Many complain of abdominal pain, but do not seek medical help. Someone does not like doctors and hospitals, someone avoids diagnostic procedures. Some are completely afraid to learn about a far-fetched terrible diagnosis and therefore delay going to the doctor for a long time. What diseases and disorders can cause discomfort or pain in the abdomen?

Top causes of abdominal pain

Stones in gallbladder and cholecystitis

For the diagnosis of diseases of the gallbladder prescribed ultrasonography as well as blood tests.

Inflammation of the pancreas causes severe, burning pain in the middle or upper abdomen. Sometimes the pain radiates to the back and chest. A person develops nausea, vomiting, fever. Among the main reasons for the development of pancreatitis are alcohol addiction, as well as the formation of stones in the gallbladder. Pancreatitis often requires hospitalization.

As in the case of diseases of the gallbladder, if pancreatitis is suspected, blood tests and ultrasound of the organs should be taken. abdominal cavity. For the appointment of relevant studies, make an appointment with.

Inflammatory bowel disease can lead to scarring, abdominal abscesses (peritonitis), and intestinal obstruction. These serious changes manifest as abdominal pain along with diarrhea and bleeding from the rectum. Symptoms of IBD are chronic, but appear in cycles: they flare up, then they fade away. For this reason, diagnosing the disease can be difficult.

IBD must be constantly monitored, because they lead to very serious consequences. Launched stages inflammatory diseases intestines can lead to cancer.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of appendicitis is manifested by sudden pain in the center of the abdomen, which passes into its lower right side. Mostly appendicitis worries children and young people. Ignoring inflammation of the appendix is ​​extremely dangerous, because it can burst and cause peritonitis.

If you notice symptoms of appendicitis in yourself or your loved ones, call an ambulance immediately!

oncological disease

This disease can affect any of the abdominal organs - the liver, pancreas, stomach, gallbladder, ovaries. Pain, as a rule, appear at later stages. Other symptoms include loss of appetite and weight, persistent vomiting, and bloating.

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• Stool with blood and mucus
• Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva
• Feeling tired
• Weight loss

lactose intolerance

Millions of people suffer from this type of food intolerance. Among her symptoms:

• Moderate abdominal pain
• Flatulence
• Belching
• Diarrhea

There is only one solution - complete or partial rejection of dairy products.

Intolerancegluten free

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. In people with intolerance, this protein damages the walls of the small intestine. As a result, its ability to absorb nutrients received from food is lost.

A person with intolerance has a stomach ache, he is tormented by flatulence and a feeling of fatigue. The most severe form of gluten intolerance is called celiac disease.

Diseases of the spine

Up to 62% of patients with diseases of the spine suffer from abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, hemorrhoids. Such data was provided by American specialists from the University of Medicine in 2012.

Some patients who do not suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract complain of abdominal pain due to orthopedic problems. If you are in this category of people, an experienced person will do everything possible to improve the health of your spine. Perhaps it is problems with the spine that cause pain in the abdomen.

stress and depression

Constant stress can also cause abdominal pain. If a person develops depression, their chances of experiencing irritable bowel syndrome increase.

When to Seek Medical Care:

• Abdominal discomfort lasting 1 week or longer
• Abdominal pain that does not subside within 24-48 hours or gets worse
• Pain with nausea and vomiting
• Bloating for more than two days
• Burning sensation during urination or frequent trips to the toilet
• Diarrhea that lasts for several days
• Pain in the abdominal region with fever
• Prolonged vaginal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss

When should you call your doctor immediately:

• A man suffers from cancer and his stomach hurts
• Constipation accompanied by vomiting
• Vomiting blood or blood in the stool
• Black or tarry stools
• sudden, sharp pain in a stomach
• Pain between the shoulder blades accompanied by nausea
• Stomach that is sensitive and painful to the touch, or vice versa - the stomach is hard and hard to the touch
• Pain in the abdomen during pregnancy
• Recent abdominal trauma

Why is it important to seek help as soon as possible?

Almost each of the diseases considered does not just cause pain and unnecessary experiences.

If you don't get it on time medical care may develop serious and sometimes life-threatening complications. Do not delay, make an appointment through or call the numbers listed at the top of the site.

Sources:

1. 18 Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurts, Health.com,
2. 5 Reasons Your Stomach May Hurt, The Johns Hopkins Hospital,
3. Abdominal Pain, U.S. National Library of Medicine,
4. Abdominal Pain, Patient.info,
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, U.S. National Library of Medicine,
6. Symptoms & Causes of Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
7. Endometriosis, Mayo Clinic,
8. E. Ebert, Gastrointestinal Involvement in Spinal Cord Injury: A Clinical Perspective, University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School,
9. Intestinal parasites, University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).

Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints. Often we do not pay attention to this, drink painkillers and forget about what can be a harbinger of serious illness. After all, not a single pain occurs just like that ... Today we will tell you what can cause various pains in the abdomen.

Grade

The human body is a complex mechanism. Hundreds of factors daily, including nutrition, environment and your emotions affect how it functions, shaping how you feel. For example, there are many causes of abdominal pain that can explain cramps, bloating, sharp pains, 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 according to the specific area. As a rule, 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 could signal 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 lactase by the age of two. If you are in this group of people, you may experience stomach pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea after eating dairy products. This is because your body can't break down the sugar in milk, which enters your colon (rather than your bloodstream). Once in the colon, sugar begins to ferment, causing all these symptoms.

Stress

The enteric nervous system, located in the membranes of the hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract, is 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 that digestion can slow down, which can lead to stomach problems.

Side effects of medication

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, some medications can cause stomach problems. For example, abdominal pain can be the result of other types of medications that 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 the stomach after you have swallowed it, increasing the chance of acid reflux.

Thyroid problems

The thyroid gland plays such an important role in the body that most people will be surprised to learn how much damage it can do if not functioning properly. Research by Chris Sweet, Abhishek Sharma and George Lipscomb found a link between abdominal pain, hypothyroidism, nausea and vomiting.

Gluten intolerance

Products labeled "gluten-free" are now more and more common on store shelves, and for good reason. Gluten is a protein found mainly in wheat, barley and rye. And yes, it can indeed have a negative impact on your health. Some people may experience bloating, diarrhea, and constipation after eating foods containing gluten. If this problem has affected you, try temporarily reducing or eliminating gluten to track its effect on your body.

urinary tract infection

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

Stomach upset

Indigestion often causes pain in the upper abdomen. It is accompanied by an unnatural feeling of satiety, even at the beginning of a meal, and also by bloating. Although indigestion can be side effect diseases of the digestive system. It usually resolves on its own without special medical attention.

acid reflux

According to the Mayo Clinic, acid reflux occurs when the contents of your stomach begin to back up into your esophagus. This is because the opening in the stomach is not working properly. The result is often heartburn. While acid reflux is fairly common, if it's accompanied by abdominal pain, you should definitely talk to your doctor.

Constipation

Constipation happens at least once in everyone's life, and can be caused by various factors - stress or dehydration. Since 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 dependent on hormones, which is why many women suffer from diarrhea a few days before and during the days before and after. Add to that bloating, cramps and nausea, and you have a complete picture of what is happening 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 bloated, and it may be painful to touch. Gases do not appear out of nowhere - there must be a reason. Possible reasons include: acid reflux, constipation, lactose or gluten intolerance.

food allergy

A food allergy occurs 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, then be sure to consult a doctor!

Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints of patients who come to the doctor. On the other hand, pain in the abdomen can be a sign of some serious illness. To do this, you need to determine whether the disease is dangerous or not. Abdominal pain is the most common complaint in both children and adults. Their causes are varied, ranging from simple indigestion or diseases of the digestive tract, worms. In some cases, heart problems can also cause abdominal pain. Abdominal pain refers to any pain or discomfort that occurs in the abdominal cavity. Some types of abdominal pain are referred to as emergency conditions requiring immediate medical attention or hospitalization. If the pain radiates to the groin - there is a stone, around the navel - colic. Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints of patients. Somatic abdominal pain may be accompanied by muscle tension in the abdominal wall or greatly intensify during movements. Fortunately, in most cases, abdominal pain does not mean anything terrible.

The most common symptom of many diseases is abdominal pain of various localization and the correct diagnosis, that is, the disease that caused the pain, depends on whether the correct treatment is offered. Some types of abdominal pain are classified as medical emergencies that require immediate medical attention or hospitalization. It is important to distinguish such abdominal pain from ordinary pain and provide first aid, and then call an ambulance.

Abdominal pain can occur with diseases of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space, genital organs, spine, abdominal wall muscles, nervous system or radiate to the abdomen in diseases of the organs chest(for example, right-sided pleurisy, myocardial infarction and pericarditis may occur with pain in the right or left hypochondrium, epigastric). Pain in diseases internal organs may be due to impaired blood flow, spasm of smooth muscles of internal organs, stretching of the walls of hollow organs, inflammatory changes in organs and tissues. The spread of an inflammatory process or tumor involving the intercostal or splanchnic nerves can cause referred pain.

