Internal Medicine

Abdominal pain and nausea

introduction

Abdominal pain, which is accompanied by nausea, is a very common complaint, however no independent disease but can only be assessed as a secondary symptom complex of other underlying diseases.

The term "abdominal pain" includes here abdominal pain (localized in the abdomen)that can be caused by diseases of various internal organs. Often the cause stomach and the Intestines Abdominal pain combined with nausea. However, they come too Gallbladder, the liver or the pancreas as the place where the pain arises. With women it is Menstruation an additional important trigger of abdominal pain that should not be forgotten in the search for the cause of the pain.

That is also typical of stomach ache diverse type of manifestation. The pain can be from, for example outstanding quality be yourself in one Burn express or are accumulated in the form of Convulsions symptomatic.

The symptoms associated with the abdominal pain such as vomiting, diarrhea or tiredness can narrow down the cause of the pain more precisely and are therefore of great importance in making a diagnosis.
In most cases of abdominal pain and nausea, there are mundane diseases, such as a gastrointestinal infection (gastroenteritis) in front.

However, there are some warning signs that you should consult a doctor immediately if they occur. These include an exceptionally strong intensity of the pain or a long duration of the symptoms without any improvement in the symptoms. Accompanying symptoms such as blood in the stool or the stool turning black (Tarry stool), as well as vomiting blood or a black, coffee grounds-like appearance of the vomit, indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and often require immediate intervention.

However, if chest pain occurs in addition to stomach pain and nausea, this can indicate a heart attack.
If the abdominal pain radiates in a belt-shaped manner around the body at the level of the navel, this indicates an inflammation of the pancreas (Pancreatitis), which should be taken care of as soon as possible.
If there is appendicitis (appendicitis), a typical migration of pain, which can initially only be localized imprecisely, occurs in the right lower abdomen. This can then be provoked by pressure and rapid relief of the abdominal wall on the opposite side.

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Possible accompanying symptoms

diarrhea

Abdominal pain and nausea combined with diarrhea point to one Gastrointestinal infection (gastroenteritis) in most cases Viruses is triggered. These viruses can get through Smear infections, for example due to insufficient hygiene in the context of food preparation or directly from Person to person be transmitted.The illness caused by viruses lasts on average four days on.
Typical of gastroenteritis caused by infection is the simultaneous occurrence of symptoms in several people who live close together.

For more information on simultaneous occurrence, see: Abdominal pain and diarrhea

It can also after eating spoiled food experience abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. Here the symptoms are often through bacteria or their Poisons triggered, for example by Salmonella and put about six hours after consumption the contaminated food.

In both cases, a visit to the doctor is usually not necessary and is only recommended if the symptoms are very severe or persist for several days. relief in most cases provides one Light food at the above all avoided fatty foods should be. Grated apples, mashed bananas or rusks are suitable for this. One is particularly important sufficient amount of water to drinkas the body loses a lot of fluids from diarrhea. To do this, you should drink liquids such as herbal tea or still water in small sips. Especially children are quick of one dry out (Desiccosis) of the body endangered, which is why you have to be very careful with them that they drink enough.

If you are interested in suitable nutritional measures for diarrhea, read: Diet for diarrhea

The thorough one Wash your hands after using the toilet and before preparing food prophylaxis the transmission of pathogens is of great importance. If the symptom complex consists of abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea in mild intensity over a longer period of time can a Food intolerance, for example against Fructose or lactosebe the cause. Those affected usually notice that the symptoms are in directly related to food intake stand. In this case, a visit to the doctor is unavoidable for a definitive clarification of the causes of the symptoms.

