Intestinal Pain: Causes, Treatment & Help

The intestine occupies a central role in the human body. A disease or damage of the gastrointestinal tract can therefore have significant consequences on the health well-being. Not least, therefore, a variety of symptoms and diseases result from a disorder of the digestive system. For this reason, occurring intestinal pain should always be medically clarified in order to initiate appropriate treatment at an early stage.

What is intestinal pain?

Because intestinal pain can be caused by very different factors, it is often a major challenge in medical diagnosis. Intestinal pain is discomfort in the region of the intestine, alternatively known as visceral pain. From a medical point of view, intestinal pain belongs to the group of so-called visceral pains. These describe pain sensations that originate from viscera such as the liver, kidney, stomach or intestines. As a rule, intestinal pain manifests itself in cramps and waves, but it can also be constant and persistent. They are often equated with stomach pain, as pain sensations in both the stomach and intestines are localized to similar regions. In addition, many causes of intestinal pain establish a connection between the intestinal and gastric regions.

Causes

Intestinal pain may be due to a variety of causes, which can be differentiated depending on the individual severity of the pain. In the case of episodic pain at short intervals, for example, urinary stones or obstructions of the bile duct are often the causative factors of intestinal pain. Similarly, simple gastrointestinal infections often cause discomfort in the intestinal region. Food intolerances can also be the cause of intestinal discomfort, in that specific foods particularly irritate the intestines. In contrast, continuous and prolonged pain of the intestine is caused by inflammation of the peritoneum or an abdominal organ, which includes the gallbladder, appendix or pancreas. In the form of Crohn’s disease, chronic inflammation of the intestine is the cause of the pain. This disease is favored by genetic components and risk factors such as smoking. In addition, intestinal pain can also occur as a result of a rupture of the intestine, which manifests itself in an acute increase in pain with a subsequent decrease in pain. Another possible cause of intestinal pain is intestinal obstruction. However, since intestinal obstruction can be caused by different factors, it is not possible in this case to assign it to a specific pain sensation. In extreme cases, intestinal pain hides the development of intestinal cancer. In this context, however, intestinal pain represents a relatively late-onset symptom. Early symptoms of colorectal cancer, on the other hand, are rare and consist of constipation or blood in the stool. Often, however, the occurrence of intestinal pain is simply due to stress. This increases the motor activity of the intestine. In extreme form, an irritable bowel syndrome may be present here, as a result of which constipation and diarrhea occur in addition to pain.

Diseases with this symptom

  • Gastrointestinal diseases
  • Food intolerance
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Intestinal perforation
  • Irritable bowel
  • Gastrointestinal flu
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
  • Appendicitis
  • Colon cancer
  • Intestinal colic
  • Intestinal inflammation
  • Fecal calculus
  • Diverticulitis
  • Gastritis

Complications

As a rule, intestinal pain disappears at the latest after drug treatment without specific late effects or after-effects. However, in some cases, complications develop that can have life-threatening consequences. If the cause of the intestinal pain is a gastrointestinal infection, however, the occurrence of complications is very rare. Especially in immunocompromised patients, however, an acute course of the disease is quite conceivable. For example, the affected person may experience an intestinal invagination, which in turn causes an intestinal obstruction. The result is severe pain that can only be relieved by surgery.A common complication associated with a gastrointestinal infection is high fluid loss, which in extreme cases can be fatal. Specific pathogens of a gastrointestinal infection can also cause inflammation and dilatation of the colon. In the case of a serious cause of intestinal pain, such as colon cancer, intestinal obstructions, intestinal hernias or peritonitis represent classic complications. In advanced stages, other organs may also be affected or metastases may form. Since these problems are life-threatening, medical attention should be sought immediately. Basically, in view of the complications outlined, it is all the more important to consult a specialist at the first signs.

When should you go to the doctor?

In the presence of a mild gastrointestinal infection as a causative factor of intestinal symptoms, consultation with a medical doctor is not mandatory. In most cases, the infection can be quickly overcome with the help of simple home remedies and medications available for purchase. However, if the intestinal pain persists for a long period of time or manifests itself to an extreme degree, seeking medical advice is advisable. Especially if the pain is accompanied by fever, bleeding or discomfort during bowel movements, a professional diagnosis by a physician is necessary. Already after a period of illness of about three days, medical experts recommend an examination. It is also advisable to clarify any new constipation, as this can rule out organic causes of the intestinal pain. A general examination is also recommended for people who have to push hard during bowel movements. While the general practitioner can be contacted in the case of minor complaints, a visit to a specialist is necessary in the case of acute or persistent pain. Gastrointestinal physicians or internal medicine specialists are suitable for this. Moreover, gastroenterologists and proctologists specialize in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diagnosis

