching sour. Symptoms are most pronounced on an empty stomach and at night.

peptic ulcer

With an ulcer, small wounds form on the walls of the organ, sometimes bleeding. The disease is the result of a prolonged inflammatory process on the mucous membrane. The patient's complaints are similar to those of gastritis. Pain is sharp, sharp, aggravated in the evenings

Gastroesophageal disease of the stomach

The disease affects the esophagus. Under the action of acid from the stomach, the mucous membrane on the walls of the organ becomes inflamed. The reason is the inability of the sphincter to completely block the passage for the contents of the stomach into the esophagus. There is a throwing of food and, accordingly, gastric juice. The patient feels heartburn, belching and nausea. Symptoms worsen at night lying position Bottom part the esophagus is relaxed and does not block the outflow.

Minor diseases

Rarely occurring diseases, but causing pain in the stomach area. Especially in the evening and before bed.

Diaphragmatic hernia

The position of a part of the stomach or intestines relative to the diaphragm changes. More precisely, penetration chest organ, at normal condition under a protective cover. The patient feels heartburn, hiccups, disturbed heartbeat, difficulty swallowing. The condition worsens when the body is in a horizontal position.

Abdominal migraine

Children are the main patients with symptoms of the disease. The pain syndrome occurs for no apparent reason, suddenly, at night the condition worsens. It is believed to be a hereditary disease.

First aid

With pain in the stomach, self-medication is dangerous. Consultation with a doctor, examination, tests is necessary.

are called general rules providing first aid to the patient without taking strong drugs that can relieve pain in order to avoid negative impact to other organs.

The first thing to remember is that when pain syndrome cannot be eaten in the stomach. Fasting for several hours will greatly improve the condition. If necessary, it is permissible to drink warm tea. Lie down, calm down, do not be nervous, raise your legs above your head. Sometimes there is a case when ice water helps, but it is enough for the patient to take one or two sips and understand whether it will help or not.

Doctors advise drinking tea with mint and chicken bouillon but in small doses. The intake of any means and liquids should be accompanied by self-monitoring of the state of the stomach on the part of the patient. If the pain is aggravated by tea, water or broth, it is recommended to immediately stop drinking these liquids.

On the day the pain develops or the next day, you need to contact a gastroenterologist who will examine, feel, send for examination, and make a diagnosis. The main thing is to prescribe a treatment that is suitable for a particular patient, taking into account the characteristics of his body.

Today there are thousands of recommendations from people who have been treated and advise medicinal drugs. What is good for one may not be good for another. Only a specialist will help to choose a patient individual plan treatments and drugs!

Treatment

For the treatment of the digestive system, they turn to a gastroenterologist. Night pains in the stomach serious symptom requiring a visit to the hospital. The doctor collects a history of the disease: when it fell ill, where, what is the diet, habits, the presence or absence of stress. This is followed by a physical examination (palpation of the patient's abdomen). Fibrogastroduodenoscopy is prescribed. This examination consists in conducting a special apparatus with a video camera through the throat, gastrointestinal tract. Today it the only way get status information internal organs. A biopsy is prescribed if a malignant tumor is suspected.

The gastroenterologist prescribes medications to relieve pain and spasms, to normalize the functions of the stomach, antibiotics. Medicines are taken according to the prescriptions of the doctor, do not self-medicate.

Each patient has the right to consult several doctors. The treatment plan and the regimen for taking drugs depends on the period of the disease, on the intensity of the symptoms, on general condition human health. For more effective use of medications, the patient must follow a diet. Exclude spicy, sour, fried, fatty, smoking and alcoholic beverages from the diet.