nausea

Abdominal pain and diarrhea are very often associated with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract nausea hand in hand.
The reason for this is that the gastrointestinal tract strongly regulates the urge to vomit. The most common condition that causes abdominal pain and vomiting diarrhea is Gastrointestinal infection. It is mostly caused by viruses and should be under the correct therapy within a few days clear improve.
Such symptoms can also occur in Food intolerance occur. Affected suffer over Weeks or months with recurring, mild to moderate pain, diarrhea and nausea. Depending on the intolerance, the symptoms can appear a few minutes to hours after eating and never occur independently of food consumption.
Should be cause for concern Combined abdominal pain with diarrhea and nausea then will be when they unusually strong are persistent or with other symptoms such as Blood in the stool, high fever or one Yellowing of the skin and eyes occur. In these cases it should see a doctor as soon as possible must be visited so as not to overlook a disease that may require treatment.
Important clinical pictures in this context are, for example, inflammation of the pancreas, irritable bowel syndrome and acute clinical pictures such as appendicitis.

Vomit

Usually it works Vomit the nausea ahead. The combination of nausea and vomiting is great though unpleasant, however, ensures one partial elimination of spoiled or even toxic stomach contents and consequently protects the body from ingesting the entire amount of the harmful substance. Thus, vomiting can be seen as a protective measure for the body.

Information on other causes of vomiting can be found here: Causes of Vomiting

One of these complaints is often one of them infectious cause underlying. Such a Gastrointestinal infection can through Viruses or bacteria that are ingested with contaminated food and often also cause diarrhea.

The color and consistency of the vomit can be used to draw various conclusions about the underlying cause. So the vomit exists in connection with a Gastrointestinal infection or after Consumption of a spoiled food often just off un- or only partially digested food componentswhat other than a temporary one Abstinence from food to protect the stomach, no further action is required for the time being.
The same primary consequence results from this greenish vomitwhich its color by the contained bile receives. In this case, the stomach was empty before vomiting.
Please also read our article on this Vomiting of bile

It can in rare cases too Vomiting feces (Miserere) come what a Warning sign and should be examined by a doctor immediately, as vomiting is associated with a Stool retention and stomach pain Reference to a Intestinal obstruction that must be immediately corrected operationally.
That too Vomiting from blood or a Coffee grounds-like appearance of the vomit are to be considered an emergency and join Bleeding in the esophagus or in stomach on.

Vomiting, nausea, and acute chest pain can do that too Symptom of a heart attack and must therefore be examined more closely immediately.

Flatulence

Flatulence can also cause severe abdominal pain. A common cause of gas is eating foods that gas, such as legumes, cabbage, onions, and unripe fruits.

Further causes can be found under: Causes of Flatulence

In these cases, permanent remedies are provided by reducing or doing without these foods. Sufficient exercise also helps, as this promotes the transport of the food pulp through the large intestine and consequently reduces the digestive gases produced by the intestinal bacteria.

If you are interested in other treatment options, please read: Home remedies for flatulence

Flatulence also occurs in the case of food intolerance, for example lactose intolerance, in which the lactose lactose cannot be broken down by the intestinal enzymes and thus cannot be absorbed by the body. The lactose remaining in the intestine is metabolized by bacteria, producing gases that bloat the intestines and cause severe pain. If this pain occurs regularly and does not go away completely within a few days, it is advisable to see a doctor, who can carry out an examination for any food intolerance or identify other causes for the symptoms.

Further information is available under Upper abdominal pain and gas available

a headache

If the person also suffers from headaches, the suspected diagnosis of migraine is likely.

If the headache is preceded by abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea, in most cases it is a gastrointestinal infection a headache mostly in episode of the emerging Lack of fluids occur. These can be alleviated by drinking enough herbal tea or water.

For more information on symptoms that are present at the same time, see: Headache with nausea

To step a headache and nausea, and possibly abdominal pain contemporaneous on, this may be an indication of the presence of a migraine be. Here are the a headache mostly only localized on one side and have one pulsating pain character. Other accompanying symptoms may be vomiting and sensitivity to noise and light. The treatment is carried out in the acute phase by means of Painkillers, such as Ibuprofen or aspirin. With the present nausea will also Metoclopramide administered.