Pain in the upper abdomen on the right observed most often in diseases of the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract, duodenum, head of the pancreas, right kidney and lesions of the hepatic flexure of the colon. In diseases of the biliary tract, pain radiates to the right shoulder, with a duodenal ulcer and lesions of the pancreas - in the back, with kidney stones - in the groin and testicles. In the upper abdomen on the left, pain is noted with damage to the stomach, pancreas, spleen, splenic flexure of the colon, left kidney, and also with hiatal hernia.

Pain in the lower abdomen on the right may be due to damage to the appendix, lower ileum, blind and ascending colon, right kidney and genital organs. In the lower abdomen on the left, pain can be caused by damage to the transverse colon and sigmoid colon, the left kidney, as well as diseases of the genital organs.

The pain is localized due to the special location of the abdominal organs and the spread of pain from the organ depends on this.

Spasmodic pain in the abdomen is observed with lead intoxication, in the precomatous stage with diabetes, as well as in hypoglycemic conditions, with porphyria.

Localization of pain does not always correspond to the location of the affected organ. Sometimes in the first hours of the disease, the pain is not clearly localized and only later concentrates in a certain area. In the future (for example, with generalization of peritonitis), the pain may again become diffuse. With appendicitis, pain may initially occur in the epigastric or umbilical region, and with a covered perforated gastroduodenal ulcer, by the time of examination it can only persist in the right iliac region (when gastric contents flow into this area).

In addition, complaints of fairly severe abdominal pain can also occur in a number of extraperitoneal diseases. So, abdominal pain in children often accompany infectious diseases, in particular, severe pain in the abdomen precede the rest of the symptoms of scarlet fever and appear a few days before the eruptions (rash) on the body. With influenza, SARS and other infections, abdominal pain can also bother you.

It is of great diagnostic value the nature of the pain. Cramping pain is most often observed with spastic contractions of the smooth muscles of hollow organs. Gradually increasing pain is characteristic of inflammatory processes. So, cramping pain in the abdomen is most characteristic of mechanical intestinal obstruction, for renal and hepatic colic. However, even with these diseases, the pain is often constant. Cramping pain in 10-20% of patients is also possible with acute appendicitis: it is caused by contraction of the muscular membrane of the process in response to blockage of its lumen. Sometimes periodically aggravated pain can give the impression of cramping:

Sudden onset of stabbing pain indicates an intraperitoneal catastrophe (breakthrough of a hollow organ, abscess or echinococcal cyst, intraperitoneal bleeding, embolism of the vessels of the mesentery, spleen, kidney). The same beginning is typical for renal colic.

The behavior of the patient during pain attacks is of diagnostic value. A patient with an attack of renal or hepatic colic rushes about, takes various postures, which is not observed with lumbar sciatica, which has a similar localization of pain. With mental disorders, a painless course of severe pathological processes (perforated ulcer, etc.) is possible.

To find out the cause of abdominal pain, you first need to establish localization of pain(exact place in the abdomen that hurts), type of pain ( sharp, stabbing, cutting pain), the history of the onset of pain ( increasing pain, intermittent or constant pain) And accompanying pain symptoms.

Pain in the abdomen in the right hypochondrium

If the pain is accompanied by repeated vomiting and fever, it may be an inflammation of the gallbladder. You need to immediately go on a diet, stop eating spicy and fatty foods. The diet should be salt-free.

Pain in the epigastric region at the top of the abdomen. Pain is described as "sucking in the pit of the stomach"

With mild pain in the abdomen, there may be mild inflammation stomach or duodenum. This is the most common type of pain, but there is no reason to panic. Such pains are common in middle-aged and older people. But if the pain is persistent, does not go away after 10-15 minutes, there is a suspicion of an ulcer. Before you go for an examination (and it is necessary), try to give yourself first aid. Divide your meals into 6-7 times a day. Eat more milk and less carbs.

If pain in the upper abdomen appears after taking spicy and sour food, coffee, after recent severe stress, with acute, dull, bursting, aching pain in the upper abdomen with possible vomiting, a diagnosis of gastritis or stomach ulcer is possible. In this case, the pain increases with vomiting, and after it weakens. Pain can respond in the chest along the esophagus. Consult a gastroenterologist, if blood impurities appear in the vomit, call immediately ambulance. Treatment of gastritis and ulcers is not very long, subject to the doctor's recommendations up to 14 days. To relieve pain, you can apply a warm heating pad to your stomach or drink moderately hot, weak tea or water.

