Pain bowel

introduction

Pain in the area of ​​the Intestines arise, express themselves in different ways depending on their cause.

The exact localization can as well as that quality give an indication of the cause of the pain.

Below are some possible causes of bowel discomfort.

Food intolerance

A allergy against certain foods or food components can lead to a Intolerance reaction of the intestine, which are often found in stomach pain, Flatulence, Diarrhea, nausea and Vomit expresses.

One is particularly common Intolerance to milk protein (Lactose), Fructose (Fructose) and gluten, an ingredient in certain grains (Barley, rye, wheat, oats).

The gluten intolerance is also called Celiac disease or Sprue designated. This leads to an inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which ultimately leads to a regression of the intestinal villi. This affects digestion as a whole.

Celiac disease is often discovered in childhood, as the affected children are often under Failure to thrive suffer from impaired nutrient absorption.
Plus, they often have no appetite and suffer from Diarrhea, Fatty stools and Vomit.

Irritable bowel syndrome

For patients under a Irritable bowel syndrome no other cause can be found for their symptoms.

Those affected complain of recurring stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and Flatulence.

Frequently, irritable bowel syndrome is triggered by stress; many of those affected suffer from mental health problems.

Many examinations must be carried out before the diagnosis is made (Gastroscopy, colonoscopy, biopsies, etc.) to rule out all other causes of the complaints.
The irritable bowel syndrome is therefore considered to be so-called Exclusion diagnosis.

In general, the disease is not associated with a reduced life expectancy, as it is not based on a serious cause, but the quality of life of those affected is often severely limited.

The therapy is tried in different ways, one uses, for example, anticonvulsant drugs, peppermint oil and high fiber diet.

Diverticulitis

The Diverticulitis is a Inflammation of small sacs in the intestinal wall.
These bulges (Diverticulum) are found mainly in older people (approx. 65% of the over 85 year olds) and arise from weakened connective tissue in the intestinal wall.

Almost always it is Sigmoid colon (Sigmoid) affected, i.e. the section of the large intestine that lies in the left lower abdomen.

Stool can become lodged in the diverticula. This can press on the mucous membrane and secondarily lead to inflammation, which typically spreads Pain and pressure in the lower abdomen, sometimes too fever, nausea, Vomit and Indigestion can express.

In addition, the Feces lead to a reduction in blood flow to the intestinal wall, which can cause the tissue to die.
This can have far-reaching consequences including life-threatening conditions.

The doctor can often feel a hard roller in the left lower abdomen if diverticulitis is present. Due to the disease, it can also Problems urinating or one Relocation of the intestine (Ileus / subileus) come.

Diverticulitis is diagnosed using Ultrasonic or Computed Tomography.
As a rule, various types of therapy are used Antibiotics used.

If the diverticulitis occurs repeatedly in the same section of the intestine, it is advisable to do this Resect part of the intestinewhen there is no inflammation.
This alone can then cure and prevent the recurrent disease.

Intestinal obstruction (ileus)

A acute intestinal obstruction (Ileus) is an emergency as it can be immediately life-threatening.
A distinction is made between the intestinal obstruction paralytic and the mechanical ileus.

The paralytic ileus is based on one Failure of the nervous systemwhich controls the movement of the bowel.
This creates a Paralysis of the affected section of the intestine and the chair passage is thereby interrupted.

With mechanical ileus it comes to Relocation of the intestinal lumen a foreign body, large amounts of stool, or a Intussusception (Inversion of one section of the intestine into another).
As a result, the intestinal passage can no longer be maintained. It comes to severe cramping abdominal pain, as the intestine contracts strongly just in front of the constriction in order to push away the obstacle.

Additionally occur frequently nausea, Vomit (also breaking manure), a bloated stomach and Stool retention on.

Ultimately, an ileus can lead to a Multiple organ failure lead, which is why he needs emergency treatment.

Appendicitis (appendicitis)

The popularly so-called Appendicitis typically goes with stabbing, right-sided lower abdominal pain hand in hand.

Actually, however, this is not the case appendix himself (Caecum), but only its appendage, the Appendix (appendix), inflamed.

Typically, pain begins in the upper abdomen and over time migrates to the right lower abdomen.

Additionally can fever, nausea and Vomit occur.

The diagnosis can include a Ultrasound examination be asked. However, the inflammation is not always clearly recognizable.

During the clinical examination, various tests can help diagnose appendicitis. There are e.g. two points in the right lower abdomen (McBurney and Lanz point), which can be very painful when pressure is applied.

Also the contralateral pain of letting go (Blumberg sign) can be positive in appendicitis.
To do this, the doctor presses the left lower abdomen and then suddenly lets go, which causes pain in the right lower abdomen in the case of appendicitis.

Furthermore, the Colon smeared from end to beginning which can also cause pain (Rovsing sign).

The Flexion and internal rotation of the right leg, as well as that Raise the right leg against resistance can be painful (Obturator and psoastest).

In acute appendicitis, the appendix must be surgically removed early. Otherwise it can lead to a breakthrough (perforation) the appendix with emptying of intestinal contents come into the free abdominal cavity, whereby a Inflammation of the peritoneum (Peritonitis) and possibly a Blood poisoning (sepsis) can arise.

The operation is now a routine procedure and is generally considered to be low-risk.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, are very often associated with pain that is caused by the inflamed intestinal wall.

Those affected often suffer from diarrhea, which, especially in ulcerative colitis, can also be noticed by the presence of mucus and blood.

Ulcerative colitis mainly affects the large intestine. The inflammation progresses from distal to proximal, i.e. from back to front, without skipping sections of the intestine.

In contrast, Crohn's disease spreads discontinuously and primarily affects the lower part of the small intestine and parts of the large intestine.
In addition, fistulas and abscesses often develop in Crohn's disease, which often have to be surgically resected.

In addition to abdominal pain and diarrhea, patients with inflammatory bowel disease often also suffer from loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and weight loss.

The diseases usually run in bursts and are mainly treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants.

Read more on the topic: Burning in the intestines

Intussusception

Intussusception describe the turning of one section of the intestine into another. This leads to the obstruction of the intestinal lumen and the intestinal passage is interrupted (Ileus).

Intussusception occurs and causes above all in small children severe abdominal pain and Vomit.
The children are usually completely healthy beforehand. In affected babies, intussusception often manifests itself through high-pitched screams and Tightening the legs.

The doctor can often do a Induration in the abdomen (roller) feel.

In many cases, intussusception can be caused by a enema dissolved again and the intestine returned to its original position.
However, the children often develop afterwards another intussusception.

If the intussusception cannot be remedied by an enema, the Surgical reduction otherwise the blood flow to the affected section of the intestine is endangered and secondary life-threatening complications can develop (bacterial peritonitis with multiple organ failure).

Colon cancer

Colon cancer Usually causes no or only unspecific symptoms in the early stages.
Over 90% of malignant colon tumors develop in the large intestine (colorectal cancer).

The average age at initial diagnosis is currently at about 65 years, whereby men are affected slightly more often than women.

As the tumor grows to a certain size, it can produce more specific symptoms. Typically then occurs Blood in the stool and altered stool behavior, e.g. very narrow chairs throughout (Pencil chairs).

Additionally it can too Flatulence, Bowel cramps, Diarrhea or constipation come.

If the tumor obstructs the intestinal lumen so that normal intestinal passage is no longer guaranteed, a secondary development can occur Intestinal obstruction (Ileus) with the associated symptoms up to Multiple organ failure develop.

In principle, in the advanced stage, the tumor can also break through the intestinal wall and lead to the intestinal contents being emptied into the abdominal cavity. This can make the Inflame peritoneum.
Patients have severe abdominal pain when patting the abdominal wall, which is also very hardened and tense.