In connection with fever and Neck stiffness counting a headache, combined with nausea until proven otherwise as a sign of one Meningitis (meningitis). Patients must be examined immediately by a doctor and given antibiotics.

fatigue

Go stomach pain and nausea with the appearance of fatigue there are various possible causes. There may be a Anemia (anemia) in front. This anemia is often symptomatic at first due to fatigue. In addition, the affected person usually fails Exhaustion, shortness of breath and paleness on.

A Gastric ulcer (Ulcer) can be responsible for the mentioned combination of symptoms, consisting of abdominal pain, nausea, and fatigue. This can Source of bleeding represent about which a continuous blood loss up to anemia (anemia) can be done. The blood that is lost through the stomach ulcer can get through Coffee grounds-colored vomiting or one Black discoloration of the stool manifest. If this occurs, a doctor should be consulted immediately because of such bleeding potentially life threatening can be. Sometimes the ulcer just bleeds in that way small amountsthat the blood does not induce vomiting and is invisible to the naked eye in the stool. A test procedure is recommended here to diagnose possible anemia hidden (occult) Blood in the chair by the Analysis of stool samples can be detected.

Another cause of anemia can be in women of childbearing potential heavy menstrual bleeding be that also with stomach pain and may be accompanied by nausea. If the anemia is based on menstruation, this can usually be caused by sufficient Drink and balanced nutrition therapy, whereby the tiredness disappears by itself.

Other causes of abdominal pain and simultaneous fatigue can be Liver disease be. Typical other complaints associated with liver disease are Pressure pain in the right upper abdomen and Loss of appetite. In the case of more severe damage to the liver, one may also occur Yellowing the skin, as well as the manifestation of the Liver skin signs come.

Is there a Food intolerance or one Disruption of the intake of essential nutrientsLike vitamins in the intestines, it can lead to stomach pain and nausea as well as fatigue. This can be seen in the resulting Deficiency of certain nutrients explain in the body why it is not able to develop its full performance, which in turn can manifest itself in fatigue.

Abdominal pain and nausea after eating

Occur abdominal pain and nausea after eating on, this may be the result of excessive food intake be. Here the complaints occur after too much or after consuming a lot fatty foods on. Typically the symptoms are caused by a Bloating accompanied and are considered due to their genesis without disease value to watch.

Abdominal pain after eating can also be a symptom of heartburn (GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease) be. In this condition will too much stomach acid produced by belching the esophagus and the stomach damage can. Above all, the esophagus is damaged, as it is lined with an acid-sensitive surface. The reflux disease becomes symptomatic strongest pain in the upper abdomen and chest region, the one burning character exhibit. The primary drug therapy for heartburn involves Proton pump inhibitorswhich inhibit the formation of stomach acid.

Wear in addition general measuren to alleviate the discomfort. For example, that has Avoid spicy foods or the Refrain from alcohol a positive effect. In addition, no more food should be consumed shortly before going to bed, as the vertical component of gravity that is missing when lying down, which can no longer prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus and thus favors the occurrence of reflux.

Furthermore, a Inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis) be the cause of stomach pain and nausea immediately after eating. This is also supported by a increased acid production caused, for example, as a result of an imbalance between factors responsible for the production of protective substances and those that stimulate acid production. The occurrence of gastritis is caused by the occurrence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori promoted. This strongly stimulates gastric acid production and thus leads to damage to the gastric mucosa, which can manifest itself in abdominal pain and nausea. In this case, the gastritis is in addition to the Proton pump inhibitors with antibiotics treated.

Find out more at: Symptoms of gastric mucosal inflammation, such as Stomach pain with nausea

Abdominal pain after eating can also be caused by a Food intolerance, which is often accompanied by gas and diarrhea. After a doctor has diagnosed such an intolerance, it can be managed well by avoiding the corresponding foods.

