Causes of abdominal pain: pathological and non-pathological cases. Why does your stomach hurt and what to do about it?

In this topic, we will look at the possible causes of abdominal and stomach pain. But before we begin, we need to remember that if there is discomfort in abdominal cavity and radiates to the genital area - these are stones, to the navel area - colic.

People often complain of abdominal pain. Everyone knows that there are many organs in the abdominal cavity. Therefore there are different types such pain depending on the affected area. Each organ requires personalized treatment. Sometimes home therapy is effective, and sometimes it is worth going to the hospital.

1 Survey

First you need to find out which part of your abdominal cavity is most painful. Lie on your shoulder blades to relax your abdominal muscles. You can find the causative organ by gently pressing your fingers on the abdominal wall. The place where severe discomfort will be felt is the one that needs to be treated.

You also need to understand the nature of your pain. There are the following types:

1. Dull pain in the abdomen. May be clearly localized or diffuse.
2. It's a dull pain in a stomach. Sometimes it radiates to the lower back.
3. Constrictive pain in the abdomen. Has a cramping character.
4. Bursting pain in the abdomen. As a rule, it is accompanied by additional symptoms.
5. Cutting pain in the abdomen. By intensity: weak and strong.
6. Sharp pain in the abdomen. Often accompanied by weakness.
7. Periodic or frequent pain in a stomach. May occur spontaneously.
8. Acute pain in the abdomen. Sometimes it can be unbearable.

The pain can radiate to other organs, increases during body movement, coughing, and is sometimes accompanied by nausea, elevated temperature body, diarrhea.

Now think about how it came about. For example, pain could arise due to excessive exertion, perhaps the cause was a stressful condition or hypothermia. Often it occurs on its own. And what kind of pain could there have been from the very beginning? How did it get stronger? Character: cutting pain or another type? Did she jump from one organ to another? For example, when there is appendicitis, there are sharp pains bottom right.

2 Types of localization

IN epigastric region- these are bursting, dull, sharp and aching pains in the abdomen. With this problem, the entire abdominal cavity suffers, giving for chest in the area of ​​the esophagus. Side effects appear when pain increases - nausea. Most often appear after excessive physical activity or after overeating spicy, sour, drinking strong coffee and experiencing stressful situations.

WITH medical point vision - this is gastritis or an ulcer. If the diagnosis is correct, then treat yourself with a 7-14 day diet. If there are attacks of pain, you can apply a warm heating pad, drink strong tea without sugar or just heated water. If you are vomiting with blood, call an ambulance immediately.

In the right hypochondrium - compressive and sharp pain. They can radiate to the right side of the abdomen and back. There is a bitterness in the mouth, high body temperature, nausea. It often appears as a result of eating large amounts of fatty foods or during motion sickness on public transport. This is most likely cholecystitis.

It is imperative that you undergo an examination to ensure that gallbladder without stones.

Heat the choleretic mineral water, stirring (so that the bubbles evaporate), and drink it in small sips. You should feel better after drinking water. If not, repeat the procedure.

Pain around the entire abdomen. If there is a feeling that a pain zone appears around the upper zones, which radiates to the lumbar region. Occurs along with bad aftertaste in the mouth, dryness, frequent vomiting, high pressure, after alcohol abuse, acute and fatty foods. Such features are characteristic of acute pancreatitis.

If all the symptoms coincide, go to the doctor, otherwise necrosis of the pancreas will occur, which poses a danger to life.

Pain in the navel area. These kinds of problems arise on their own. This severe pain in the abdomen, sharp, like contractions. Appear accompanied by weakness, chills, as a result of an overdose of foods rich in fiber, coffee or chocolate.

Based on this, we can come to the conclusion that this intestinal colic. In order to calm the pain, it is recommended to take an antispasmodic and lie down. They will go away within 15-20 minutes, but may reappear. Therefore, watch your diet and avoid overeating.

Pain on one side in the middle of the abdomen. Occurs suddenly, often after consuming large quantities mineral water and overeating watermelon. The pain radiates to the lower back and perineum. Problems may arise when urinating, but you constantly want to go to the toilet.

From a medical point of view, this may be the separation of a stone from the kidney, so it is recommended to treat it with heated heating pads, baths and antispasmodics. When blood appears in your urine, call a doctor!

Pain on the lower right. At first it is felt in the epigastric region, then it becomes stronger and moves to the right down the abdomen. It radiates into the rectum and may increase during movement or when the patient lies on his left side. She is accompanied by high fever and nausea.

If you look at the disease from a medical point of view, you can identify appendicitis. There is no exact forecast of where it came from. The appearance of the disease is influenced by an incorrect lifestyle, diet, and excessive stress.

Pain throughout the entire abdomen. It is characterized by the fact that an unpleasant sensation spreads throughout the entire abdominal cavity. Symptoms include dry mouth, nausea, high body temperature, lethargy and weakness. It often occurs as a consequence of other pain that does not subside for more than a day.

From a medical point of view, it is defined as inflammation of the peritoneum or peritonitis. The disease poses a danger to human life. Therefore, in this situation, you cannot push yourself or make do with painkillers.

3 Symptom in women

In the pubic area (in the center or below on both sides). Often this nagging pain, which arise and pass abruptly, are not permanent. They give it, naturally, to the perineum. The bottom and sides also suffer. Symptoms become stronger during movement, they are unpleasant discharge from the genitals.

