Introduction
Abdominal pain is a very general symptom that can be caused by a variety of diseases and causes. Abdominal pain can occur in different body positions and at different places on the abdomen. For this reason, persistent abdominal pain and pain that is very severe should be thoroughly diagnosed.
In many cases it is a harmless gas (flatulence, wind) which is responsible for the pain in the intestine. However, it is possible that the pain is a sign of a serious illness that requires immediate treatment. Abdominal pain that occurs exclusively or more frequently in a sitting position is usually caused by flatulence.
Severe illnesses associated with abdominal pain cause pain that is largely independent of position. A further indication of flatulence as the cause of abdominal pain in a sitting position is the timing of the symptoms. Thus, flatulence occurs mainly some time after eating and during the course of the day, whereas typically in the morning after getting up there is no abdominal pain.
Pain caused by flatulence is typically improved by a change of position. However, the cause is not always harmless flatulence. For example, inflammatory bowel diseases, appendicitis, diseases of the gall bladder or kidneys or a so-called acute abdomen can be behind the symptoms.
In order to find out whether a serious illness is the cause of the abdominal pain, a doctor should be consulted who can carry out a specific diagnosis. Based on the patient’s medical history and a description of the localisation, intensity and type of pain, he or she can make a tentative diagnosis and, if necessary, carry out further diagnostics or give the all-clear. A physician should be consulted especially in the case of prolonged pain and when the pain is very severe.
In the case of pain that occurs in relapses or a so-called pain of destruction is described, serious diseases may be the cause of the complaints. By means of imaging diagnostics and subsequent therapy, the cause can be eliminated and the complaints taken away. In case of flatulence, an adjustment of the diet can be helpful in the long term, and in the acute state, an abdominal massage and a change of position from sitting to lying and standing can be helpful.
Abdominal pain while sitting or lying down
In most cases of abdominal pain, which occurs when sitting or lying down, the cause is flatulence. Typical for pain caused by flatulence, however, is an improvement by changing position to lying down. In many cases, an improvement can also be achieved by turning to the side and on the stomach. If a change of position does not lead to an improvement of the symptoms, or if the complaints persist for a long time and/or are very severe, a doctor should be consulted for further clarification. Pain which is equally strong in sitting and lying down and which is accompanied by a considerable reduction in quality of life is suspected to be a sign of a serious illness.
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