Another cause of nausea and abdominal pain after eating is that Food poisoningThe symptoms usually go away on their own within a day.

If you are interested in further information, we recommend: Symptoms and Duration of food poisoning

Furthermore, flatulent foods can cause discomfort after eating.

Abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating

Abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating can various causes to have. Regardless of the underlying condition, if they occur frequently, they can cause food anxiety and loss of appetite, leading to malnutrition. Because this can have lasting negative effects on health, it is important to avoid recurring complaints after eating see a doctor early on allow.
A common clinical picture that causes such symptoms is Food intolerance. In the western world predominantly the Intolerance to lactose in milk and Gluten in wheat products as well as the allergic reaction to proteins such as histamine on.
Another important disease that can lead to gastrointestinal complaints after eating is Irritable bowel syndrome. Although it is a harmless, complex and often very stressful disease. The cause of irritable bowel is to this day not fully clarified, the therapy is very diverse depending on the form.
Occur the abdominal pain and diarrhea over several months or are unusually strong, serious, possibly life-threatening diseases can be responsible for the symptoms.
This includes, for example, the calcification of vessels in the intestine, which progresses slowly and intensifies the symptoms mentioned over the years. Also chronic, inflammatory bowel diseases like the Crohn's disease or the Ulcerative colitis as well as a Gastric ulcer can cause gastrointestinal complaints after eating and without adequate therapy can be life-threatening.

Abdominal pain and diarrhea in pregnancy

Abdominal pain and diarrhea during pregnancy can be caused by a number of disorders. How the pregnant woman should behave depends on the severity of the symptoms, their duration and any additional symptoms. In the case of slight complaints lasting less than a day, the further course can be awaited at home. The symptoms are then usually harmless and disappear again without therapy.
In the Early pregnancy is sometimes the for such complaints Change in dietthat many pregnant women carry out. In some pregnant women, it takes the gastrointestinal tract a few days to adjust to a healthier, higher-fiber diet. If the pregnancy is advanced, the Pressure of the child on the intestines lead to mild abdominal pain and irregular stool.
Are the Discomfort strong, expectant parents are often worried about their unborn child. Some of these are justified. Several Days longer, severe diarrhea can quickly become a big one dehydration and thus lead to "dehydration" and the loss of important salts in the body. Such a situation, if pronounced, can Cause circulatory problems and become dangerous for the child. Therefore, in this case, regardless of the cause, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Possible causes of severe abdominal pain and diarrhea are the same in pregnancy as in non-pregnant women. They range from simple ones Gastrointestinal infections over Food intolerance up to chronic bowel disease and Appendicitis.

treatment

Come Abdominal pain and nausea rarely before and are they more likely from weak intensity without any accompanying symptoms that would be a warning sign of more serious disease progressions little cause for concern.
A doctor however, should definitely be visited if the Pain very severe are the symptoms longer than a week persist or worrying Concomitant symptoms consist. It is advisable to visit your family doctor as soon as possible, who will be through anamnese and a examination of the abdomen can decide whether the pain and nausea are due to a serious illness or can be considered harmless.

To support the doctor's medical history, one can use a Pain diary by stating which one, among other things Time of day and in which situation the pain occurs. The important thing here is temporal connection with meals or also for Consumption of certain foodswhat then, for example, on a Food intolerance can indicate. Also Concomitant symptoms can play a major role and should be reported to the doctor.

At unclear cause the family doctor will make a referral to the Gastroenterologists exhibit the further diagnostics such as a Gastroscopy (Gastroscopy), which enables a direct assessment of the stomach wall and thus the diagnosis of potential causes of pain. Became a specific causee found for the complaints, these can then treated specifically become.

General measures one can take for relief from abdominal pain are physical conservation, drinking from Herbal teas or hanging up one Hot water bottle against the pain. If you have severe nausea and vomiting you may Anti-vomiting medication become necessary.

For more information on abdominal pain as a symptom, visit the following pages: