Gastrointestinal disorders are almost always accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. These symptoms can indicate both an intestinal infection and more formidable diseases. Fortunately, most often everything ends well and the help of a doctor is not required. In order not to miss serious he alth problems, you need to listen to the signals of your body.
Main causes of abdominal pain
Sharp abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea are the most common symptom of various pathologies of the abdominal organs. Over the course of a lifetime, a person faces similar problems more than once.
Pain sensations appear due to irritation of receptors that are in the muscles, serous membrane and skin. They occur due to inflammatory changes and in violation of blood circulation. The mucous membrane of the intestines and stomach does not contain pain receptors. It does not respond to irritation, as, for example, the skin. Therefore, a biopsy of the mucosa does not cause any discomfort at all. provokethe pain of hollow organs is capable of stretching their walls or a sharp contraction. Spasm can be caused by various causes, such as ischemia.
Nerve endings of parenchymal organs are located on the capsule. Pain occurs when this shell is sharply stretched. In the event that the organ and its capsule increase gradually, irritation of the receptors does not occur.
The outer shell of the vessels is also covered with nerve fibers. Sudden stretching of their walls, for example, with an aortic aneurysm, will lead to pain. A growing tumor can irritate the nerve endings.
The higher parts of the central nervous system are responsible for the formation of pain sensations. How intense they will be depends on the emotional background, the situation and the individual properties of mental activity.
Visceral abdominal pain has no clear boundaries. Diarrhea and nausea are often its companions. The lack of strict localization significantly complicates the diagnosis.
Somatic pain is very intense. Its localization is usually easy to determine. It is felt strictly in the place where the affected organ is located.
Reflected pain is not related to the peritoneum. It is observed with strong irritation of the affected organ. May occur with pneumonia, heart attack and diseases of the meninges.
Intestinal infection
Intestinal infections are one of the most common pathologies. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and nausea are characteristic signs of the disease. Often develop intoxication and dehydration. Especiallythis condition is dangerous for babies.
Billions of different microorganisms enter the human body every hour. To neutralize them, nature has created many ways: bactericidal saliva, deadly gastric juice, bifidus and lactobacilli. Despite powerful protection, there will always be a few germs that cannot be neutralized.
The main cause of the disease is non-compliance with hygiene standards: unwashed hands, flies and improper storage of products. The causative agents of the disease are most often:
- dysentery bacillus;
- staph;
- various viruses;
- salmonella;
- shigella;
- typhoid fever sticks;
- some viruses;
- clostridia.
Penetrating into the body, pathogens begin to actively reproduce. As a result, the digestion process is disturbed, the intestinal mucosa becomes inflamed. Severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea are the most common concomitants of the infection.
The most terrible consequence of diarrhea is the loss of fluid and s alts. The human body without food is able to exist for a long time. But with a shortage of water, sodium and potassium s alts, the clock counts. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in a child are especially dangerous. All this contributes to the rapid loss of fluid in the baby and can be fatal. Indeed, in his body, the reserves of s alts and water are small.
Only a doctor can correctly determine the risk of infection. But few seek medical help for every diarrhea. Therefore, you need to know the most dangerous symptoms, when they appear, you need to call a doctor as soon as possible:
- Fever, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain.
- Unable to replenish fluids due to vomiting.
- Prolonged absence of urine.
- Sunken eyes.
- The appearance of blood in the stool.
- Dry tongue.
- Changes normal skin tone to gray.
Don't take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. Most often, diarrhea is caused by viruses, and these drugs do not work on them at all. Antibiotics are used for dysentery. Even rarer with salmonellosis.
Many doctors suggest using eubiotics. These are intestinal bacteria useful for humans, which should destroy pathogenic ones. In addition, to combat salmonella or dysentery bacillus, it is proposed to use special viruses that are safe for humans. They are called bacteriophages.
Despite the many developments of modern pharmaceutical companies, the use of newfangled drugs is not able to heal the patient faster than drinking plenty of water and diet. Even in a hospital, the basis of treatment is infusion therapy. To quickly compensate for losses, fluid and s alts are administered intravenously to the patient. For the treatment of one of the most dangerous infections - cholera, this therapy is paramount.
Food poisoning
Sharp abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea - all this is the body's reaction to the use of low-quality food. The risk of poisoning exists everywhere: at a party, at home, atpicnic, in a restaurant. People traveling to hot countries are more likely to consume low-quality foods.
There are two main types of food poisoning:
- Microbial. This species is caused by food that contains pathogens or their metabolic products.
- Non-microbial. Poisoning is caused by poisons of animal, vegetable or synthetic origin that enter the body with food. For example, inedible plants or mushrooms, some types of shellfish, sprouted potatoes.
The consequences of poisoning can be very serious. The he alth and even life of a person depends entirely on how adequate and timely the assistance provided to him will be.
The timing of the first symptoms depends on what caused the poisoning. The fact that a person has consumed low-quality food, he will be able to understand in two to three hours. Symptoms of poisoning by poisonous plants or mushrooms may appear after half a day.
Weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea are signs of toxic infection. Its mild degree can be treated at home. You can't let the disease run its course. Otherwise, the situation may worsen.
If nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and chills are accompanied by headache, rapid pulse and cyanosis of the skin - this is a sign of acute intoxication. This condition is life threatening. It requires immediate medical attention. In the event that the day before the patient consumed canned foods, mushrooms or alcohol, hemust inform the doctor about it. Under such circumstances, hospitalization is likely to be required.
Enzyme deficiency or overeating
Deficiency of enzymes produced in the gastrointestinal tract leads to inadequate digestion. Proteins and other substances are not completely broken down. This causes a complex of symptoms: belching, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, seething and flatulence.
This condition is not an independent diagnosis. Thus, one or more pathologies can manifest themselves. Enzyme deficiency can lead to:
- Overeating. Enzymes produced by the body are physically not enough to process a large amount of food. Especially if she's fat.
- Violation of the outflow of pancreatic juice into the intestines. Such conditions can occur if the duct is blocked by parasites, stones or a tumor.
- Any form of pancreatitis.
- Inflammation of the small intestine.
- Pathologies of the biliary system.
- Dysbacteriosis.
- Crohn's disease and other autoimmune disorders.
- The result of surgery. For example, removing part of the intestine.
- Congenital disorders. For example, the lack of enzymes for the breakdown of milk sugar. It accumulates in the intestines and fermentation begins. After drinking milk, a person may experience mild abdominal pain, rumbling, nausea, diarrhea, and even vomiting. For some people, for the manifestation of such symptoms, it is necessary to drink a fewglasses of milk. But there are people who experience such problems after drinking a small cup of coffee with cream.
- Irrational diets.
Prolonged lack of enzymes is accompanied not only by abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. The patient's physical endurance and performance decrease, sleep worsens, headaches become more frequent, and irritability manifests itself. Frequent diarrhea leads to dehydration. And the violation of the absorption of iron ends in anemia.
It is impossible to get rid of a congenital lack of enzymes. The first symptoms - nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea - can appear in the baby immediately after eating. In order to compensate for this condition, you will have to adhere to a strict diet for the rest of your life and regularly take enzyme preparations.
Acquired enzyme deficiency has a better prognosis. The patient has a chance for a complete cure. The exception is when the intestinal wall or pancreas has undergone irreversible damage.
The main objective of therapy is to facilitate the digestive process. Since the resulting disorders constantly damage the intestinal mucosa, further aggravating the course of the disease. And also the general condition of the patient is negatively affected by nutritional deficiency. Treatment can only be prescribed by a specialist after a thorough examination. Most often, enzyme preparations are prescribed. The patient must also follow a strict diet and avoid overeating.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix is most often diagnosed in people before30 years. According to statistics, women get sick more often. The exact reasons why inflammation of the appendix occurs are unknown. The most popular hypothesis is infectious.
Quite often, with appendicitis, Staphylococcus aureus, pyogenic bacteria and other pathogens are found. However, they are also present in he althy people. Some experts believe that under favorable conditions, these bacteria begin to multiply rapidly, which causes inflammation.
The main factors that stimulate the growth of pathogenic microflora in the appendix:
- Obstruction of the appendix with fecal stones, tumors and other foreign bodies.
- Impaired blood supply. In the event that the nutrition of small vessels suffers, necrosis may develop.
- Deterioration of peristalsis. Violation of innervation often leads to increased production of mucus. In the future, this stimulates the development of inflammation.
Observations of doctors indicate that pathology most often develops in people suffering from constipation, amoebiasis, intestinal tuberculosis. In men, inflammation of the appendix often occurs against the background of bad habits. In women, gynecological pathologies can become a provoking factor.
The main symptoms of the disease are severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. Often there is vomiting. At first, pain sensations can be of different intensity and localization. Gradually, colic is concentrated in the area of the appendix. The pain becomes constant, but moderate. May be exacerbated by changes in body position orcoughing.
The pain, which subsided on its own for a few hours, does not bode well. Most likely, this is due to a rupture of the walls of the appendix. Pain will definitely return, but with even greater intensity.
Vomiting with appendicitis occurs once. It may consist of mucus, food debris, fluid and bile. A situation in which frequent vomiting is not able to bring relief is considered dangerous.
Constant companions of pathology are severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. Appendicitis rarely occurs without fever. It can either be high, reaching 40 degrees, or fall to critically low levels.
If appendicitis is suspected, it is forbidden and deadly to use heating pads on the abdomen or do enemas. Do not take laxatives or painkillers either. When the first symptoms appear, you should call an ambulance as soon as possible.
Gastritis
Unhe althy diet, smoking, prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol can provoke inflammation of the gastric mucosa. It can occur in both acute and chronic forms. Damage to the lining of the stomach, which doctors call gastritis, is accompanied by symptoms such as: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, belching, heartburn, and bloating.
Acute inflammation does not last long. With adequate and timely treatment, a full recovery occurs. Chronic inflammation can cause mucosal atrophy. he althy cellswill gradually be replaced by atypical ones. This process can lead to the formation of an ulcer or cancer.
One of the first signs of pathology is heartburn. This is the result of an imbalance in acid-base balance. Gastritis can be hidden. But more often this disease is characterized by a wide variety of different symptoms. The main one is abdominal pain. Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, flatulence and vomiting are important but not constant signs of gastritis.
The chronic form is more difficult to define. For a long time, the disease can be manifested only by rumbling in the stomach, flatulence, plaque on the tongue, drowsiness, and bad breath. Diarrhea may alternate with constipation.
Gastritis can be an impetus for the development of serious pathologies. Self-medicating or ignoring its symptoms is dangerous. It is very important to contact a gastroenterologist as soon as possible, who will be able to correctly diagnose the form of the disease and select the appropriate treatment.
Inflammation of the duodenum
Inflammation of the duodenum, or duodenitis, can manifest itself with symptoms such as: bloody vomiting, severe belching, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Causes that provoke the development of the disease:
- Ischemic bowel disease.
- Cholecystitis.
- Crohn's disease.
- Heavy stress.
- Gastritis.
- Alcohol abuse and smoking.
- Peptic ulcer.
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Dyspepsia.
- Chronic infections.
Sharp shapeduodenitis most often develops as a result of ingestion of poor-quality food. Products that cause irritation of the mucous membrane, alcohol or the ingress of toxic substances injure the intestine. The acute form of duodenitis in its symptoms may resemble poisoning. In some cases, complications may develop. For example, bleeding or damage to the intestinal wall.
Periods of remissions and exacerbations alternate in the chronic form of duodenitis. The disease develops against the background of irregular nutrition, with the use of a large number of spicy, fatty and fried foods. In addition, duodenitis can progress against the background of other pathologies.
According to statistics, this disease most often affects men. Its development often begins in childhood. Statistics show that acute inflammatory processes affecting the duodenum in 95% of cases become chronic.
What is important to tell your doctor
Treatment of nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain can only be effective if diagnosed correctly. If the cause of the ailment is not a simple poisoning that can be de alt with at home, you should consult a doctor. Already during the initial examination, it is important to provide the doctor with as much information about the state of he alth as possible.
The most valuable information will be:
- Localization. The doctor needs to tell in detail about exactly where the negative sensations are concentrated. Perhaps the pain radiates to the back or arm. Sometimes it changes location. Oboall this is worth telling the doctor.
- Intensity. The severity of sensations can be different, from mild to painful. Sometimes the pain is so strong, such as with appendicitis, that it is impossible to take a deep breath.
- Duration. The pain may only last a couple of minutes. Sometimes, it persists for several weeks.
- Character. The pain can be pulling, cutting, sharp, dull, cramping. This information will make it easier for the doctor to make a diagnosis.
- The timing of pain. It is recommended to remember and tell the doctor about those events that, in the patient's opinion, could cause the development of pathology. For example: eating, drinking alcohol or drugs, experiencing stress or trauma.
Treatment
Before you start treatment, you need to understand the reasons. For example, pulling pain in the lower abdomen, diarrhea and nausea often occur in women during menstruation or a few days before them. Unpleasant sensations are explained by a spasm in the uterus. Irritation from this organ can pass to neighboring ones, for example, the intestines. This provokes an increase in peristalsis and leads to the development of diarrhea. Painful periods are often accompanied by weakness, headache and diarrhea. In this case, it is recommended to go to bed and drink herbal tea with mint. In addition, you can take two tablets of no-shpa or papaverine.
In the event that the cause of the ailment is poisoning, first of all it is necessary to wash the stomach. To do this, prepare a weak s altor soda solution. For two liters of water, you need to take no more than a tablespoon of powder. After drinking the solution, immediately induce vomiting. Repeat the procedure several times. Preferably until the vomit is clear.
After that, sorbents should be taken. The usual activated carbon, familiar to everyone from childhood, gives an excellent result. It can be replaced with Smekta or Enterosgel.
Rehydron will help to replenish the lost water balance. On the first day, you should generally refuse to eat. But significantly increase the amount of water. You need to drink at least three liters a day. It can be pure water or homemade fruit drink.
In the event that the above methods did not give a result, it is necessary to consult a doctor. It is important not to miss the development of a dangerous disease.
Dieting
Several diets have been developed for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The type of nutrition is prescribed by the doctor, depending on what pathology bothers the person. How long the diet will last is also decided by the doctor.
The diet to be followed after ordinary poisoning excludes the consumption of meat and dairy foods, as well as spicy, fried and sour foods. In the first two days, it is recommended to refuse food altogether, replacing it with plenty of fluids.
In the future, mashed boiled vegetables, rice, biscuit cookies and crackers can be introduced into the diet. The weight of portions should not exceed 200 gr. Meals should be fractional, up to seven times a day.
Recovering from poisoning, it is recommended to consume the following foods and drinks:
- Mineral still water.
- Green tea.
- Dill decoction.
- Vegetable puree soups.
- Porridge on the water.
- Baked or boiled vegetables.
- Camomile decoction.
- Dry cookies.
- Baked apples.
- Rosehip decoction.
After a few days, you can gradually introduce steamed fish and meat cutlets. As well as puddings and cottage cheese casseroles. Such nutrition will allow the stomach, gallbladder and intestines to recover quickly.
