What to do for psychosomatic abdominal pain? | Abdominal pain – what to do?

What to do for psychosomatic abdominal pain?

As with all psychosomatically influenced pain, the treatment is very individual. There are different therapy concepts that work differently from person to person and depending on the therapist. Frequently used methods are talking therapy, relaxation techniques, movement therapy, music and art therapy as well as drug treatment. What those affected can do without medical help is also very individual. Often, learning relaxation techniques, regular sports and a healthy diet can also help.

Abdominal pain in children

Abdominal pain in children should be taken seriously. It is important to assess the symptoms correctly, as diseases often express themselves differently than in adults and children can often only assign pain inaccurately and cannot yet differentiate the different pain sensations well. For this reason, pain from other parts of the body is sometimes also experienced as abdominal pain.

A common cause of abdominal pain in children is gastrointestinal infections. In this case it is helpful to know whether such infections are circulating around the child (kindergarten, friends). In case of a gastro-intestinal infection it is very important to make sure that the patient drinks enough and takes it easy.

A household remedy for vomiting is tea made from dried blueberries. However, if the abdominal pain lasts longer or if other symptoms such as fever, confusion or blood in the stool occur, it is important to consult a doctor promptly. What you should not do with abdominal pain in children is to try to treat the child yourself with painkillers such as paracetamol, as children tolerate a much lower dose than adults and can suffer acute liver failure due to various painkillers. If the abdominal pain worsens or the child does not get better after several hours, a paediatrician or hospital should be consulted.

Abdominal pain with diarrhoea

Sudden abdominal pain with diarrhoea often has a viral gastrointestinal infection as its cause. If possible one should take it easy and stay in bed. It is important to reabsorb the fluid lost through the intestines.

Fennel or chamomile tea is particularly suitable for this purpose, as it is said to have a calming effect on the intestines. Since salts are also lost with the fluid, one can try to replace them. Salt sticks, coca cola, bananas as well as chicken or vegetable broth should be suitable for this.

Viral gastrointestinal infections often heal by themselves within a few days and do not need further treatment. Freely available medicines such as Loperamid® help against diarrhoea, but it is best to always take medication in consultation with your family doctor. If abdominal pain and diarrhoea repeatedly occur in stressful situations, this can result in a so-called irritable bowel syndrome.

In this case it is particularly important to ensure a balanced diet, to do sufficient sport and to reduce stress. For example, one can use the so-called autogenic training, in which the patient learns to cope better with stressful situations. This can improve the symptoms of the irritable bowel.

In the case of abdominal pain and diarrhoea that are getting worse or last for a long time, it is important to consult a doctor as it could also be an intestinal obstruction, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, a more serious infection, a colon carcinoma or any other clinical picture in need of treatment. In this case, a doctor should decide which therapy is most suitable. If you have abdominal pain during your period, it can often help to lie down in bed for a few hours with a hot water bottle or a warming pad to relax the tense muscles.

Other relaxing home remedies are a warm bath with lavender oil, or camomile tea. For menstrual pain, which affects the patient in everyday life, painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help. However, if you regularly suffer from abdominal pain before or during your period, it is advisable to consult a gynaecologist (gynaecologist) and have him or her clarify whether there is a cause, which can be remedied if necessary.

Pain medication should not be taken permanently without consulting a doctor. In the case of severe menstrual pain, it is also possible to have your gynaecologist prescribe the “pill”. There are various preparations.

Which one is particularly suitable must be discussed individually with the gynaecologist. The “pill” is a hormone preparation that suppresses the natural cycle. Another way to combat menstrual pain permanently is to take monk’s pepper (Agnucaston®). After several weeks, this herbal medicine can help to establish a more regular cycle and thus relieve menstrual pain.