Pain in the lower abdomen

Pain in the right lower abdomen

Acute pain in the lower abdomen on the right is most often a sign of appendicitis, urgently call a doctor. Pain with appendicitis is not strong at first, it may occur at the top of the abdomen and move down to the right, while fever and nausea are possible. Pain may be aggravated by walking and lying on the left side.

Pain in the left lower abdomen

Pain in the lower abdomen on the left may indicate inflammation of the lower sections of the large intestine, while there will also be associated symptoms - impaired stool, rumbling in the abdomen, increased gas formation. You will have to give up fresh vegetables and fruits, you can not drink milk and eat seasonings and black bread.

Pain in the lower abdomen on the left or right above the pubis in women

Pain in the lower abdomen in women most often indicates gynecological diseases - diseases of the urinary-genital system.

Pain in the lower abdomen in this case can be of a different nature: sharp, strong and barely noticeable, sharp or pulling. Pain is often accompanied by discharge from the genitals, weakness, fatigue

If the pain in the lower abdomen is growing, cramping, and sudden sharp pains are possible, which increase with movement, dizziness, weakness are felt, there may be bleeding when menstruation is delayed up to 1-2 weeks - the pain may be associated with an ectopic pregnancy or spontaneous abortion. See a gynecologist immediately if bleeding or acute pain emergency call needed

Severe, sharp pain after intercourse, combined with weakness, possible fainting and bleeding, may be a sign of a ruptured cyst or the presence of a tumor. Call an ambulance.

Pain in the lower abdomen in the center above the pubis

Intermittent, aching pain in the lower abdomen, accompanied by general weakness or chills, radiating to the perineum - a sign of gynecological diseases such as endometritis, adnexitis (including infectious), endometriosis, etc. Consultation with a gynecologist is necessary.

Pain in the lower abdomen on the right or left in a man

Pain in the lower abdomen on the right or left in a man is most often a sign of problems with the intestines. However, sometimes chronic prostatitis manifests itself in this way. Therefore, in addition to a visit to a gastroenterologist, it makes sense to undergo an examination by a urologist.

Abdominal pain that radiates around the lower back (girdle pain)

Try to feel the upper or left parts of the abdomen on your own. If this makes you sicker, it is likely that you are dealing with an inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Accompanying symptoms: Unpleasant taste and dry mouth, repeated vomiting (after vomiting, the pain subsides), an increase in pressure is possible. Pain often appears after eating fatty foods or alcohol. We exclude everything fried, the patient needs hunger, cold on the stomach and complete rest. In acute cases, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Whole stomach hurts

Constant moderately severe abdominal pain covering the entire abdomen, while weakness, dry mouth, possibly fever and nausea may be a sign of peritonitis or inflammation of the peritoneum.

Pain in the middle of the abdomen

Sharp pain in the middle of the abdomen

Sharp, severe pain in the middle of the abdomen, radiating to the lower back, combined with a frequent need to urinate, can be a sign of the movement of kidney stones. Such pain is exacerbated by taking diuretics and drinks. Use antispasmodics only with a doctor-confirmed diagnosis, for pain relief you can take hot bath, hot water heater. In case of particularly severe pain or the appearance of blood in the urine, call an ambulance.

Pain in the middle of the abdomen near the navel

A sharp, sudden, rather strong cramping pain in the center of the abdomen, accompanied by weakness and chills, which appears after overeating, eating fatty foods or coffee is called intestinal colic. Apply an antispasmodic and take a lying position. The pain will pass within 20 minutes, if it does not pass, you need to look for the cause of the pain in another. Don't overeat later.

Treatment of abdominal pain

With unknown pains in the abdomen, you can not drink painkillers before the doctor arrives, they only drown out the pain and at the same time extinguish clinical picture diseases. The doctor, without finding a banal appendicitis or mesenteric thrombosis, cannot make any other diagnosis. 25 out of every 1,000 people with appendicitis die because of a misdiagnosis.

For severe pain, prolonged pain, recurring pain in the abdomen, be sure to consult a doctor and in no case self-medicate. Abdominal pain can be a symptom of a very dangerous disease!

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Stomach pain is called gastralgia. It manifests itself as a result of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or various pathological conditions. Most often, pain is felt in the region of the left hypochondrium. Also, pain can be observed in the lower abdomen. The nature of sensations is pulling, aching, dagger, dull, intense. The degree of pain depends on the provoking factor.

Why does a person suffer from pain in the abdomen and how to get rid of discomfort? Painful sensations have different intensity. With gastritis, mild pain is observed, which can manifest itself and fade away on its own. It is for this reason that the treatment of gastritis is often delayed.

Constant pain in the abdomen can signal the presence of a peptic ulcer or a malignant neoplasm. In case of perforation of the ulcer, severe soreness can cause a state of shock.

To find out the cause of the development of pain syndrome, it is necessary to pay attention to the intensity of painful sensations, their nature, dependence on provoking factors. Dull or burning pain accompanies diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, solaritis. In chronic gastritis with low acidity, aching pains, distension in the abdominal cavity are observed. The intensity of sensations increases with cholecystitis, pancreatitis and colitis. The ulcer is characterized by cramping, sharp pain, when it is perforated, the pain becomes dagger.

Pain syndrome is also inherent in nonspecific, irritable bowel, granulomatous colitis, peritonitis, tumor, inflammation and diverticulosis. The causes of dull painful sensations localized in the epigastric region can be such ailments as diffuse polyposis of the colon, failure in motor and secretory. Knowing the cause of the pathology, the doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment course.

Constant, prolonged pain is observed with dyspepsia. Pathology is accompanied by a violation of the functioning of system organs. Failures of the organic type are fraught with pancreatitis, ulcers, gallstone disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Pathology is extremely rare. After pressing, a aching dull pain appears. The disease occurs against the background of vomiting, nausea and bleeding.

Constant soreness may indicate oncology of the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, a malignant neoplasm in the stomach is manifested by mild pain.

The first stage of the tumor is characterized by reduced appetite, the symptoms are similar to those of dyspepsia. A person has rapid saturation, anemia, weight loss, aversion to food, a feeling of discomfort. The late stage is manifested by bleeding, black stools and bloody vomiting.

Infectious pathologies

The pain may be spasmodic. Pathology manifests itself after a bacterial, viral illness. Pathology is called - intestinal flu. May be accompanied by vomiting, loose stools and fever.

functional disorders

The presence of pressing pain, a feeling of heaviness in the epigastric region, indicates a violation of the activity digestive system. It is observed after overeating, eating fatty, fried, heavy foods. Clinical manifestations: tense abdominal muscles, constipation.

Stress

The manifestation of unpleasant sensations in the stomach is noted in some cases after nervous or physical overwork. Pathology is accompanied by nausea, vomiting.

Poisoning

In case of poisoning, the pain can be sharp, intense. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, weakness, sweating, diarrhea, fainting.

Pancreatitis

With pancreatitis, pain is concentrated in the upper abdomen. There is constant intense pain radiating to the back. In some cases pain syndrome is enveloping in nature. Secondary signs: flatulence, vomiting, increased heart rate, nausea, weight loss, dizziness. In the acute stage, pressure may drop, since the pancreas cannot synthesize the required amount of enzymes.

Duodenitis

With duodenitis, the small intestine suffers. Painful Syndrome associated with stressful situations. The patient's temperature rises, excessive weakness appears. Thanks to timely treatment the disease passes quickly enough. If left untreated, it may develop chronic form accompanied by dull pain, distension in the abdomen, heaviness after eating.

hungry pains

This pathology manifests itself with a peptic ulcer, inflammation of the gastric mucosa. There is sucking and stabbing soreness of a cramping nature. Strengthening of the syndrome is caused by excessive physical activity, the use of spicy and sour food, alcohol.

Colitis

Pathology is accompanied by infection of the colon. Symptoms: liquid stool with impurities of blood, rumbling, bloating, desire to empty. The provoking factors of colitis are: heredity, stress and allergies.

Spasm of the diaphragm

The diaphragm separates the thoracic region from the abdominal region. When blood circulation is disturbed, a spasm appears in the diaphragm - a sharp, shooting pain, aggravated by a deep breath.

If you experience persistent discomfort in gastrointestinal tract, you need to visit a gastroenterologist to establish a diagnosis. It is forbidden to self-medicate, as it is dangerous to health. It is recommended to follow a healthy diet, lead an active lifestyle, walk in the fresh air, reduce stressful situations.

With a constant pain syndrome, an examination, consultation of a highly qualified specialist is required. The disease is easier to treat if it is detected at an early stage. To eliminate pain in the abdomen, medications are prescribed, folk remedies, physiotherapy and adherence to a strict diet.

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Michael asks:

What causes aching pain in the abdomen?

The clinical significance of the symptom "aching pain in the abdomen"

Aching pains are most characteristic of chronic inflammatory processes. Constant irritation of nerve receptors in the focus of a long-term existing pathological process is perceived as a dull aching pain.

Often a person gets used to this kind of pain syndrome and begins to perceive it as a normal state of the body. Meanwhile, chronic inflammatory processes eventually cause degenerative changes in the affected organ, which leads to a gradual decrease in its function.

In addition, the prolonged existence of a focus of chronic inflammation leads to a decrease in the overall resistance of the body and increases susceptibility to various infectious diseases.

Chronic aching pains lead to disturbances in the activity of the central nervous system, which is clinically manifested by the development of asthenic syndrome, which is characterized by the following symptoms:

• increased fatigue;


• weakening of memory and attention;


• decrease in mental and physical performance;


• irritability;


• headache;


• tendency to depression.

Certain conditions (errors in the diet, nervous stress, physical overstrain, acute viral infection, etc.) can provoke an exacerbation of the process and / or the occurrence of severe complications.

Another reason aching pains in the abdomen - an increase in parenchymal organs projected onto the anterior wall of the abdomen, such as the liver and spleen. These organs are covered with a capsule containing many nerve endings.

Enlargement of the organ leads to stretching of its capsule and the appearance of dull aching pain at the site of the projection of the organ on the front wall of the abdomen. This kind of pain may be the first and only sign of mortal danger, for example, in conditions such as subcapsular rupture of the spleen or liver.

Thus, aching pain in the abdomen cannot be ignored. Even in cases where the pain syndrome is unstable, it is necessary to visit the clinic on a planned basis.

In our article, we will give the most common causes of aching pain in the abdomen, but this is far from full list. Therefore, in no case should the text be taken as a diagnostic guide. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after a thorough examination.

Causes of aching pain in the upper abdomen

Chronic gastritis as the most common cause of aching pain in the epigastrium (under the pit of the stomach) and in the left hypochondrium

Aching pains in the pit of the stomach and in the left hypochondrium most often indicate chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa (chronic gastritis).

This disease is characterized by diffuse soreness, so that the epicenter of pain cannot be identified. Pain, as a rule, does not give anywhere. The dependence of pain on food intake is characteristic, pains appear or intensify after eating, especially after taking spicy or rough foods that irritate and injure the inflamed gastric mucosa.

The clinical picture of chronic gastritis depends on the state of the glands that produce gastric juice. For gastritis with high acidity, hunger pains are characteristic, caused by the effect of hydrochloric acid of gastric juice on the inflamed mucous membrane.

With degenerative processes in the gastric mucosa, which cause a decrease in the production of gastric juice, prolonged dull aching pain after eating and a feeling of heaviness in the left hypochondrium are characteristic.

As a rule, aching pains in the abdomen in chronic gastritis are combined with other symptoms of disruption of the stomach. So, for gastritis with high acidity, heartburn, sour belching and constipation are characteristic, and for gastritis with low acidity- tendency to diarrhea.

Chronic cholecystitis as a cause of aching pain in the right hypochondrium

The cause of aching pain in the abdomen in the right hypochondrium quite often becomes a chronic inflammatory process in the gallbladder (chronic cholecystitis).

In chronic cholecystitis, aching pains in the right hypochondrium occur, as a rule, 1-3 hours after eating, especially after a heavy intake of fatty fried foods.

The epicenter of pain is most often located in the projection of the gallbladder (on the border between the inner and middle thirds of the anterior surface of the costal arch). In typical cases, the pain radiates back under right shoulder blade, and up under the right collarbone.

In cases where cholecystitis is not combined with cholelithiasis, pain rarely reaches high intensity, sometimes pain can be perceived as a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the area of ​​​​the gallbladder projection.

As a rule, pain in chronic cholecystitis is combined with other symptoms of gallbladder dysfunction, such as:

• feeling of bitterness or metallic taste in the mouth;


• belching with air;



• flatulence (bloating);


• alternating constipation and diarrhea.

A chronic inflammatory process in the body is often evidenced by inexplicable rises in body temperature to subfebrile numbers (up to 37-38 degrees Celsius).

Enlargement of the liver as the cause of aching pain in the right hypochondrium

Dull aching pains in the right hypochondrium also occur when the liver capsule is stretched, which occurs when it is enlarged.

This increase often occurs when inflammatory processes in the organ, such as acute and chronic hepatitis, in such cases they are combined with other signs of this group of diseases (fever, jaundice, in severe cases - the development of acute liver failure).

Another fairly common reason for organ enlargement is severe degenerative processes in the organ (fatty degeneration, cirrhosis).

A characteristic feature of this group of pathologies is the appearance of signs of chronic liver failure, such as weakness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding gums, atrophy of the muscles of the shoulder girdle, bright red color of the lips, palms and soles.

The liver also enlarges in congestive heart failure, when the heart is unable to pump all the blood and part of it is deposited (stagnant) in the liver and lower limbs. In such cases, the diagnosis also does not present great difficulties, since the clinic of heart failure at this stage is rich in symptoms (shortness of breath, edema, accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, etc.).