The problem may appear as a result of hypothermia, acute abuse or as a consequence of stress. When making a diagnosis, we can say that these are problems with the gynecological area. Treatment should only be carried out in accordance with the advice of a doctor.

Appear in the area above the pubis on the right and left sides. Such pains are usually sharp, occur suddenly, and are excessively strong. They can give to anus. They appear along with increased blood pressure, loss of orientation, lethargy, weakness, and may even lead to fainting.

Occurs mainly as a result of sexual intercourse (cyst rupture occurs) or after several weeks of delay menstrual cycle if the girl has an ectopic pregnancy. Specialist consultation and urgent hospitalization are required.

4 Manifestation in men

They occur no less frequently than in women. However, they prefer not to attach much importance to such discomfort, which can lead to more serious illnesses.

In my own way hormonal levels men are constantly at risk of developing stomach ulcers or mesenteric artery platelets. That is why at the first pain it is important to prepare for serious consequences. In addition, a man is constantly at risk of developing a tumor in the abdominal cavity. Most often, such problems appear due to nerves, poor nutrition, excessive physical activity.

Sometimes discomfort and pain occur due to inherent prostatitis and kidney stones. It is also common for men to suffer from hemorrhoids, which usually results in frequent constipation or bloody discharge.

If a person constantly suffers from abdominal pain, this may be a signal of the appearance of an ulcer. When no treatment measures are taken best case scenario They cut out the problem area in the stomach, sometimes the disease leads to death.

When pain occurs due to overeating or poor diet, take painkillers. When this does not help, you need to urgently contact a gastroenterologist.

How will the doctor help? First of all, you will find the root cause of the pain. For example, you will be asked a list of questions. Intermittent or constant pain? In what field? How long does it take for it not to subside? When does it occur? What are you eating? What do you do? They will also send you for examination, where you will pass all the tests.

And based on all the data, the doctor examines your medical history and plans a course of treatment for you, which you must adhere to.

5 Clinical picture in a child

It can bother children at any age. For example, at one month old baby these are colic and accumulations of gases that appear due to dysbiosis or problems with systems that are responsible for the presence of enzymes in the body. Children convey their pain to their parents by screaming, bending their legs up closer to the stomach, and pointing to the navel. Also reasons - helminthic infestation resulting in intestinal dysfunction.

If your child has acute abdominal pain due to pancreatitis or peritonitis, under no circumstances should you give him painkillers. We urgently need to call a doctor. Appendicitis is first accompanied by severe sharp pain, but then it becomes dull. In this case, the symptoms are fever, vomiting.

Having studied everything possible signs, now you can quickly determine what problems you have and what to do if they arise. But, most importantly, watch your lifestyle, try to be less nervous, and eat right. Because we are what we eat. Be healthy!

Arise according to various reasons. They may have different intensity and localization, but in any case it is alarming symptom. If the pain intensifies or appears periodically, it is worth undergoing an examination to rule out serious diseases.

Pancreatitis is a disease in which there is inflammation of the pancreas.

Any pain - warning sign, especially if it occurs suddenly and causes severe pain. Cutting pains may indicate the following serious diseases:

1. Seizure. Inflammation of the appendix is ​​a serious condition that requires immediate surgical intervention. Abdominal cramps, the causes of which lie in inflammation vermiform appendix, always begin with pain in the center, and then go down and flow to the right side. It's worth paying attention to these. A person in this condition must be hospitalized. Relief should not be celebrated as it may mean that the appendix has ruptured, which can lead to very serious complications, up to fatal outcome.
2. during the period of exacerbation. During an exacerbation, pancreatitis can easily be confused with appendicitis, but cramps in the abdomen almost never flow to the right side; they are rather of a girdling nature. The pain can be even more excruciating than with appendicitis. The patient also suffers from nausea, the pain intensifies when pressing on the abdomen. In this condition, it is also recommended to call ambulance. You can not only confuse appendicitis and pancreatitis, but also miss complications during inflammation. In severe cases it also requires surgical intervention.
3. . Gastritis in any form is accompanied by pain and discomfort. As a rule, the stomach hurts, but it can also become inflamed duodenum, and the pancreas. In acute gastritis, cutting pain begins after a hearty lunch. There is a feeling of heaviness. Acute gastritis it is necessary to begin treatment as early as possible so that it does not develop into chronic form.
4. . If the pain in the abdomen is unbearably strong, there is a feeling that the stomach is literally being cut with a knife, this is an alarming sign of perforation of the ulcer. It breaks through very quickly, every second is important. Delay may result in the death of the patient. The only one possible treatment surgery remains. If the ulcer has not broken through, the pain will not be so intense and will subside after eating. Usually the ulcer is accompanied by belching, flatulence, and a feeling of a full stomach.

Other causes of pain in the abdomen

With acute and sharp cutting pain, an ulcer may be detected.

Cutting pains do not always lead to dire consequences, but this happens in any case. serious symptom, hinting at pathological processes in organism. U healthy person Such sensations occur extremely rarely. There are several reasons why pain may occur:

If you experience frequent abdominal pain, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Cutting abdominal pain caused by any disease is almost always accompanied by other symptoms. If the pain appears regularly on its own or does not go away long time, you should consult a doctor for help. Abdominal pain may be accompanied by nausea, chills, and weakness.

