Pain in the abdomen under the chest. Causes and treatment of pain in the upper abdomen
Pain in the abdomen, especially in its upper part, should not be taken as normal. In this regard, if the sensations presented are repeated often enough, it is necessary to determine the exact causes of the condition. Only a specialist can help with this, who will write out a referral for all the necessary diagnostic measures and help start the recovery course.
Examination for epigastric pain
Particular attention in the case when the upper abdomen hurts, under the ribs, at the top or in the pit of the stomach, must be given to the diagnosis. This will help to make the most accurate diagnosis and prescribe subsequent treatment. At the same time, specialists pay attention to the following points: it is necessary to seek medical help as early as possible (this will allow an accurate diagnosis) and exclude the use of any medicinal components, because they can distort the data as a result of the examination.
So, in the event that the patient has pain in the epigastric region, as well as under the ribs, at the top or in the pit of the stomach, the exact localization of painful sensations will be required. This will allow you to determine the most accurate causes much more accurately and prescribe the appropriate treatment. With pain in, under the ribs, at the top or under the pit of the stomach, in the middle, you will need to take a horizontal position for primary diagnosis. As part of the examination, the abdomen is carefully probed, exactly the place that provokes the most painful sensations is found.
In the vast majority of cases, in the absence of complications or critical consequences, the localization of sensations and the affected organ coincide. However, deviations are likely, because experts insist on additional measures to determine the causes of pain in the epigastric region, under the ribs, at the top or in the stomach. Speaking of this, doctors point out the need for a general blood test, monitoring the level of leukocytes and other vital signs. In addition, you may need an extended analysis of urine, feces.
Further, instrumental examination methods are an obligatory step for identifying the exact cause.
We are talking about ultrasound, MRI or CT, x-rays and other methods that will be recommended directly by a specialist. All of them will help determine why it hurts under the ribs, at the top of the abdomen, or in the pit of the stomach. In some cases, the diagnosis is questionable by a specialist, and therefore a second diagnostic session is required. Only after that it will be possible to talk about what kind of diagnosis is associated with the specific sensations presented and what the recovery course should be.
Possible diagnoses of the causes of pain in the upper abdomen
Usually, pains in the upper abdomen, as well as under the ribs or spoon, have characteristic symptoms, namely, they can be sharp, dull, aching or arching. In this case, the presented condition is traditionally accompanied by certain symptoms, namely vomiting. Patients indicate that, as a rule, painful sensations are even more intense with increased vomiting, and after it stops, they weaken.
Experts associate pain in the upper abdomen, in the pit of the stomach or ribs with such serious diseases as gastritis, peptic ulcer. At the same time, the most characteristic symptoms will help to determine a specific ailment, namely pains that appear exclusively due to the use of sour or spicy foods, drinks like coffee. It should be noted that even previous stresses can be a catalyst for the development of sensations.
Among other things, pain can respond in the sternum along the esophagus or in the middle. In this regard, experts pay attention to certain characteristics of the state:
- gastritis is a chronic form of a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, the symptoms of which develop gradually, and therefore, when the very first problems with stool and bowel function appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor;
- gastric ulcer is a much more acute condition, which should be treated as quickly as possible in order to exclude the development of complications and critical consequences. This is very important for recurring pain in the pit of the stomach, ribs, or above;
- it is strongly recommended to undergo diagnostics again in order to accurately determine the diagnosis and differentiate gastritis or stomach ulcer from cancer, which can also be characterized by similar symptoms.
In general, no matter what part of the abdomen, peritoneum is associated with painful sensations and, moreover, other symptoms, it is recommended not to engage in self-treatment or the use of folk methods of exposure.
This is explained by the fact that if it hurts at the top of the abdomen, under the ribs or in the pit of the stomach, there is a high probability of developing complications, which can be avoided only by starting the recovery course on time.
Treatment Methods
When diagnosing gastritis or stomach ulcers, it is the combined treatment that is necessary. It involves the use of certain medicinal components and diet. Additionally, it is recommended to change your lifestyle by giving up alcohol and nicotine addiction or minimizing them. Speaking of medications that help a person with pain at the top, under the ribs or in the pit of the stomach, it is necessary to note the pain-relieving components, for example, No-shpu.
Along with this, components are used that improve the general condition of the intestinal microflora, namely Linex, Subtil and others. It should be noted that they should be applied throughout the course, which will help to achieve maximum effect. While fragmented treatment will be ineffective. Depending on the characteristics of the patient's state of health, other medicinal components or any part of them can be used to help eliminate pain and negative symptoms.
The diet involves fractional nutrition, the use of a large number of plant components, lean meats or fish, as well as cereals and other foods that improve intestinal motility and contribute to the normalization of its work. It is recommended to eat fractionally, namely at least four times a day, but not more than six. At the same time, experts insist that part of the diet should include soups, broths and other first courses.
We should not forget about fruits and vegetables, as well as other foods that contain large amounts of nutrients, vitamins and other substances that are necessary even for pain in the middle. To determine a more accurate list and find out why this is necessary, it is recommended to contact a specialist.
With gastritis or stomach ulcers, experts insist on physical activity: frequent walking, playing some kind of sport.
Thus, regardless of why this or that part of the stomach hurts, this should be a serious reason for contacting a specialist. It is in this case that the restoration of the body will be the fastest and most complete. This will help to avoid the development of complications and critical consequences.
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1. Can cancer be prevented?
The occurrence of a disease such as cancer depends on many factors. No one can be completely safe. But everyone can significantly reduce the chances of a malignant tumor.
2. How does smoking affect the development of cancer?
Absolutely, categorically ban yourself from smoking. This truth is already tired of everyone. But quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing all types of cancer. Smoking is associated with 30% of cancer deaths. In Russia, lung tumors kill more people than tumors of all other organs.
Eliminating tobacco from your life is the best prevention. Even if you smoke not a pack a day, but only half, the risk of lung cancer is already reduced by 27%, as the American Medical Association found.
3. Does excess weight affect the development of cancer?
Keep your eyes on the scales! Extra pounds will affect not only the waist. The American Institute for Cancer Research has found that obesity contributes to the development of tumors in the esophagus, kidneys, and gallbladder. The fact is that adipose tissue serves not only to store energy reserves, it also has a secretory function: fat produces proteins that affect the development of a chronic inflammatory process in the body. And oncological diseases just appear against the background of inflammation. In Russia, 26% of all cancer cases are associated with obesity.
4. Does exercise help reduce the risk of cancer?
Set aside at least half an hour a week for exercise. Sport is on the same level as proper nutrition when it comes to cancer prevention. In the US, a third of all deaths are attributed to the fact that patients did not follow any diet and did not pay attention to physical education. The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 150 minutes a week at a moderate pace or half as much but more vigorously. However, a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in 2010 proves that even 30 minutes is enough to reduce the risk of breast cancer (which affects one in eight women in the world) by 35%.
5.How does alcohol affect cancer cells?
Less alcohol! Alcohol is blamed for causing tumors in the mouth, larynx, liver, rectum, and mammary glands. Ethyl alcohol breaks down in the body to acetaldehyde, which then, under the action of enzymes, turns into acetic acid. Acetaldehyde is the strongest carcinogen. Alcohol is especially harmful to women, as it stimulates the production of estrogen - hormones that affect the growth of breast tissue. Excess estrogen leads to the formation of breast tumors, which means that every extra sip of alcohol increases the risk of getting sick.
6. Which cabbage helps fight cancer?
Love broccoli. Vegetables are not only part of a healthy diet, they also help fight cancer. This is also why recommendations for healthy eating contain the rule: half of the daily diet should be vegetables and fruits. Especially useful are cruciferous vegetables, which contain glucosinolates - substances that, when processed, acquire anti-cancer properties. These vegetables include cabbage: ordinary white cabbage, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
7. Which organ cancer is affected by red meat?
The more vegetables you eat, the less red meat you put on your plate. Studies have confirmed that people who eat more than 500 grams of red meat per week have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.
8. Which of the proposed remedies protect against skin cancer?
Stock up on sunscreen! Women aged 18-36 are particularly susceptible to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In Russia, in just 10 years, the incidence of melanoma has increased by 26%, world statistics show an even greater increase. Both artificial tanning equipment and the sun's rays are blamed for this. The danger can be minimized with a simple tube of sunscreen. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2010 confirmed that people who regularly apply a special cream get melanoma half as often as those who neglect such cosmetics.
The cream should be chosen with a protection factor of SPF 15, applied even in winter and even in cloudy weather (the procedure should turn into the same habit as brushing your teeth), and also do not expose yourself to sunlight from 10 to 16 hours.
9. Do you think stress affects the development of cancer?
By itself, stress does not cause cancer, but it weakens the entire body and creates conditions for the development of this disease. Research has shown that constant worry alters the activity of the immune cells responsible for turning on the fight-and-flight mechanism. As a result, a large amount of cortisol, monocytes and neutrophils, which are responsible for inflammatory processes, constantly circulate in the blood. And as already mentioned, chronic inflammatory processes can lead to the formation of cancer cells.
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Abdominal pain in pregnant women can occur both due to natural changes that the female body undergoes in the process of bearing a child, and due to infectious diseases or serious abnormalities in the functioning of internal organs. How to determine in which cases you can do without the intervention of a doctor if there are pains in the upper abdomen during pregnancy, and when to visit a specialist is not just necessary, but vital? Doctors advise paying attention to accompanying symptoms: if abdominal pain in the upper abdomen during pregnancy increases with time and is accompanied by stool disorder, fever, the appearance of bloody, mucous, curdled, purulent discharge from the vagina, fever, chills, urge to vomit, then it is urgent to call an emergency help. If discomfort and pain in the abdomen disappear within a day and are not accompanied by symptoms other than mild malaise, then there is no need to call a doctor at home. However, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist to exclude the presence of hidden pathologies or diseases of the internal organs.