In such cases, aching pain in the right hypochondrium may be the first symptom of the pathology. The situation can be clarified by additional research. Therefore, with the appearance of aching pains in the abdomen, including in the right hypochondrium, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Chronic pancreatitis as a cause of aching pain in the upper abdomen

Aching pain in the upper abdomen may be due to chronic pancreatitis. In such cases, pain occurs or intensifies after eating, especially fatty. In this case, the pain, as a rule, spreads along the left edge of the hypochondrium and gives up to the left collarbone, back under the left shoulder blade and down to the left iliac region (below and to the left of the navel).

With an exacerbation of the process, the pain often takes on a sharp paroxysmal character and becomes girdle. Hunger relieves pain, so patients often try to limit themselves in food and lose a lot of weight.

Aching pains in the abdomen in chronic pancreatitis are accompanied by other characteristic symptoms, such as nausea, aversion to fatty foods, belching, vomiting, flatulence (bloating), diarrhea or (less commonly) constipation, loss of appetite.

Most hallmark chronic pancreatitis is a "fatty" stool, which is the release of copious fecal masses of a grayish color of a mushy consistency of a fetid nature. This symptom is associated with a decrease secretory function pancreas: an insufficient amount of enzymes that digest fats enters the digestive tract.

Enlargement of the spleen as the cause of aching pain in the left hypochondrium

The appearance of aching pains in the abdomen in the left hypochondrium with an increase in the spleen is associated with stretching of its capsule, which is richly supplied with nerve endings.

An enlarged spleen can be caused by the following reasons:

1. Working hypertrophy of the organ. The spleen is an organ responsible for immunological protection, therefore, its enlargement occurs in some acute viral infections (infectious mononucleosis), severe septic conditions (septic endocarditis), widespread tuberculosis, some systemic diseases connective tissue accompanied by immune disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus). In such cases, as a rule, the symptoms of the pathology that caused the enlargement of the spleen are quite pronounced, so it is not difficult to make a diagnosis.

2. Massive hemolysis of erythrocytes. The spleen is a kind of erythrocyte graveyard, therefore, its increase is observed in all diseases accompanied by mass death of red blood cells (autoimmune hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, spherocytosis, etc.). In such cases, signs of erythrocyte hemolysis are pronounced: greenish-yellow skin color, shortness of breath, weakness, etc.

3. Congestive enlargement of the organ. Enlargement of the spleen also occurs in case of a violation of the outflow of blood from the organ, this is often found in liver cirrhosis, as well as in some other diseases accompanied by impaired blood circulation in the liver and spleen systems.

4. Oncological diseases of the blood. Often, the spleen reaches a gigantic size in severe oncological pathologies (chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphomas, etc.). In such cases, aching pain in the left hypochondrium is only one of the many symptoms of the disease.

5. Spleen injury. Especially dangerous is the so-called subcapsular rupture of the spleen, when a large amount of blood accumulates under the stretched capsule. Such a pathology is fraught with rupture of the capsule and the development of massive life-threatening bleeding. Often, aching pain in the left hypochondrium after an injury to the chest and / or abdomen is the only symptom that warns of mortal danger.

6. Abscess of the spleen. Suppuration of the spleen area is accompanied by severe symptoms of an acute infectious process (high fever with chills, weakness, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite). Aching pain in the left hypochondrium in such cases indicates the localization of the inflammatory focus.

Causes of aching pain in the lower abdomen

Chronic sigmoiditis as a cause of aching pain in women and men in the lower abdomen on the left

One of the most common causes of aching pain in the lower abdomen on the left is chronic sigmoiditis - a chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sigmoid colon (a section of the large intestine that directly flows into the terminal part of the digestive tract - into the rectum).

The causes that caused inflammation of the sigmoid colon, manifested by aching pains in the abdomen, may be different. The most common ones are:

• bacterial infection (chronic dysentery);


• autoimmune processes (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease);


• dysbacteriosis (chronic ulcerative colitis);


• circulatory disorders in the sigmoid colon (ischemic sigmoiditis);


• radiotherapy complications oncological diseases(radiation sigmoiditis).

However, regardless of the cause that caused the pain syndrome, aching pain in the abdomen in chronic sigmoiditis has a number of common features, such as:

• the pain intensifies after excesses with the diet (eating coarse, fiber-rich foods (legumes, apples, cabbage, etc.), spicy foods, dairy products, alcohol);


• pain associated with the act of defecation (intensifies immediately before the act of defecation, accompanies the process of emptying the intestines, after defecation often takes on a cutting character, and then gradually subsides);


• pain appears or intensifies after mechanical shaking of the lower body (long-term driving or walking on an uneven surface);


• pain is accompanied by stool disorders (diarrhea, constipation, constipation alternating with diarrhea);


• aching pain combined with tenesmus (frequent painful urge to defecate);


• you can notice pathological elements in the feces (blood, mucus, pus).

