Dorothy FarrarPain in the lower abdomen
Pain in the lower abdomen can have many causes that should be clarified. A distinction must be made between acute and chronic pain. Not only women are affected who have pain in the lower abdomen, but also men.
What is pain in the lower abdomen?
If women or men have pain in the lower abdomen, you can usually recognize it by the hot water bottle on the stomach. It is not always women’s diseases that lead to abdominal pain. They can also hit the male genitals. In the lower part of the abdomen all internal organs are enclosed. You are in the pool. This includes the urethra, urinary bladder and genitals.
The appendix and ureter are also found in the abdomen. There are also the lower parts of the intestine, nerves, connective tissue, lymph nodes and vessels in the pelvic area. Pain in the lower abdomen can have a variety of causes.
If pain occurs in the lower abdomen, the doctor can usually feel the top curves of the pelvic bones on the side and in front. Now the question arises where it hurts and how. Since pain does not necessarily stick to the anatomical boundaries, it can radiate from the back to the abdomen, for example, or vice versa. Not only the location of the pain is important, but also the character of the pain. Is it cutting or boring, dull, stabbing or spasmodic.
How does the abdomen feel, is there any discharge or is there bleeding. Digestive problems can also be to blame for the symptoms . Fever with pain in the lower abdomen is also quite possible.
causes
The first cause of pain in the lower abdomen is usually thought of as menstrual pain . A lot of women suffer from menstruation. If a woman is pregnant, extreme caution is required, especially if spotting occurs. But there can also be diseases related to the genitals that are to blame for the abdominal pain, as well as diseases of the urinary tract.If acute pain occurs, it can be temporary. In most cases, these can also be explained directly by the doctor. If fever occurs with the acute pain, the appendix can report. Indigestion, constipation , diarrhea or emptying the bladder can also lead to abdominal pain. It can be due to an acute inflammation that can occur in the fallopian tubes, intestines or ovaries.
If the abdominal pain is chronic, the untreated inflammation of the ovaries or genitals can also be to blame for the chronic course. Doctors speak of chronic pain when it occurs again and again for six months. In the same way, tumor diseases or disorders in the muscles, nerves or spine can cause pain in the lower abdomen.
Psychological causes such as depression or stress can also trigger abdominal pain. It is important that the pain in the abdomen must always be clarified by the doctor. In addition to the family doctor, the urologist and the gynecologist, there is the gastroenterologist. A doctor specializing in gastrointestinal diseases. A psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist or orthopaedist can also be useful if you have pain in the lower abdomen.
Diseases
- urinary tract disease
When to the doctor?
In women, pain in the lower abdomen can indicate menstrual cramps or problems with the genitals. If the symptoms occur in connection with the onset of menstruation, there is usually no need to see a doctor. If the pain persists for more than 5-7 days or occurs outside of the menstrual period for several days, a doctor should be consulted.
If the pain in the lower abdomen spreads further into the upper body or pelvis, a doctor’s visit is advisable. If you suddenly experience severe pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. There may be organic disorders that need to be clarified. If there are additional symptoms such as bleeding, cramps, breathing problems or tachycardia , further medical examinations should be carried out.
If there is a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen, flatulence or sensory disturbances on the skin, a doctor should be consulted. The clarification of symptoms such as swelling , dizziness, nausea or vomiting is also necessary. A pulling pain can be an indication of inflammation. If left untreated, the germs continue to spread in the organism. Taking medication or experiencing an emotional distress should be discussed with a doctor. If the person concerned is under a lot of stress, is in a mourning phase or feels overwhelmed, it is advisable to see a doctor.
diagnosis and course
If pain occurs in the lower abdomen, it is important for the doctor to know the medical history. There is also a physical examination and an ultrasound around the abdomen. There is also a blood test. These include, for example, the inflammation values. In any case, the doctor tries to accurately determine the pain. It is important to know what character the pain has and where it is located. There are, among other things, spasmodic complaints, colitis-like, wavy, stabbing or even fading away.
Before the ultrasound examination, the doctor will scan the lower abdomen carefully. The patient helps and says where the pain is. If the patient is sensitive to pressure, for example, or if the abdominal wall is tense, this gives the doctor information about possible diseases. The current life situation also plays a major role in the diagnosis. The doctor makes a suspicion and can confirm his suspicion with blood tests, for example. Or he can refer you to a specialist in gastrointestinal diseases, an orthopedist or a urologist. A gynecologist for a possible secretion swab (vaginal secretion) can also be useful.
Sometimes it is also necessary to perform a so-called laparoscopy to make a diagnosis. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which the abdomen is mirrored. This is how a diagnosis is made with optical devices.
Abdominal pain can take a dramatic course if, for example, the largest vessel in the abdomen, the aorta , develops small tears. The aorta carries blood from the heart to the legs and abdominal organs. Pain in the lower abdomen in women can indicate a heart attack . Immediate action is necessary if shortness of breath occurs .
treatment and therapy
There are a number of treatment options for lower abdominal pain. It is important to find out the cause first. In the case of menstrual cramps, for example, antispasmodic painkillers and a hot water bottle, which also has an antispasmodic effect, can help. The doctor will adjust the treatment – as far as possible – according to the diagnosis.
Sometimes an operation is necessary. This can be the case, for example, when an acute intestinal disease is diagnosed. If the symptoms are psychological, relaxation techniques can be helpful. Autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobson help to release relaxation. If back pain is to blame for the pain in the lower abdomen, physiotherapy can help to rebuild the abdominal muscles.
prevention
For one, you can do something about lower abdominal pain yourself by drinking a tea made with cumin , anise , and fennel . The essential oils can relieve gastrointestinal problems such as flatulence . It is important that a doctor determines the cause of abdominal pain. With a caraway and fennel tea you can also prevent gastrointestinal problems, especially if you eat flatulent foods such as cabbage.It is also important to drink plenty of water and/or herbal tea throughout the day for prevention. Experts recommend drinking thirty milliliters of liquid for every kilogram of body weight. If fatty food is eaten, artichokes can also prevent abdominal pain.
A balanced diet with fiber , adequate nutrients, fruit, vegetables and fish can be beneficial to health. The stress should also be reduced. Pain in the lower abdomen can also occur due to a hectic lifestyle. Intestinal pain and abdominal cramps are not uncommon under stress.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.