To diagnose intestinal pain, a detailed history of the patient is first taken during a medical examination. This primarily involves gathering information regarding the frequency, duration, severity, and location of the pain. In addition, an initial physical examination of the patient takes place. Subsequently, the affected body region can be examined in more detail with the aid of an ultrasound device. This can detect clinical pictures such as inflammation or fluid accumulation. Often, it is also necessary to perform a digital rectal examination, in which the rectum is checked for bleeding or resistance. It is also possible to take X-rays and undergo a computed tomography scan to determine the causative factors of the bowel pain. As long as there is no inflammation and pain, colonoscopy can also be performed. On the other hand, in the presence of stool irregularities and acute painful sensations, this measure should not be performed, as there is an increased risk of intestinal perforation.

Treatment and therapy

Different treatment methods exist for the treatment of intestinal pain. Which therapy is best suited for the affected person always depends on the individual cause of the pain. For example, an existing gastrointestinal infection can be resolved relatively quickly by taking special medicines. The acute symptoms disappear after just a few days. In addition to drug treatment, sufficient fluid intake is also crucial in gastrointestinal infections to counteract dehydration. Water, unsweetened teas or isotonic drinks are particularly suitable for this purpose. These drinks provide the body not only with fluids, but also with important salts. If, on the other hand, a food intolerance is the cause of the intestinal complaints, it is usually necessary to resort to a special diet. Thus, incompatible substances should be removed from the menu and, if necessary, supplemented by substitute products. If the intestinal pain is due to Crohn’s disease or cancer, the severity of the disease alone is decisive for the choice of treatment. In principle, medicinal or surgical interventions are possible. In this context, the exact diagnosis of the disease and an early start of treatment are always of great importance.If irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed, no treatment method can ultimately be clearly assigned to the patient. Depending on the cause, both medicinal and psychological therapies can provide relief. If there is physical damage to the intestine, surgery is also a possibility.

Outlook and prognosis

The prognosis of intestinal pain can vary, depending on the cause and chosen treatment for the ailment. In the case of gastrointestinal infections with a weak course, healing can occur even without drug therapy, for example, by providing initial relief through sufficient fluids. In other cases, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen at the latest leads to recovery. In the case of more severe symptoms, the administration of potent drugs can also alleviate the intestinal pain. In this case, however, medical advice should be sought first. In principle, however, it is impossible to give a general prognosis for intestinal pain. The reason for this is that the course of the disease varies greatly from individual to individual. As a rule, however, a persistent course of the disease or the development of complications can be successfully prevented if the pain and its cause are treated at an early stage.

Prevention

Intestinal pain is difficult to prevent specifically. However, it is possible to relieve one’s bowels in general by following certain principles. Thus, above all, a healthy diet is useful to protect the digestive tract. To combat diarrhea and constipation, for example, foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains are recommended. Dried fruit such as dates, prunes or figs also provide optimum support for digestion. This is because fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols, among other things, which close off spaces within the intestinal wall cells. This makes it impossible for harmful substances to penetrate the blood. They also reduce stress and prevent inflammation. It also makes sense to consume a conventional whole milk yogurt. It contains lactic acid bacteria, which are useful for digestion and strengthen the immune system. These lactic acid bacteria are also contained in sauerkraut or kefir. On the other hand, light food such as salad or fish should be eaten in the evening to accommodate the natural slowing of the metabolic process in the evening. In general, it is recommended to eat three main meals containing portions of digestive foods. Adequate fluid intake is also helpful, as it facilitates the elimination of waste products. This helps prevent constipation and diarrhea. A daily drinking quantity of 1.5 to two liters per day is recommended. Drinking a glass filled with lukewarm water in the morning can stimulate the digestive system and prepare it for the meals to come during the day. Moreover, exercise in the form of sports or walks is just as important for a healthy intestine as a balanced diet. Exercise counteracts slackening of the intestinal muscles and thus constipation. Even physical activities of fifteen minutes are sufficient to support the intestines in an optimal way. The establishment of special diets is particularly useful for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Within the framework of this diet, spicy or acidic products should be avoided as far as possible. In addition, it is possible to counteract the development of IBS by reducing stressful situations in everyday life. Likewise, it is significant to give the intestines rest at regular intervals.

What you can do yourself

Even at the first signs of intestinal pain, those affected have numerous self-help options at their disposal to contain the discomfort as far as possible for the time being. For intestinal pain caused by diarrhea or constipation, the use of a hot water bottle is particularly recommended. The warmth has a soothing and relaxing effect on the intestines, which can reduce the pain. Also effective is the consumption of certain foods that give back enough energy to the intestines. Furthermore, sporting activities or walks can boost the metabolism and intestinal function again. Finally, sufferers should get enough rest and thus allow their body and intestines to relax.