Chronic appendicitis as a cause of aching pain in the lower abdomen on the right in men and women

Aching or pulling pains in the lower abdomen on the right may indicate chronic appendicitis. Often chronic appendicitis develops after an attack acute appendicitis. In such cases, patients may recall an attack of acute pain in the lower abdomen on the right, accompanied by an increase in body temperature and a deterioration in the general condition of the body.

Quite often, aching pains in the lower abdomen on the right are combined with mild disorders of the digestive tract (decreased appetite, bloating, a tendency to constipation).

Chronic appendicitis can have a relapsing course, when attacks of acute appendicitis occur against the background of constant aching pain.

The danger of chronic appendicitis is the possibility of exacerbation of the process with the development of acute purulent appendicitis, peritonitis, or even sepsis. Therefore, if you suspect chronic appendicitis, you should seek specialized help.

Causes of aching pain in the lower abdomen in women

Women have the most common cause aching pains in the lower abdomen are chronic diseases internal genital organs, such as:

• chronic adnexitis;


• endometriosis;


• neoplasms of the uterus and ovaries.

Aching pain in chronic adnexitis (chronic inflammation of the uterine appendages) is localized in the lower lateral parts of the abdomen. In this case, the pain gives back to the sacrum and the rectum, often taking on a girdle character.

Pain syndrome in chronic inflammation of the uterine appendages intensifies on the days of menstrual bleeding, after hypothermia. The cause of the exacerbation may also be a drop in immunitycaused by acute respiratory infections or other diseases. Often the pain intensifies after a nervous or physical overexertion.

In addition to aching pain in the lower abdomen, chronic adnexitis is characterized by the appearance of pathological vaginal discharge with bad smell having a purulent, mucopurulent or hemorrhagic character. During exacerbations, body temperature may rise to subfebrile numbers (up to 37-38 degrees Celsius), as well as weakness, lethargy, headache, nausea and other signs of intoxication (general poisoning of the body with microbial toxins).

With a long course of chronic inflammation of the uterine appendages, asthenic syndrome develops - a complex of pathological signs indicating the depletion of the central nervous system (decrease in mental and physical performance, headache, irritability, a tendency to depression).

At any time, chronic adnexitis can lead to the development of complications such as generalization of infection (peritonitis, sepsis), ectopic pregnancy, infertility.

Aching pains in the lower abdomen with endometriosis are associated with menstrual function. The fact is that endometriosis is a serious disease in which the endothelium of the uterus grows into its inner layers or settles outside the organ (for example, into the pelvic cavity). During menstrual bleeding, the ectopically located endometrium also begins to shed and bleed, which causes severe pain.

A characteristic feature of endometriosis is unusually massive and prolonged menstrual bleeding. Complications of endometriosis include chronic Iron-deficiency anemia, infertility, asthenic syndrome.

Both chronic adnexitis and endometriosis can lead to the development of adhesive disease - a pathology characterized by the formation of abnormal adhesions between the abdominal organs - adhesions.

In the case of adhesive disease, aching pains in the lower abdomen are aggravated during sexual intercourse and during defecation. With the progressive development of the adhesive process, the development of acute intestinal failure is possible. In such cases, the pain acquires a cramping character and is combined with stool and gas retention, repeated vomiting, and a progressive deterioration in the patient's general condition.

Aching pains in the lower abdomen with benign and malignant tumors of the internal genital organs in women occur in the later stages of development, when the neoplasm reaches a large size and begins to put a lot of pressure on the surrounding tissues.

At benign tumors even at this stage, pain may be the only sign of the disease; in the case of malignant neoplasms, the pain syndrome, as a rule, occurs against the background of cancer intoxication (general exhaustion, weight loss, weakness, headache, irritability, apathy, etc.).

Chronic prostatitis as the most common cause of aching pain in the lower abdomen in men

Aching pains in the lower abdomen in men may indicate chronic prostatitis. In such cases, the pain is localized in the suprapubic region and in the perineum (projection site of the prostate gland) and gives to the external genital organs, the sacrum and the rectum.

The pain intensifies when exposed to factors that contribute to stagnation of blood in the small pelvis (long stay in a sitting position, unrealized sexual arousal, interrupted sexual intercourse).