Causes of abdominal pain in pregnant women
Pain in the upper abdomen in a pregnant woman may occur due to the following problems:
1 hormonal restructuring of the body;
2 exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (in particular, gastritis or ulcers);
3 inflammation or malfunction of the gallbladder;
4 stretching of the muscles of the abdominal cavity under the pressure of an enlarged fetus;
5 motor activity of the baby in the womb;
6 overeating;
7 premature birth (you should be wary if abdominal pain is accompanied by the release of mucus or blood from the vagina, the movement or fading of the fetus - the occurrence of these signs is a reason to call emergency care);
8 placental abruption (premature placental abruption is often accompanied by bouts of cramping pain in the lower abdomen, bleeding from the vagina, a decrease or complete cessation of fetal motor activity);
9 passion for pickled, spicy, fatty, smoked foods, fast food and sweet carbonated drinks (substances contained in them, when ingested, cause increased gas formation and bloating, and also provoke inflammation of the membranes of the stomach and intestines);
10 food poisoning;
11 stretching and thickening of the round ligaments in the process of adaptation to the changing size of the uterus;
12 preeclampsia (toxicosis in late pregnancy, accompanied by headache, diarrhea, swelling of the extremities and face, fluctuations in blood pressure, various visual impairments);
13 a sudden change in body position or fast walking;
14 non-compliance with the scheme of taking medications;
15 inflammation of the appendages and ovarian cysts;
16 adhesive process in the abdominal cavity;
17 kidney problems;
18 nervous tension;
19 sex in positions that promote deep penetration of the member of the partner;
20 ectopic implantation of a fertilized egg, usually in the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy).
Pain in the upper abdomen, radiating to the left hypochondrium
If a pregnant woman has problems with the spleen, intestines, pancreas or stomach, she may complain of abdominal pain radiating to the left hypochondrium:
1 With a sharp increase in the size of the spleen, the pain is acute. When the organ breaks, the pain becomes unbearable and is accompanied by blue skin around the navel.
2 If the cause of abdominal pain lies in the intestines, then there may be an increase in body temperature, a disorder of the stool in the form of constipation or diarrhea, the appearance of impurities in the feces (clots of coagulated or drops of fresh blood, mucus, particles of undigested food), the smell of feces from the mouth (with intestinal obstruction).
3 If the source of abdominal pain is located in the left hypochondrium, then one should not exclude the possibility of inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or perforation of an ulcer located in the left segment of this organ. If abdominal pain intensifies after eating and is accompanied by heartburn, nausea, vomiting (with erosive gastritis or perforation of an ulcer - with an admixture of blood), fever, bad breath, you should immediately visit a gastroenterologist: the sooner a set of measures aimed at to stabilize the condition of the expectant mother, the lower the likelihood of complications requiring hospitalization.
4 With inflammation of the pancreas, in addition to abdominal pain radiating to the left hypochondrium and lower back, a pregnant woman may be tormented by nausea, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, the urge to vomit, weakness, fever, and increased sweating. As a rule, with pancreatitis, a woman cannot take a horizontal position, since a change in body position leads to a sharp increase in pain.
In addition to the above reasons, abdominal pain radiating to the left hypochondrium can be caused by hernias. You can determine their presence by palpation of the abdominal cavity: characteristic seals will be felt in the left half of the abdominal cavity.
Pain in the upper abdomen, radiating to the right hypochondrium
Abdominal pain radiating to the right hypochondrium may occur due to problems with the liver, intestines, gallbladder, as a result of inflammation of the appendix or right appendage, torsion of the cyst leg. The greatest danger for a pregnant woman and a developing fetus is appendicitis - inflammation and suppuration of the appendage of the caecum as a result of the penetration of pathogens into the tissues of the organ or blockage of the intestinal lumen by foreign bodies that enter the body along with food (fruit and berry bones, seed husks, etc.) . The presence of appendicitis can be judged by the painful tension of the muscles of the abdominal cavity, high body temperature, diarrhea, vomiting, blanching of the skin. On palpation of the abdomen, the pain intensifies, localizing at the bottom of the body - in the region of the right appendage or navel. If you suspect appendicitis, you should immediately call a doctor: while waiting for the arrival of an ambulance, it is forbidden to apply hot or cold compresses to the stomach, take a shower, strain the abdominal muscles, or take painkillers.
No less dangerous for a pregnant woman is the torsion of the leg of a cyst that has formed on the right ovary. Cysts are benign formations with liquid or semi-liquid contents that form at the site of the follicles. Upon reaching a certain size, they can twist around the fallopian tubes, squeezing them and blocking the blood supply. As a result, there is a sharp, unbearable pain: often a woman loses consciousness from a painful shock. Torsion of the cyst leg is often confused with apoplexy (rupture) of the ovary, since these pathologies have similar symptoms. Only a doctor is able to determine the exact cause of a sharp pain in the region of the right appendage, therefore, if a torsion of the cyst leg or apoplexy of the right ovary is suspected, the woman is urgently hospitalized in order to conduct the necessary research and provide appropriate medical care.
