Definition
The lower belly describes a rough anatomical body region, which is located from the navel downwards. The lower abdomen contains some sexual organs, organs of the urinary tract and the digestive tract. Burning pain is a very common symptom.
Burning may indicate many underlying diseases, but is primarily associated with inflammatory processes in the abdominal organs. Most of these causes are harmless and do not require treatment. More rarely, however, they may be caused by diseases that can sometimes take on life-threatening progressions. A doctor should also be consulted if there is a constant or very severe burning sensation, accompanied by other symptoms of illness, a drop in performance and feelings of weakness.
Causes
Inflammation of the digestive tract is the first symptom of lower abdomen complaints. They are one of the most common causes of illness and are usually harmless. The classic gastro-enteritis is not caused by flu pathogens, but by intestinal germs such as the Noro virus or the E. coli bacteria.
Some pathogens cause increased infections in the warm months and others in the cold months, which is why there are seasonal fluctuations in the infections. Furthermore, appendicitis is a common cause of burning in the lower abdomen. The stomach can cramp and be painful.
The symptoms can be aggravated especially by pressure in the right lower abdomen. Other types of intestinal inflammation can also cause a burning sensation in the lower abdomen. Diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are possible in this case.
More rarely a hernia can be behind the pain of the intestine. In this case part of the intestine breaks through the abdominal wall and forms a hernia sac. As a result, the intestine can become trapped, which can lead to serious complications.
Not to be neglected in the case of a burning sensation in the lower abdomen are the sexual organs in men and women. Burning pain is not uncommon, especially in women. Whether during menstruation, at the beginning of a pregnancy or at the beginning of childbirth, the pain can come from the uterus.
More rarely, women may also experience pain in the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes outside of a pregnancy. In men, on the other hand, diseases of the testicles, for example torsion of the testicles, can be felt by burning in the lower abdomen. More rarely, diseases of the urinary tract are behind the burning sensation. For example, inflammation of the urethra or bladder can also cause a burning sensation. Ureteral stones can also cause severe pain in the urinary tract.
Diagnosis
The most important step in finding a diagnosis is a detailed survey of the complaints, accompanying circumstances and other symptoms. Often, suspected diagnoses can already be made in this way, which can be further diagnosed in the lower abdomen with the help of an ultrasound examination. Ultrasound can reveal inflammatory changes in the bowel, tumours, blockages caused by stones, pregnancy and gross changes in the tissues.
In the case of appendicitis and other diseases with specific symptoms, further diagnostic procedures are rarely necessary in addition to the clinical examination. Other abnormalities can now be assessed more closely with the help of CT and MRI examinations. In contrast, an endoscopic examination can be performed if there are complaints of the colon. In this case, a camera is inserted through the anus under anaesthesia, which allows the intestinal mucosa to be examined from the inside.
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