All this indicates an inflammatory process in the body (gastritis, pancreatitis, appendicitis). May also appear. Since the symptoms of many inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are similar, only a doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

You should definitely call an ambulance if, before the pain in the abdomen appeared, the patient had surgery on the gastrointestinal tract or any serious problem. You need to be especially careful when diagnosing an ulcer.

Before going to see a doctor, it is important to remember and decide in which part of the abdomen the pain was, how intense it is on a scale from 1 to 10, when exactly it occurs - during sleep, before or after eating, while walking, etc.

It should be remembered that with appendicitis, cutting pain is not immediately localized in the right side. At first it spreads throughout the abdomen, but it is not necessarily unbearably strong. It may subside or intensify, but does not disappear completely.

If suddenly and sharply it becomes slightly painful, this bad sign, requiring urgent hospitalization. In addition to pain, appendicitis causes nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. This can cause confusion, and appendicitis is mistaken for common food poisoning.

If, in addition to everything, there is long-term, incessant nausea, high fever, you can suspect. If pain syndrome associated with women's reproductive system, other signs will certainly appear, for example, bleeding, copious discharge with streaks of blood or, conversely, long delays in menstruation.

During perforation of an ulcer, cutting pain occurs suddenly and does not go away. It may subside and increase, but it does not go away completely. First, abdominal pain makes a person sweat, immobilizes him, he begins to vomit, and his pulse weakens.

It is necessary to call an ambulance at this stage, as the next one can lead to death. At the second stage, dangerous relief occurs, which indicates a breakthrough of the ulcer. Then the inflammatory process begins.

Treatment of cutting pain. First aid.

For any acute pain, you should immediately contact a gastroenterologist.

Only a doctor should treat the disease. All medications and procedures are prescribed after a thorough examination and diagnosis. The best thing that can be done for the patient in this situation is to call an ambulance.

Abdominal pain- one of the most common complaints. Often we do not pay attention to this, drink a painkiller and forget about what can be a harbinger of serious illnesses. After all, no pain arises just like that... Today we will tell you what can cause various abdominal pains.

Human body- the mechanism is complex. Every day hundreds of factors, including nutrition, environment and your emotions influence how it functions, shaping how you feel. For example, there are many causes of abdominal pain that could explain cramping, bloating, sharp pain, or other symptoms that bother you. First of all, it is necessary to determine the cause in order to get rid of the consequences as soon as possible.

Abdominal pain can be classified depending on the specific area. Typically, the abdominal cavity is divided into four parts, although science identifies up to nine zones. Let's still divide the stomach into the upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left quadrants. Determining the location of the pain will help identify the cause. For example, pain in the left upper quadrant may indicate problems in the stomach, spleen, or part of the colon.

Most of us are not doctors, which means we don't understand human anatomy well enough to diagnose ourselves. Therefore, it is better not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor, especially if abdominal pain gives you serious discomfort and is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms.

Causes of abdominal pain

Lactose intolerance

Scientists say that most adults have. The body produces lactase to digest milk, but according to WebMD, 40 percent of us stop producing enough by age two. If you fall into this group of people, you may experience abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea after consuming dairy products. This happens because your body can't break down the sugar in milk, which ends up in the colon (rather than in the bloodstream). Once in the colon, the sugar begins to ferment, causing all these symptoms.

Stress

Enteric nervous system, located in the membranes of hollow organs gastrointestinal tract, connected to your central nervous system. When you are under stress, the body takes blood from the intestines and sends it to the brain and limbs. This means digestion may slow down, which can lead to stomach problems.

Side effects of taking medications

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, some medications can cause stomach complications. For example, abdominal pain may be the result of Other types of medications can cause constipation, which also leads to abdominal pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) damage the lining of the stomach, causing it to become inflamed. In other cases, the medicine may prevent food from reaching your stomach after you swallow it, increasing the chance of acid reflux.

Thyroid problems

The thyroid gland plays this role important role in the body that most people would be surprised to learn how much damage it can cause if it doesn't function properly. Research by Chris Sweet, Abhishek Sharma and George Lipscomb has found a link between abdominal pain, hypothyroidism, nausea and vomiting.

Gluten intolerance

Products labeled “gluten-free” are now increasingly found on store shelves, and for good reason. Gluten is a protein found primarily in wheat, barley and rye. And yes, he really can provide Negative influence for your health. Some people may experience bloating, diarrhea, and constipation after eating gluten-containing foods. If this problem affects you, try reducing or eliminating gluten temporarily to monitor its effect on your body.

Urinary tract infection

The urinary tract begins in the kidneys and ends in urethra, and UTIs can affect the tract at any point. This explains the connection between UTIs and abdominal pain, or pelvic pain in particular. Nausea is another common symptom of a UTI, which can cause stomach upset.

Stomach upset

Indigestion often causes pain in the upper abdomen. It is accompanied by an unnatural feeling of fullness, even at the beginning of the meal, as well as bloating. Although there may be an upset stomach side effect diseases of the digestive system. It usually goes away on its own without special medical care.

Acid reflux

According to the Mayo Clinic, acid reflux occurs when the contents of your stomach begin to flow back up into your esophagus. This happens because the opening in the stomach does not work properly. The result is often heartburn. Although acid reflux is quite common, if it is accompanied by abdominal pain, you should definitely talk to your doctor.

Constipation

Constipation happens in everyone's life at least once, and can be caused by various factors- stress or dehydration. Because constipation is often accompanied by bloating and a feeling of tension caused by trying to go to the toilet, abdominal pain is a common symptom.

PMS

Bowel movement is directly affected by hormones, which is why many women suffer from diarrhea in the days before and during Add to that bloating, cramping and nausea, and you have full picture of what's going on in your stomach at this time of the month.

Gases

Gas is not only annoying and embarrassing—it can also be quite painful. The abdomen may look and even feel swollen, and touching it may be painful. Gases don't appear out of nowhere - there must be a reason. Possible reasons include: acid reflux, constipation, lactose or gluten intolerance.

Food allergies

Food allergies occur when the body mistakes an ingredient, often a protein, as something dangerous. In response, your the immune system creates antibodies to fight it. Abdominal cramps and pain are common reactions to shellfish, nuts, milk, peanuts, eggs, fish and more.

And remember, if you feel unwell, be sure to consult a doctor!

Important human vital organs are located in the abdomen. The occurrence of acute pain indicates pathology. Pain is a signal of a malfunction in a particular organ. Ignoring a symptom localized in the abdomen is extremely dangerous; the causes can be serious and lead to death.

The sensations in the stomach are not the same. Each organ has certain receptors, and when they are inflamed or damaged, the latter react with irritation. Experts divide pain into types.

Types of pain:

1. Somatic. The patient is able to independently determine the location of the unpleasant sensations. The location of the source is felt: above, below, left or right. The muscles are very tense. Movement or change of position causes discomfort and increased sensitivity. Positive Shchetkin-Blumberg symptom. This condition feels like a stomach ulcer or intestinal bleeding.
2. Visceral. Characterized by irritation of the receptors of a specific abdominal organ. The patient does not understand the exact location. The sensations are not located in the affected organ, but anywhere: at the top, bottom or in the center of the peritoneum. Swelling or spasm occurs. Manifests itself as intestinal or.
3. Reflected. The species is characterized by severe damage to an organ not located in the abdominal cavity. This could be a spinal injury, brain injury, stroke, etc. Pain sensations radiate to the abdominal area, so a person is not able to specifically indicate the location.

Any of the above types, when suddenly occurring and greatly complicating the patient’s condition, is designated as “ acute stomach" This condition is characterized by a complex of signs of diseases or damage to the abdominal organs. The result is often peritonitis, which is very serious. Required surgical appearance help.

This concept implies sharp pain in the abdominal cavity. In all cases, immediate health care. The concept includes a complex of symptoms that arise in conditions posing a threat life, damage to the digestive organs, pelvis. Acute abdomen is not a diagnosis. The concept defines the patient’s condition at the time of the attack, when the stomach began to hurt, before examination by a doctor, laboratory tests, when the diagnosis has not yet been established. To establish a diagnosis it is necessary to:

• Carry out an inspection.
• Take a blood, stool, and urine test.
• X-ray scan and/or ultrasound.
• Collect anamnesis.

Manifestations of acute abdomen

This condition is characterized by acute pain, tense abdominal muscles, pain, and impaired intestinal motility. Signs:

• Periodic or constant cramping, stabbing pains in a stomach.
• The skin and mucous membranes are pale.
• Constipation or diarrhea. Inability to pass gas.
• Pulse and breathing increase.
• Blood pressure may drop.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• The patient assumes the fetal position.
• Possible loss of consciousness.
• Weakness, dizziness, cold sticky sweat.

Sometimes the temperature rises, but this is an optional symptom of an acute abdomen. The temperature sometimes rises as a result of late seeking help, when inflammatory processes abdominal and pelvic organs.

Causes of acute abdomen

The occurrence of acute conditions involves a variety of reasons. This inflammatory diseases abdominal organs, retroperitoneal, pelvic organs, intra-abdominal bleeding, injuries of the spine and chest organs.

Common reasons:

1. Acute appendicitis. The pain can occur suddenly and acutely. It is located in the place where the stomach is located, then spreads throughout the peritoneum. The patient is unable to determine the location. Gradually the sensations intensify. The temperature rises to 38C. Appear additional signs. The tongue is dry, coated, lack of appetite, weakness, nausea, vomiting. On palpation, sharp pain is felt in the right side. If the temperature begins to decrease, this is a sign of gangrene of the appendix, which leads to peritonitis. If you suspect appendicitis, you should not take any analgesics. You need to call a doctor or an ambulance.
2. Acute intestinal obstruction. In this state, the intestine seems to be “clogged.” The pain is sharp and sudden, but cramping, of varying intensity. Possible permanent severe attack when the patient moans or screams. If the sensations subside, which happens if you don’t seek help in a timely manner, tissue necrosis begins. Nerve cells die off painful sensations subside. Begins diffuse peritonitis, vomiting appears, dry tongue, stool and gases do not pass. You must immediately call emergency assistance. It is allowed to take an antispasmodic. Taking laxatives or enemas is not allowed!
3. Perforated ulcer. A characteristic symptom is sudden, sharp pain, also called dagger pain. The syndrome is constant, strong, pronounced. The patient often remains motionless and tries to hold his breath. In the first hours, the attack is felt in the right hypochondrium and gradually covers the entire peritoneal cavity. The sensation radiates to the shoulder, spine, under the shoulder blade and collarbone. Additional characteristic feature becomes strong tension muscles. The stomach is hard and straight as a board. You need to urgently call an ambulance, do not eat or drink.
4. Strangulated hernia. When the disease occurs, sensations are located in the area of ​​the hernia. The area of ​​the groin, navel, thighs, postoperative scar. The syndrome is severe, combined with vomiting and nausea. Gases and stools do not pass. Heart rate increases. At the site of the hernia, a compaction is felt that is extremely painful. If you delay visiting a doctor, necrosis begins, and later peritonitis. If the patient knows about the hernia, you can take antispasmodics before the doctor arrives. Call an ambulance immediately.
5. Acute gastritis. With this diagnosis there is pain in the pit of the stomach. The nature of sensitivity is constant, strong, especially if gastritis is chronic, it does not appear for the first time. Occurs due to provoking factors, poor diet, alcohol, stress. Before seeking help, it is possible to alleviate the condition with medication.
6. Chronic colitis. The attack is characterized by mild sensations. Localization in the lower abdomen or everywhere. Accompanied by heaviness, tension in the anus, bloating, rumbling. There is an unpleasant sensation on palpation along the entire length of the large intestine. A doctor's help is needed. Diet is required.
7. . Severe cutting and unexpected pain in the right hypochondrium. Gives under the right collarbone and scapula, right shoulder And right side neck. There is nausea and vomiting of bile. The temperature rises. Yellowness of the skin is observed. You should call a doctor immediately. Avoid eating before arrival.
8. Renal colic. The attack begins unexpectedly, the pain is sudden, proceeds sharply, painfully. The location originates in the lower back and runs down the ureter. May radiate to the perineum, leg or groin. Accompanied by nausea, vomiting, gas formation with flatulence, painful and frequent urination. IN in some cases pain is felt throughout the lower abdomen. The nature of the symptoms is very similar to “acute abdomen”. The patient cannot find a place for himself and rushes about. The temperature rises. If a person is aware of the presence of kidney stones, it is possible to take an antispasmodic or a warm bath before the ambulance arrives.
9. Intestinal infections. Different diagnoses are likely. Available intestinal spasm, dysentery, salmonellosis. The pain is most often localized in the navel area, accompanied by diarrhea, painful, unpleasant color and smell. It is necessary to call a doctor and try to be hospitalized. Treatment is best carried out in a hospital setting to constantly monitor the course of the disease.

There are many other conditions close to acute abdomen. Each has common feature– pain in the abdominal region, localization is difficult to determine, often the entire abdominal cavity hurts. Almost all diseases require emergency care. Until the doctor arrives, they try to help the patient.

Help before the doctor arrives

Every person should have an idea of ​​what to do in a situation where there is a patient nearby with acute abdominal pain. The main thing is to remain calm and act according to plan.

Basic actions:

1. First of all, ensure bed rest and peace.
2. Find out if this is a chronic disease, have you ever had similar attacks previously.
3. Call emergency or ambulance immediately. Especially with symptoms of pain, vomiting with blood, black stools, and bloody discharge in the urine.
4. It is possible to take antispasmodics, No-shpa is suitable. Be sure to inform the doctors about your appointment.
5. You can apply ice and a heating pad with ice water.
6. If the patient is in fainting, but a pulse can be felt, you need to lay him on his stomach and turn his head to the side. This will ensure breathing during the passage of vomit.
7. If breathing and pulse are absent, begin resuscitation. Required artificial respiration And indirect massage hearts.

Forbidden:

• Serving a person food or drink.
• Offer analgesics or other pain medications.
• Warm compresses are prohibited.
• Take laxatives or diuretics.
• The patient should not be left alone until the doctors arrive.

Knowing the symptoms of a condition known as acute abdomen, having an understanding of possible diseases Having mastered first aid skills, it will be possible to alleviate a person’s condition, and perhaps even save a life.

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« Acute stomach"- a threatening condition in which significant damage to the abdominal organs occurs and requires immediate surgical care. This condition can occur in many diseases, but the signs characteristic of an “acute abdomen” will be common. This following symptoms:
Unbearable sudden pain in the abdomen, causing groans
Increased pain with the slightest movement and coughing
Unable to find a position to relieve suffering
Signs of intestinal obstruction: no stool, bloating
Protective tension in the abdominal muscles
Heavy general state with tachycardia, cold sweat, weakness, pallor, falling blood pressure.

“Acute abdomen” can occur as a one-time symptom that first appears without a previous disease. This is, for example, a rupture of the spleen due to an abdominal injury or acute appendicitis, which will immediately require surgical care.
But very often “acute abdomen” occurs as a complication already existing disease. For example, perforation is long existing ulcers stomach or ruptured ovarian cyst, renal colic at urolithiasis, which is not eliminated by taking antispasmodics.
Therefore, timely and adequate treatment chronic diseases is the prevention of their exacerbation and severe consequences.

Diseases that can give the picture of an “acute abdomen”
Acute intestinal obstruction
Acute appendicitis
Acute pancreatitis
Hepatic and renal colic
Perforated ulcer of the stomach or duodenum
Peritonitis
Aneurysm rupture abdominal aorta
Thrombosis, embolism and spasm of mesenteric (mesenteric) vessels
Ovarian cyst torsion, ovarian rupture
Aborted ectopic pregnancy with rupture fallopian tube
Tumors
Heart attack or rupture of the spleen
Liver rupture
Strangulated hernia, etc.
In any of these conditions, you cannot hesitate for a minute to call an ambulance.
We present short description the main symptoms of these diseases.