The presence of liver problems in a pregnant woman, in addition to abdominal pain radiating to the right hypochondrium, is signaled by heartburn, skin rashes, constant hunger, diarrhea, weakness, blurred vision, swelling of the face and limbs, yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin, persistent aftertaste of bitterness in the mouth, increased sweating, cracks and white or brown coating on the tongue, discoloration of urine and feces, rapid heartbeat, itchy skin, hair loss.
In case of problems with the intestines, in particular the duodenum, a pregnant woman may experience bloating, nausea, belching, increased gas formation, weight loss due to lack of appetite, frequent urge to defecate, changes in color, smell and composition of feces (the stool becomes liquid, acquires a yellow or green tint and a sharp, unpleasant odor), intolerance to raw fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy products, yellow coating on the tongue, skin itching.
If the cause of abdominal pain lies in inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), then, in addition to abdominal pain radiating to the right hypochondrium, collarbone and / or shoulder blades and aggravated by movement, shaky driving, hypothermia or emotional overstrain, a pregnant woman may be tormented by fever, vomiting with admixture of bile, chills, arrhythmia, burning sensation in the navel, bitter taste in the mouth, weakness, skin itching, sweating.
Causes of pain on the right side of the abdomen during pregnancy
The most likely and most common root cause of pain in the abdomen on the right side during pregnancy is inflammation of the appendix. This disease is characterized by severe pain for twelve hours (sometimes more), localized near the navel and felt on the right side of the abdomen. Quite often, pain is associated with the urge to nausea, fever, general weakness. Mostly women in an interesting position suffer from appendicitis in the middle of pregnancy. In the presence of the above symptoms, medical assistance is urgently needed with further hospitalization of the pregnant woman and an operation.
Abdominal pain may also indicate an ectopic pregnancy, in which the uterine tube ruptures, accompanied by severe abdominal pain, bleeding, and a severe general condition of the patient.
If pain sensations during pregnancy are located in the right upper abdomen, this may indicate the presence of the following pathologies:
1 Diseases of the gallbladder can cause pain on the right side of the abdomen during pregnancy. These include cholecystitis, dyskinesia, cholelithiasis. In acute forms of the disease, the pain is acute, and in chronic forms, the pain is aching. Also, signs of gallbladder disease include nausea, general weakness, a feeling in the mouth and on the lips of a bitter aftertaste, a feeling of heaviness under the right rib.
2 Diseases of the pancreas and pain on the right side of the abdomen. In pregnant women, inflammatory processes of the pancreas, the so-called pancreatitis, can often occur. Attacks of acute pancreatitis are characterized by severe pain that radiates to the back, severe sweating, and the urge to nausea. Lying down, the pains intensify, and when taking a sitting position, slightly tilting the body forward, they decrease.
3 Pathological changes in the stomach and duodenum, as the cause of pain on the right side of the abdomen. The feeling of pain in the upper abdomen during pregnancy, which radiate to the right, can be a symptom of gastritis or peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. In addition to pain, these pathologies are characterized by nausea, a gag reflex, a change in the general condition of a woman for the worse, and an increase in body temperature is also possible.
4 Kidney disease, pain can radiate to the right side of the abdomen. Sometimes the presence of a painful syndrome in a woman in an interesting position in the right or left side of the abdomen indicates pathologies of the kidneys, namely the right or left, respectively. Kidney disease during pregnancy is not uncommon. This is due to the fact that the kidneys of a girl expecting a baby experience a huge load.
Causes of pain on the left side of the abdomen during pregnancy
Pain in the abdomen on the left side in the lower region may be associated with the development of an ectopic pregnancy on the left or with the pathology of the left kidney. The symptoms of these diseases are similar to the symptoms of the corresponding pains in the right lower abdomen.
If there are pains in the upper abdomen on the left, perhaps such symptoms indicate the development of the following pathologies:
1 Diseases of the spleen can cause pain in the abdomen on the left during pregnancy. The spleen can be examined using an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, which will confirm or refute the presence of pathology.
2 Gastritis and peptic ulcer of the stomach. During these diseases, pain in the upper abdomen may also radiate to the right or left. Also, a woman experiences heartburn, nausea, and vomiting is observed.
3 Pancreatitis is sometimes accompanied by such painful symptoms. In addition to pain on the left in the upper abdomen, a pregnant woman will be accompanied by a significant deterioration in her general condition and nausea.
