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Jun 05, 2006
Diagnosis: Intestinal pain
by SirGan
 Intestinal pain is one specific sensation of discomfort, distress, or agony in the abdominal region. It is generally associated with functional disorders, tissue injuries, or diseases. There are some rules about this pain and every patient should know something about it. When someone is complaining about intestinal pain, we should know that it is in fact- abdominal pain, because rarely person can tell exactly that the pain originating from intestine! The fact is also that, although the intestinal or abdominal pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity, the term abdominal pain generally is used to describe pain originating from organs within the abdominal cavity. These organs include:
However, the pain may originate from somewhere else -- like your chest or pelvic region. You may also have a generalized infection affecting many parts of your body, like the flu or strep throat. What are the borders of abdomen? Well, the abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs above, the pelvic bone below, and the flanks on each side.
The term- “referred” painPatient should also know that, in some rare cases, pain felt in abdomen doesn’t have to be related to any organ in abdominal cavity! There is one theory that explains this: Abdominal pain has the unusual ability to travel along deep nerve pathways and emerge at sites away from the source of the problem. For example, the lower lungs, the kidneys, and the uterus or ovaries can project pain into the abdomen. This type of pain is called "referred" pain because it, although originating outside the abdomen, is being referred to in the abdominal area.
Some of the referred pain examples are:
Type of painIf we look on the fact how long the pain lasts- then we should know that abdominal pain can be acute and sudden in onset or the pain can be chronic and longstanding.
Problem is that the intensity of the pain does not always reflect the seriousness of the condition causing the pain. That’s why; every pain should be reported to health provider! The severity of the condition has more to do with the suddenness of the pain, especially if it is sharp and localized to one region, rather than spread throughout your abdomen.
Possible causes of pain
Although, there are several possible causes of intestinal and abdominal pain, there are seven most common causes and they are:
1. Intestinal illness
2. Food poisoning
3. Gas
4. Upset stomach or heartburn
5. Sore abdominal muscles
6. Menstrual cramps
7. Constipation
Localization of pain
Pain that is localized near the bellybutton can be related to a small intestine disorder or an inflammation of appendix. This condition is called appendicitis. The appendix is a small, finger-like organ that projects out from colon on the lower right side of your abdomen. Problem is that if it gets obstructed, it may become inflamed and filled with pus.
The middle area of the abdomen is called the epigastric area! Pain in this region is, in most cases associated with stomach disorders. Persistent pain in this area may also signal a problem with duodenum, pancreas or gallbladder.
Although, it's very uncommon to experience pain here, when it is present- it may suggest a colon, stomach, spleen or pancreas problem.
Inflammation of the gallbladder often cause intense pain in the upper right abdomen.
Pain below the navel may indicate that there is some underlying colon disorder. For women, pain in this area may also indicate a urinary tract infection or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Pain here most often suggests a problem in the lower colon. There are several conditions that can hit this area such as inflammatory bowel disease or an infection in the colon known as diverticulitis.
Inflammation of the colon may cause pain in your lower right abdomen. The pain of appendicitis may also spread to the lower right abdomen.
When the person should be concerned?Patient should know that every pain is always abnormal condition, but no one should panic. Although some could indicate on some serious conditions- it may not be a medical emergency. Mild pain or chronic pain should be discussed with your doctor when it is convenient. Severe pain should be discussed with doctor. Some of the serious signs are
Treatment of intestinal pain
The drugs used most commonly for this purpose are:
Tips for soothing pain
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