Abdominal pain during sports

If abdominal pain occurs in connection with sports, it can have various causes. Physical stress is accompanied by increased activity of the abdominal muscles. As a result, there is increased pressure inside the abdominal cavity, especially in the groin region.

The body’s own weight and the movement of the internal organs contribute to this.If the supporting framework of muscles and connective tissue gives way as a result of increased pressure, a so-called hernial orifice develops, which usually affects the groin region. A peritoneal sack, which is usually filled with intestinal contents, can now slide into the resulting gap, resulting in an inguinal hernia. The situation becomes particularly critical if the intestinal parts become trapped and adequate blood circulation is no longer ensured.

An acute inguinal hernia is accompanied by sudden pain and vomiting. In other cases, inguinal hernias persist for a longer period of time and cause only slight discomfort. Groin pain associated with sports does not always indicate a hernia.

In connection with certain sports such as soccer, field hockey or tennis, the posterior wall of the inguinal canal may bulge forward. This is known as a “soft groin”, which represents an increased risk of inguinal hernia. Jerky movements during sports can be the trigger for severe pain in the context of a so-called testicular torsion. The torsion of the testicles and epididymis around the spermatic cord is always an emergency because the blood supply is no longer guaranteed. The increasing movement of the internal organs among themselves can increase already existing pain or inflammation in the area of the digestive tract.

Abdominal pain when coughing

When coughing, the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm tense up briefly. As a result, the pressure inside the abdomen increases. Connective tissue and muscles stabilize the abdomen outwards and can in most cases counteract the increased pressure in a stabilizing way.

However, the abdominal wall is not equally stable in all places. There are some weak points, especially in the groin region. A severe cough can possibly cause a hernia.

In this case, a part of the abdominal wall is pushed through the hernial orifice. Usually the hernial sac is filled with intestine. If the hernial sac is jammed, it is an urgent emergency, because the blood supply to the intestine is insufficient.

If the pressure in the abdominal cavity increases when coughing, this can lead to increased contact between the digestive organs. Already existing inflammations or complaints are intensified in this way. Abdominal pain with diarrhea and flatulence indicate a genesis within the gastrointestinal tract.

Acute enteritis or intestinal inflammation causes cramp-like abdominal pain. It is caused by bacteria or viruses and can be accompanied by vomiting and fever. Diarrhea is also observed in cases of food intolerance, lactose intolerance and fructose intolerance as well as chronic inflammation of the intestines (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis). Characteristic symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are also flatulence and diarrhoea as well as abdominal pain. Protrusions of the colon wall, so-called diverticula, cause similar symptoms.