Whatever the reason for the appearance of pain in the abdomen during the period of bearing a child, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist. However, even before a visit to the doctor, you should not be upset, because the appearance of pain during pregnancy is quite natural and does not always indicate the presence of any pathologies. During this period, the woman's uterus grows, and the abdominal organs are slightly displaced, causing a feeling of pain. Do not be upset even if it was diagnosed that the cause of pain is a disease. After all, the most important thing is to start timely treatment and everything will turn out fine for both mother and future baby.
What to do if it hurts a lot at the top of the abdomen during pregnancy, treatment of abdominal pain
If the occurrence of abdominal pain is not associated with diseases of the internal organs, a diet can alleviate the condition of a pregnant woman (refusal of sour-milk products, legumes, raw vegetables and fruits, caffeinated drinks, exotic dishes, eating boiled or steamed food instead of fried, pickled, smoked products and pickles), bed rest.
Experts warn against the use of enemas and laxatives to eliminate pain: in the presence of intestinal obstruction, inflammation in the appendages or appendix, torsion of the cyst leg and a number of other pathological conditions, the use of these measures can lead to a sharp deterioration in the condition of the expectant mother and pose a threat to life and health baby.
Many people are familiar with the feeling of fullness that occurs in the upper abdomen. Often this is due to the accumulation of gases in the intestines and disruption of the normal functioning of digestion. This phenomenon is called flatulence. It is accompanied by various unpleasant sensations, such as bloating and distension of the inside of the abdomen. According to statistics, every tenth person suffers from this.
Bloating that occurs in the upper abdomen can be a symptom of a serious illness. In addition, it may indicate the presence of a pathology of the internal organs located in the abdominal cavity.
Flatulence often occurs with the following diseases and pathologies:
- Intestinal dysbacteriosis.
- The presence of a malignant neoplasm.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Chronic pancreatitis.
- Lactose intolerance.
- Stenosis of the pylorus of the stomach.
- Peptic ulcer.
- cholecystitis.
- gastritis.
- Removal of a stone from a kidney.
Bloating and bloating can be a symptom of the development of a rare disease - celiac disease. This disease is accompanied by incomplete breakdown of gluten and the formation of toxic substances that damage the intestinal walls. The treatment is carried out with the help of a special gluten-free diet and the intake of enzymatic drugs, which are prescribed by a doctor.
Often occurring pain and distension in the abdomen may be associated with problems of the reproductive organs. For example, some women experience these symptoms during menstruation and ovulation. The intensity of their manifestation is different for everyone.
Abdominal distention can occur at any age in anyone. Since this can serve as a signal of the development of the disease, with a prolonged manifestation of this phenomenon, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo the required diagnostic tests.
Main reasons
Among the main causes of distension and swelling of the abdomen:
Distension of the abdomen causes the intake of certain foods, such as:
- Legumes. They contain in their composition enzymes that are not absorbed in the intestines, but are broken down by bacteria.
- Apricots, cabbage, carrots and prunes, which contain starch that promotes gas formation.
- Sweeteners.
- Milk. Gas formation occurs when the body does not absorb lactose.
- Cereals rich in fiber, which can cause profuse gas formation.
Causes of distension in the abdomen in healthy people
Distension inside the abdomen appears in both sick and healthy people. Gas formation can occur not only as a symptom of a certain ailment, but also for other reasons. Feeling of bloating in healthy people may appear with:
- Abuse of carbonated drinks.
- Excessive swallowing of air during meals.
- Taking soda, which neutralizes the acidic environment of the stomach and causes increased gas formation.
- Abuse of sweets and muffins.
- Excess in the body of fiber and starch. Most often, gas formation occurs when eating a large amount of potatoes, legumes and rye bread.
In most cases, bloating appears after the holidays, accompanied by a hearty meal. It lasts no more than two days and often goes away on its own, but at the same time delivering discomfort.
Symptoms
- Reduce the intake of fatty and high-calorie foods. The fact is that it takes much longer to digest fats than it takes to process carbohydrates or proteins. As a result, the stomach remains filled for a longer period of time.
- Eat more slowly, as fast food intake is accompanied by excessive swallowing of air.
- Reduce the consumption of foods that contribute to the fermentation process in the body. Such products include potatoes, legumes, black bread and muffins.
- Do not take fruit along with other foods. They should be consumed 2 hours after a meal or 1 hour before a meal.
- Milk should be replaced with dairy products.
The most common treatment for bloating is activated charcoal, which is available over the counter at any pharmacy. It should be taken 1 g three times a day.
A good effect is given by physical exercises that contribute to the normalization of bowel functions. These include squats and leg raises. Exercise is best done in the morning. Swimming, jogging and walking are also recommended.
If the normalization of the diet and exercise do not give the desired results, you can buy medicines at the pharmacy that contain alpha-D-galactosidase. This is a special enzyme that helps break down indigestible sugars found in vegetables, fruits and grains. Such drugs are sold without a prescription in the form of tablets and capsules.
If bloating and discomfort in the abdomen are associated with a serious illness, you should not self-medicate. The fact is that by eliminating the symptoms it is impossible to get rid of the ailment itself, which caused their appearance.