Acute intestinal obstruction
Causes leading to intestinal obstruction: intestinal spasm or paresis (disappearance of peristalsis), tumor, strangulated hernia, adhesions, fecal stones, thrombosis and embolism of mesenteric vessels, foreign bodies, peritonitis, helminthic and hair balls, overeating after hunger. And on adhesive disease accounts for up to 70% of all cases of obstruction.
Cramping unbearable pain throughout the abdomen occurs suddenly, and its intensity increases, the patient groans in pain.
It is during this first period that it is urgent to call an ambulance. Before her arrival, you can give the sick person an antispasmodic (no-shpu, baralgin, papaverine); laxatives are strictly contraindicated.
Then (without providing medical care) against the background of some reduction in pain occurs repeated vomiting, first with food remains with bile, and subsequently acquires a fecal character, severe dryness in the mouth, thirst.
There is no stool and no gas, the stomach is swollen and asymmetrical, intestinal peristalsis sometimes you can see it by eye.
With some types of obstruction, mucus and blood may be released from the rectum.
The patient is very restless, tossing about in bed.
Characterized by pale skin, tachycardia, decreased blood pressure, shock.
Before the development of peritonitis, the abdomen is soft, painful in the area where the obstruction to feces is located.

Acute appendicitis
This disease is more common than all other acute abdominal conditions, but its danger cannot be underestimated.
Characterized by a sudden onset with pain in the epigastric or periumbilical region. Gradually the pain intensifies and moves to the right bottom part belly. It often radiates into the rectum when lying on the left side and gets worse while walking (especially when right leg appears behind).
There is an increase in temperature to 37.2-38 ° C, nausea or vomiting, tachycardia, dry mouth.
When palpating the right lower abdomen, the pain intensifies, especially severely when removing the arms ( positive symptom Shchetkin-Blumberg), the muscles in this area are tense.
In old age, signs of appendicitis can be smoothed out, because... Sensitivity decreases with age nerve endings, and the process is sluggish.

Acute pancreatitis
In acute pancreatitis, massive destruction of pancreatic tissue occurs. This is extremely dangerous disease, which requires immediate medical attention. If this help is not provided to the sick person, he may die several hours or days after the onset of the disease.
The pain first occurs in the right or left upper abdomen or under the “spoon”, then becomes encircling. May spread throughout the abdomen.
The pain is severe, unbearable, as with a myocardial infarction or perforated ulcer.
Often the onset of pain is preceded by the consumption of large amounts of strong alcohol. alcoholic drinks or fatty foods.
Repeated vomiting, which does not bring relief, and bloating are typical.
The general condition is severe, sluggish, the skin is cold and moist, blood pressure is reduced, tachycardia, shock is possible in severe pancreatitis.
The feces become light or gray, and their quantity increases significantly.
The tongue is dry and inflamed, and inflammation can cover the entire mouth.
The skin is pale, jaundiced or bluish. Small hemorrhages may appear around the navel and on the buttocks.

Biliary or hepatic colic (Acute cholecystitis)
Occurs usually in the evening or at night in patients with cholelithiasis or a tumor, when a stone or tumor blocks the flow of bile from the gallbladder, i.e. strangulation of the stone occurs in the biliary tract.
Characterized by sharp, acute, cramping pain in the right hypochondrium or right side, radiating to the back, under right shoulder blade, in the shoulder or neck.
The temperature can rise to 37.5-38.5°C and be accompanied by chills, nausea, vomiting, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, and tachycardia. Occasionally – jaundice and itchy skin.
Patients often groan and rush around trying to find a position that would relieve pain, but they cannot find it.
The occurrence of an attack is preceded by the consumption of fatty or fried foods, alcohol, cold drinks, as well as overeating, physical activity, bumpy driving, and stress.
When palpating, muscle tension in that area is noted. abdominal wall, where the projection of the gallbladder is located. The Shchetkin-Blumberg symptom is positive (maximum pain when removing the hands from the abdomen).
An attack of biliary colic can be a single attack, when removal of the gallbladder is immediately required, or it can last up to 5–6 hours and go away after the use of antispasmodics.

Kidney stone disease (renal colic)
This condition develops when stones (and sometimes a tumor) block the flow of urine from the kidneys.
The pain is unilateral in the side or lower back, unbearable, cutting, cramping, radiating to the lower abdomen, thigh and groin area.
Often there is bloating, nausea and vomiting, constipation, and urination becomes more frequent. There may be an increase in temperature.
The skin is pale, cold, damp.
Behavior during such an attack of colic is restless, it is impossible to find a comfortable position, so the patient rushes about in bed.

Perforation of a stomach or duodenal ulcer
It occurs against the background of an existing peptic ulcer or may be its first sign. The duodenum is most often affected (85%).
Maximum perforations occur in autumn or spring.
Before the ulcer perforates, warning signs often occur - increased pain, chills, low-grade fever, nausea.
Sudden severe stabbing pain in the stomach or right hypochondrium, which then spreads to the right lower abdomen, and later throughout the entire abdomen.
The pain radiates to the right shoulder, collarbone or right shoulder blade.
There may be vomiting with blood.
The skin is pale or ash-gray, moist, cold sweat.
The abdomen does not participate in breathing, it is very tense.
The patient takes a forced stationary position lying on the right side with legs bent and brought to the stomach.
After the first attack, the dagger pain may subside for 3-6 hours, the condition will improve, but then everything returns again, because... peritonitis occurs; vomiting appears, sometimes with blood, the temperature rises, the pulse quickens, and the blood pressure drops. Waiting for a period of improvement after the first symptoms of perforation is a direct threat to life.

Peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum)
Peritonitis, as a rule, is the result of complications of other diseases of the abdominal organs (appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm, perforated gastric ulcer, acute pancreatitis). The main signs of peritonitis underlie the concept of “acute abdomen”.
Severe unbearable pain in the abdomen, which intensifies with movement, coughing and even breathing with tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.
Pain first occurs at the location of the organ where the disaster occurred, and then spreads to the entire abdomen.
At various diseases pain can radiate to different places:
-For diseases of the liver and gall bladder - in the right shoulder.
-If the spleen is damaged - in left shoulder.
-For diseases of the pancreas - in the back.
- For kidney diseases and urinary tract- in the lower abdomen.
Heat.
Severe bloating, signs of intestinal obstruction.
Vomiting, blood in stool,
Severe general condition: pallor, cold sweat, tachycardia, maybe shock.

Dissecting aneurysm of the abdominal aorta with its rupture
tearing of the inner layer of the aorta with blood flowing between the layers of the aortic walls and subsequent dissection.
Sudden, tearing, stretching or burning pain in the navel area.
The pain is very intense from the very beginning and continues continuously, spreading along the course of the dissection, often radiating to the lower back.
There is slight tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, but there are no symptoms of peritoneal irritation.
Most often develops in the morning.
Mostly men over 55 years of age with a hereditary predisposition are affected.
Develops against the background of severe atherosclerosis, hypertension, rheumatism or previous syphilis. The risk also increases during pregnancy.
If during dissection all 3 layers of the aortic wall break through, then internal bleeding occurs with rapid blood loss, which is later joined by symptoms of peritoneal irritation, i.e. "acute abdomen":
Severe tension in the muscles of the abdominal wall with the inability to move and touch the abdomen.
Dizziness, pallor, cold sweat, drop in pressure with collapse, tachycardia, loss of consciousness.
There may be vomiting.

Thrombosis, embolism, spasm of mesenteric (mesenteric) vessels
The mesenteric vessels supply blood to the intestines.
These three conditions have similar clinical picture, because spasm, thrombosis, and embolism of mesenteric vessels lead to impaired circulation in the intestinal wall, oxygen starvation and the development of intestinal infarction.
With spasm of the mesenteric vessels, the pain is periodic, acute, intermittent, spreads throughout the abdomen and lasts about 3-4 minutes.
Taking antispasmodics (papaverine, no-spa, nitroglycerin) during spasm of mesenteric vessels eliminates pain.
For blockage (thrombosis) blood clot mesenteric vessels or their embolism, signs of peritonitis and intestinal obstruction are observed:
Pain during thrombosis of the mesenteric vessels is constant, strong, cutting, begins suddenly and is accompanied by severe bloating belly.
The localization of pain depends on the location of the vascular lesion: in the navel, in the right or left iliac region, or spreads throughout the abdomen.
The pain intensifies with the slightest movement, so patients lie motionless on their backs with their knees bent.
Nausea and uncontrollable vomiting are observed from the very beginning of the disease.
Retention of stool and bloating.
Sometimes it may be frequent at the beginning loose stool mixed with blood.
The condition is serious, characterized by pallor, cold sweat, dry tongue, tachycardia, and sometimes shock.
Tension of the abdominal wall muscles is noted.
Thrombosis of mesenteric vessels most often occurs in patients atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.

Ovarian cyst rupture
The provoking factor is physical activity, injury, sexual intercourse.
It manifests itself as sudden pain in the lower abdomen, at first the pain is local on the right or left, then becomes diffuse.

Torsion of ovarian cyst
The pain is associated with ovarian ischemia and appears suddenly acute pain lower abdomen on the right or left. There is increased pain upon palpation and there are symptoms of peritoneal irritation.
Often a woman knows that she has a cyst.

Spontaneous (spontaneous) abortion
Abdominal pain is acute, strong, cramping, sudden. Occurs in the suprapubic region.
Accompanied by uterine bleeding.
More often it occurs after physical effort, heavy lifting, injury, or sexual intercourse.

Fallopian rupture (uterine) tubes during ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy accompanied by moderate pain and delayed menstruation, may be minor bloody issues from the vagina. If a complication occurs in the form of a pipe rupture, the pain suddenly intensifies, becomes diffuse, and the bleeding becomes severe, leading to fainting. The lower abdomen is very painful when palpated, and symptoms of peritoneal irritation appear.
This condition is often associated with physical activity, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse.