The doctor will conduct an external examination and question the patient, which will allow him to determine further actions.The cause of discomfort and heaviness in the stomach can be found out with the help of palpation. The doctor carefully feels first the left side of the abdomen, and then the right side, where the vital organs are located. If any seals are found, attention should be paid to the following points:
- The nature of education: cystic or dense.
- Shape: smooth or uneven edges.
- Mobility of formation during respiration.
- The presence of pain when probing.
Detailed information is given by listening to the intestines:
- The presence of whistling high-pitched noises may indicate an early stage of bowel obstruction.
- A dull, oscillating noise indicates the accumulation of fluid in the intestines.
Detailed information about the state of the intestine is given by rectal palpation. The doctor feels the rectum, as well as the organs and tissues of the small pelvis. Thanks to this, it is possible to identify the development of an infectious disease and detect neoplasms.
To determine the cause of flatulence, a qualified doctor can also refer the patient for diagnosis and examination. One of the main methods of instrumental diagnostics used in the examination of the intestine is x-ray. X-ray examinations are carried out in two positions: lying and standing. Thanks to them, purulent inflammation, colitis and hepatoma can be detected in time.
Often in the process of diagnosis, the doctor gives the patient a referral for ultrasound and computed tomography. These are one of the most informative methods that give a detailed clinical picture of the state of internal organs.
Fortunately, bloating and discomfort in the abdomen is rarely due to any serious medical condition. In most cases, to eliminate symptoms, you just need to normalize the diet.
Self-diagnosis
If excessive gas formation and bloating is not accompanied by pain, to determine the causes of these phenomena, you can independently carry out the following actions:
- Lie on your stomach and relax your muscles.
- Put your palms in the area of localization of discomfort.
- Feel the stomach, while listening to the sensations that arise.
- Pay attention to the presence of swelling, its asymmetry and bursting under the ribs.
- In addition, you need to pay attention to what you ate before the stomach began to swell.
If in the process of self-examination and palpation you feel seals, you should immediately consult a doctor. These may be metastases formed as a result of the development of a cancerous tumor.
Non-traditional methods of treatment
From bloating and flatulence, herbal teas from chamomile, mint and St. John's wort help well. To prepare a healing drink, pour the herbal collection with hot water and leave for 10 minutes. You need to take tea 3 times a day.
The following spices and spices contribute to the elimination of excess gas formation: cardamom, cumin, ginger, dill, fennel and parsley. They should be added to dishes that are present in the daily diet.
Please note that traditional medicine methods cannot be used as an independent remedy for distension and swelling of the abdomen. As a rule, they go in combination with the main drug treatment, which is prescribed by an experienced doctor.
Bloating and discomfort in the abdomen is a common occurrence. As a rule, it is associated with malnutrition and an unhealthy lifestyle. However, in some cases, it can serve as a signal of the development of a serious disease in the body. Therefore, if bloating is regular, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Pain in the upper abdomen in the center is a general description of the state of the human body, but this does not mean that it is permissible to ignore it. The causes of soreness are minor (constipation or disorder), and there are more serious ones (cholelithiasis, kidney disease). It is required to act immediately if the child's stomach hurts!
If the stomach hurts at the top in the middle, the cause is a significant expansion of the veins in the esophagus (especially common in people with chronic alcoholism). Such pain is the result of gastric reflux with an esophageal ulcer.
The presence of pain spasms below the chest and in the center of the esophagus may occur for reasons:
- The muscles that capture the passage to the cardia - the stomach, relax abnormally, this happens when the nerves are damaged. This happens, for example, during surgery.
- Abuse of dry foods.
- Increased dryness of the mucosa in the esophagus or the growth of a fibrous structure with prolonged gastro-reflux disease (when the movement of stomach acid back into the esophagus), provoking a hard passage of food. This can cause, in rare exceptions, systematic sclerosis.
- A gastric hernia that affects the esophageal opening in the diaphragm and thereby provokes an abnormally closed passage to the stomach. Signs of pathology are pains below the chest and in the larynx, which are given to the central or upper part of the stomach. The main symptom is the presence of an unpleasant taste of acid in the oral cavity.
- Inflammation of the inner layer of the stomach lining is called gastritis. Signs of gastritis are points - individually or collectively:
- Gastroparesis is a slow emptying of the stomach due to the muscles not being able to relax enough due to nerve damage. The causes that provoke the occurrence of gastroparesis: atherosclerosis, hormonal disruptions, psychological troubles, the formation of fibrous tissue on healed ulcers and after surgical operations of the stomach. The symptomatology of this disease is manifested by a convulsive state after or during the intake of food, fast satiety, heartburn, bloating, severe belching.
- A gastric ulcer is an open sore inside the stomach. Characterized by aching baking pain after or in the process of eating food at the top of the abdomen.
- Inflammatory processes of the small intestine (duodenum) are characterized by pain of a dull nature, mainly at night and between meals, pain is felt under the ribs and in the center of the abdominal cavity. With inflammation, it is possible to detect blood in the stool and darken it.
- Cancers provoke not only unpleasant pain in the center and upper abdomen, but also nausea, loss of appetite, excessive weight loss, extremely dark stools.
- Pancreatitis. The acute form of the disease is an inflammatory process in the pancreas due to cholelithiasis or long-term alcoholism. Soreness is mainly felt on the left in the upper part and in the center of the abdomen, sometimes girdle (it hurts both in front and behind). Appetite worsens, nausea appears, white sparse stools and the patient loses weight dramatically.
- Injury resulting in a rupture of the abdominal muscle due to impact or physical exertion can cause severe pain in the abdomen. A hematoma that appears afterwards can accumulate in the muscles, causing a noticeable bulge that is blue in color and soft to the touch.
- The small intestine, or rather, its small fragment protrudes through the crevices in the muscles of the abdominal cavity. Symptoms are pain and a noticeable bulge that is soft to the touch.
- Fractures in the vertebrae, spinal arthritis, other disorders in the lumbar spine or chest are manifested, causing pain in the middle of the abdomen and above. Exacerbation of pain, as a rule, occurs when moving.
- Aneurysm (protrusion of the walls of the aorta) and dissected layers inside the aorta are typical for people of predominantly older age, especially if atherosclerosis is present. The pain is dull, continuous, worse during and after eating.
- The onset of a heart attack also provokes pain from above or in the middle of the abdomen. High cholesterol levels and smoking are well-known factors in the occurrence of a heart attack.
- If the pain is localized mainly on the right in the upper abdomen, it is most likely an inflamed appendicitis. May cause fever and nausea.
- Female causes of pain in the abdominal region are often a possible miscarriage, rupture of a cyst in the ovary, ectopic development of the fetus. In this case, cutting sensations and pulling pain are characteristic.
- Received a course of antibiotic treatment.
- Heatstroke.
- Typhoid fever is an acute intestinal infection. A distinctive feature is roseolous rashes, accompanied by fever, general intoxication of the body, specific lesions of the lymphatic system in the small intestine.
- Myocardial infarction.
- Heart failure is a decompensated dysfunction of the myocardium. At first, this disease does not give itself away, but then it manifests itself in shortness of breath, pain on the left in the upper abdomen, increased fatigue, and edema.
- Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs. The symptoms are similar to the flu or a cold, but are accompanied by sharp pain in the chest, sometimes pain under the chest, radiating to the upper abdomen, cough with reddish or greenish thick sputum, increased sweating, fever, rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat.
- Hepatic or renal colic. Characterized by a sharp, severe pain (stronger than labor pains), which is often accompanied by hemorrhage.
- Herpes zoster or shingles is a viral infection with characteristic rashes. Elderly people are most susceptible to infection, mainly in autumn or winter.
- Lead poisoning.
- Animal bites (snakes, insects).
- Cholecystitis.
- Hepatitis.
- Infarction, rupture or abscess of the spleen.
Diagnosis and treatment
Finding out the cause of pain begins with a palpation examination of the abdomen in order to detect inflammatory processes or edema. The procedure is done by lightly pressing on various parts of the abdomen. To obtain the full amount of information, it is required that the patient correctly describes the intensity and nature of pain, its distribution within the abdominal region. After that, the attending physician prescribes the necessary additional examination. Moreover, a single procedure or a whole range of tests is acceptable to exclude or confirm the presence of fractures, growths, edema or ruptures.
What can be treated at home
In rare exceptions, if the pain in the abdomen is moderate, immediate medical attention is not required. These cases are: constipation, irritable bowel, heartburn, menstrual pain in women. However, the pain should not be constant and sharp. It is worth noting that if the patient knows about his own chronic illness, and the attending physician has already prescribed a certain treatment, the patient should not go to the hospital every time a pain symptom appears, because he is already aware of what medications to treat. If the symptoms worsen or new ones appear, you should immediately seek help from specialists, because home conditions will not allow for a number of additional examinations.
If the stomach troubles are not significant, and the pain is dull and aching, it is allowed to use over-the-counter pain medications.
Prevention
Unfortunately, prevention cannot avoid all diseases in the abdomen. But if you apply the above tips, it is quite realistic not to encounter many diseases:
- Drink enough water throughout the day, especially if dehydration has occurred.
- Try to eat healthy foods rich in fiber (this will help avoid constipation). Absorb food not quickly, eat in small portions, but often. Do not abuse coffee and chocolate. If your doctor has prescribed a specific diet, follow it.
- Regularly do physical activity with feasible intensity.
- Avoid excessive drinking and smoking.
- Control body weight, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Pain in the upper abdomen is a dangerous symptom that is a harbinger of many dangerous diseases. There are many reasons for such a state of affairs. Unpleasant sensations can overtake you suddenly and pass quickly, or they can annoy you for a long time.