Tumor diseases of the abdominal organs
Pain when malignant tumors very rarely is the first sign of the disease, and its appearance indicates an advanced process.
Pain is almost always preceded by a “precancerous disease,” for example, a long-term and improperly treated chronic atrophic gastritis or peptic ulcer, intestinal polyps. Therefore, pain with tumors initially has the character of the disease against which they develop, but later the nature of the pain changes, its dependence on food and other symptoms familiar to the patient.
It is necessary to pay close attention to the appearance of new symptoms or changes in the nature of old and familiar signs. It is at this stage that treatment gives good results. But an “acute abdomen” with tumors is a sign that speaks of an advanced process. Don't wait for threatening symptoms.
Always take into account heredity through parents, brothers and sisters.
Signs of neoplasms at the onset of the disease are nonspecific and may resemble other diseases. This is bloating, nausea, heartburn, discomfort in the stomach, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, etc.
However, regardless of which organ is affected, there are a number of signs that
allow one to suspect the presence of a tumor in the abdominal cavity:
Unexplained anemia
Unreasonable weight loss and loss of appetite,
Abdominal pain that occurs at night
If the disease began after 50 years of age;
Fever of unknown origin,
Causeless general failing weakness, depression, apathy
Persistent constipation that does not relieve drug treatment,
The appearance of blood and mucus in the stool,
Pale earthy skin tone,
Sudden onset of jaundice
The tumor can be palpated.

Splenic infarction
The reason for the development of this pathology is thrombosis or embolism of the vessels of the spleen, which occurs with certain heart defects, increased pressure in the vena cava, bacterial endocarditis, rheumatism, ischemic heart disease, and leukemia.
If the infarction is small-focal, it may be asymptomatic or with minor pain in the left hypochondrium.
If a heart attack affects a large area, severe, sudden pain in the left hypochondrium (sometimes spreading to the entire abdomen), which intensifies with breathing, movement and coughing. The pain radiates under left shoulder blade and in the lower back.
At extensive heart attack collapse may develop.
There is an increase in temperature, tachycardia, a drop in pressure, possible vomiting, and intestinal paresis.
Muscle tension in the left hypochondrium is slight, palpation of the abdomen is painful.
Self-healing occurs more often.

Splenic rupture
Rupture of the spleen can occur in two situations: 1. Spontaneously, if the spleen is pathologically changed as a result of leukemia, mononucleosis, cirrhosis of the liver, etc., it is enlarged and its capsule is thinned. In this case, rupture can occur even without apparent reason or at the slightest abdominal injury. Therefore, with an enlarged spleen, heavy physical activity and contact sports are contraindicated. 2. A healthy spleen ruptures during strong blows or injuries. The presence of a torso injury or a blow to the left side immediately before the disease is very important in diagnosis.
The moment of rupture most often manifests itself as fainting, and lasts for several hours. Later, pain appears in the left hypochondrium, sometimes it covers the entire abdomen, sometimes it radiates to the left shoulder. The pain is acute, but not as severe as with peritonitis.
Signs of peritoneal irritation may then appear with slight tension in the abdominal muscles. The Shchetkin-Blumberg symptom is not always positive.
When the spleen ruptures, blood large quantities enters the abdominal cavity, causing all the signs internal bleeding: sensation of flashes of light before the eyes, cold, damp and pale skin, dizziness, cold sweat, weakness, rapid thready pulse, decreased blood pressure, lethargy, confusion. Shock does not always develop.
Patients take a position on the left side with legs bent to the stomach.
On palpation, pain is present, but muscle tension is weak.
A ruptured spleen always requires surgery.

Liver rupture
The cause is abdominal injuries.
Often occurs simultaneously with splenic rupture.
Signs of internal bleeding are mild, because... the liver does not bleed as much as the spleen, but the general condition of a ruptured liver is always more severe, because almost always accompanied by shock.
The pain is more pronounced in the right hypochondrium.
When the liver ruptures, jaundice sometimes develops, because blood clots can block the bile duct.
The prognosis for liver rupture is always worse than for splenic rupture.

Strangulated hernia
A hernia is a protrusion of organs located in the abdominal cavity with parietal layer peritoneum into the spaces between muscles or under the skin through natural anatomical openings or acquired after injury and surgery.
The most common are inguinal, umbilical, and postoperative hernias.
The cause of hernias is an increase intra-abdominal pressure, which increases during heavy physical exertion, constipation, difficult childbirth, and prolonged severe coughing.
A hernia can develop even after a single increase in intra-abdominal pressure, for example when lifting heavy objects.
A person can have a hernia for quite a long time and not bother them. But sometimes the hernial contents come out through hernial opening and doesn't adjust. As a result, infringement occurs.
Intestinal strangulation is especially dangerous because plus intestinal obstruction with severe intoxication is added to the disturbance of blood circulation in it.
If a hernia is strangulated, regardless of its location, the symptoms will be the same:
Acute pain during physical exertion and not decreasing after its cessation.
Severe pallor of the skin, tachycardia, drop in blood pressure, anxiety.
If you cough with your hand on the hernia, you can feel that the cough impulse is not transmitted to it.
There may be vomiting, sometimes with a fecal odor, and bloating.
When the intestines are strangulated, signs of intestinal obstruction develop.
In case of prolonged strangulation, the hernia suppurates with high temperature, intoxication, severe swelling and redness in the area of ​​the hernial protrusion.
Peritonitis may subsequently develop.
A dense round formation is determined at the location of the hernia.
Do not try to repair the hernia yourself! You can do it wrong and cause additional complications. Call an ambulance immediately, and before it arrives, you need to lie on your back, place a container of ice on the area of ​​the hernial protrusion and drink an antispasmodic (baralgin or no-shpu).