Despite the intensity and accompanying symptoms, any health problems should be addressed. can be an indicator of various conditions, which we will discuss below.
A gastroenterologist will help you return to an active life.
Unpleasant sensations at the top of the abdomen can occur for various reasons. This may be eloquent evidence of the presence of pathology of the internal organs.
Problems with the stomach and intestines can also cause pain. Man suffers from cramping, burning, pulling or pressing pain. Turning to will help you get back to an active life.
Unpleasant sensations are possible due to stretching of the organ capsule, which resembles a dense shell lined with connective tissue. A tumor, injury, or inflammation can be the precipitating factor causing the capsule to stretch. The severity of symptoms can range from a moderate level to a pronounced disease state.
When the capsule breaks, the patient's condition worsens. Poor circulation can also cause these conditions. Atherosclerotic lesion, blockage of a blood clot in response to the deterioration.
With gastric ulcer, the state of health worsens 15-45 minutes after the meal. The defeat of the duodenum is marked by delayed symptoms, which make themselves felt after 1-1.5 hours. In the presence of ulcers, unpleasant symptoms appear on an empty stomach and at bedtime, discomfort is felt in the shoulder blades.
A person has signs of bloating, the stool is disturbed. In case of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it improves the patient's condition, while the symptoms of problems with other parts of the body do not depend on this action. If suddenly you feel sharp sharp pains, it is better to call a specialist, as jokes are bad with an ulcer. The right treatment tactics will help you recover quickly.
Do you feel belching, burning and soreness behind the sternum? It is necessary to exclude inflammation of the esophagus. Other symptoms that confirm the presence of GERD are increased symptoms in the supine position, bending over and physical work.
liver problems
With cholelithiasis, patients describe the presence of bursting pains.
Muscle pain
To understand whether painful conditions are associated with muscle strain, it is worth raising the lower limbs. With a positive answer, the pain will intensify. Pain in muscle tissue is a response to hypertonicity; muscle strain is often diagnosed, accompanied by internal microtraumas.
The reason may be, physical overload, sports training and physical work. The worst option is a rupture of the abdominal ligaments, which occurs with intense excessive stress on atrophied muscles.
The video will tell you more about pain in the upper part of the stomach:
Problems in neurology
With osteochondrosis, compression of the roots of the spinal cord occurs. There are pains, concentrating in the spine. Infringement of the nerve roots makes the nerve supply, spleen and intestines defective.
The person begins to complain of cutting and stabbing sensations. Other neurotic symptoms appear that signal that it is time to take care of yourself. Massage, physiotherapy and special preparations will slow down progression a disease that is now popular and will significantly improve the condition.
The appearance of a hernia
When the organs are clamped, a hernia is formed. The person feels pain around the formation. When pressed, the round formation disappears. Patients with hernias of the esophagus face all the troubles that causes the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
The increase entails the expansion of the gate and stretching of the structures surrounding the defect of the abdominal wall. A dangerous phenomenon is considered to be the entry of organs into the abdominal sac, which is also accompanied by pain. Local sensations or pain in the entire abdomen may be diagnosed.
Metabolic disorders
When ketoacidosis occurs and thyrotoxic crisis irritate the receptors of the peritoneum. Sharp pain is accompanied by tension of the peritoneum. To clarify the diagnosis, a patient with the listed symptoms is sent to a hospital.
Rules of conduct for abdominal pain
Only when feeling acute pain does a person begin to pay attention to problems in the body.
Regardless of the intensity and characteristics of the pain, it is necessary to consult a medical institution in order to prevent serious complications and worsening of the condition.
It is worth trying not to take pills before the initial consultation so that the doctor can make the most accurate diagnosis.
Until the initial verdict is issued, the heating pad must not be used. To somehow alleviate the condition, you can use ice. It is worth alerting if there is vomiting, fever.
These additional symptoms may indicate the severity of the situation. Irregular pains of moderate intensity, appearing from time to time, give hope for a happy outcome. It is worth contacting a specialist if the pain becomes more frequent and interferes with normal life.
It is important to tell the doctor in detail about the nature, intensity of pain and events preceding the worsening of the condition. Treatment should be aimed at eliminating the underlying cause that causes similar conditions. Modern man lives in a special rhythm. It is difficult for him to take the time and listen to his own body.
Aching pains are often ignored, the malaise is attributed to poor-quality food. Only when feeling acute pain does a person begin to pay attention to problems in his own body. Painkillers are used, although the right step would be to call a doctor and visit a specialist.
The collected analysis, examination and diagnostic procedures help to set the exact one, since abdominal pain can be the cause of many ailments that require drug treatment or surgery. It is important to pay attention to additional symptoms: the presence of vomiting, stool disorders, pain in the hypochondrium. The exact writing of the symptoms helps to quickly find the root cause and start the fight against the developing disease.
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