Cramping in tummy

What Causes Them and How to Treat Them

Written by Alyson Powell Key

In this Article

• Food Poisoning
• Stomach Virus
• Food Allergy
• Food Intolerance

If you’ve ever had a sudden, uncontrolled, tight feeling in the muscles of your stomach, then you’ve probably had stomach cramps. They’re uncomfortable and sometimes hurt. Anyone can get them.

Most of the time, stomach cramps aren’t serious and don’t need to be diagnosed. If they happen often, are severe, or last for more than a day, this could be a sign of a more harmful medical problem, and you should see a doctor.

Here are some common causes of stomach cramps:

Food Poisoning

This happens when you eat food contaminated with certain germs. Stomach cramps can be one of the symptoms. In addition to the cramps, you may have:

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever

It may take minutes, hours, or days for symptoms to appear.

Older adults, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get food poisoning. Most people get better without seeing a doctor.

In the meantime, rest and avoid the food that might have made you sick.

If you’re throwing up or have diarrhea, experts say to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. See a doctor if your symptoms get more serious, including:

• Blood in your poop
• A high fever (temperature over 102 F)
• Throwing up many times, which can lead to dehydration
• Signs of dehydration (peeing less, dizziness, very dry mouth and throat)
• Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days

Also call the doctor for diarrhea in a child under 6 months old or for an elderly adult with chronic medical problems or a weakened immune system.

Stomach Virus

You may hear your doctor call this viral gastroenteritis. People also call it stomach flu, but it's not caused by the flu virus.

There are different types of stomach viruses. Norovirus is the most common in the United States.

Since a stomach virus and food poisoning have similar symptoms, like cramps, it’s easy to confuse the two. You get a stomach virus through close contact with someone who has the virus, such as sharing food or kitchen utensils, like a fork or knife. You can also get the virus by eating or drinking unsafe food and water. Unlike food poisoning, the virus can spread easily to other people -- at least for the first few days you have it.

Other symptoms include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Upset stomach and throwing up
• Muscle aches or headache
• Low-grade fever

There’s no medical treatment for a stomach virus. There are some things you can do at home to ward off dehydration and make you feel better.

Avoid solid foods. Sip plenty of liquids instead -- water, clear broths, or caffeine-free sports drinks.

Ease into eating. Start with things that are easy on your stomach, like:

• Crackers
• Toast
• Jell-O
• Bananas
• Rice
• Chicken

See how you feel. Stop eating if you feel sick again.

Get lots of rest, too. Dehydration and being sick may have made you weak and tired.

Most people with a stomach virus get better in a few days. Dehydration is a serious concern. You may have to go to the hospital for it. Call your doctor if you think you’ve become dehydrated.

Food Allergy

These happen when your body’s immune system defends itself against a food it has mistaken as harmful.

The most common food allergies are to proteins like:

• Shellfish
• Nuts
• Fish
• Eggs
• Milk
• Peanuts

If you’re allergic to certain foods, it’s best to avoid them. A dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, trouble swallowing, and shortness of breath. If not treated immediately, it can be fatal.

Food Intolerance

This is either when food irritates your digestive system or your body has trouble breaking it down. Lactose -- a sugar found in milk and other dairy foods -- is the most common food intolerance. Symptoms may only crop up when you eat a large amount of the problem food or eat it often.

Take an antacid to treat other symptoms of food intolerance like heartburn or stomachache.

Why Does My Stomach Hurt? 17 Possible Causes of Stomach Pain

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Mahammad Juber, MD on September 25, 2022

In this Article

• What Is Abdominal Pain?
• Types of Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Pain Causes
• When to Call the Doctor About Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Pain Diagnosis
• Abdominal Pain Treatment and Home Remedies

What Is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain is discomfort or other uncomfortable sensations that you feel in your belly area. Just about everybody at one time or another will get a bellyache.

Most causes of abdominal pain aren't reasons to worry, and your doctor can easily diagnose and treat the problem. Sometimes, though, it can be a sign of a serious illness that needs medical attention.

Types of Abdominal Pain

There are several types of abdominal pain, which are based on how quickly your pain starts and how long it lasts: 

• Acute pain starts over a few hours or days and may come with other symptoms.
• Chronic pain lasts longer -- from weeks to months or more -- and may come and go.
• Progressive pain gets worse over time and often comes with other symptoms.

Abdominal Pain Causes

Whether you've got a mild ache or serious cramps, abdominal pain can have many causes. For instance, you might have indigestion, constipation, a stomach virus or, if you're a woman, menstrual cramps.

Other possible causes include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Food poisoning
• Food allergies
• Gas
• Urinary tract infection
• Abdominal muscle strain or pull

You may also get abdominal pain if you're lactose intolerant or have ulcers or pelvic inflammatory disease. Other causes include:

• Hernia
• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Endometriosis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Appendicitis
• Diverticulitis
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (swelling in the belly’s main artery)
• Bowel blockage or obstruction
• Cancer of the stomach, pancreas, liver, bile duct, gallbladder, or immune cells
• Ovarian cancer or cysts 
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Low blood flow to your intestines caused by a blocked blood vessel
• Ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized eggs grows outside the uterus, for example, in a Fallopian tube)   

When to Call the Doctor About Abdominal Pain

If your abdominal pain is serious, doesn't go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain.

You should also contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as:

• Fever
• Can't keep food down for more than 2 days
• Signs you're getting dehydrated, including not urinating frequently, dark-colored urine, and being very thirsty
• Can't have a bowel movement, especially if you're also vomiting
• Pain when you pee, or you need to urinate often

Also call your doctor if:

• Your belly is tender to the touch
• Pain lasts more than a few hours

You may have other symptoms that could be a sign of a problem inside your body that needs treatment as soon as possible. Get medical care right away if you have abdominal pain and you also:

• Vomit blood
• Notice bloody or black, tarry bowel movements
• Have trouble breathing
• Vomit constantly
• Have swelling in your belly
• Have yellow skin
• Are pregnant
• Have unexplained weight loss

Abdominal Pain Diagnosis

Since there are so many possible causes, your doctor will do a thorough physical exam. They’ll also ask you some questions about your symptoms and want to know what type of pain you have. For instance, is it a severe stabbing pain or a dull ache?

Some other questions your doctor may ask you:

• Does it hurt throughout your abdomen, or is it just in one particular area?
• When does it hurt? Always? More often in the morning or at night?
• If the pain comes and goes, about how long does it last each time?
• Does it hurt after you eat certain foods or drink alcohol?
• Are you in pain during menstruation?
• How long have you been hurting?
• Does the pain sometimes move into your lower back, shoulder, groin, or buttocks?
• Do you take any medications or herbal supplements?
• Are you pregnant?
• Does any activity ease the pain, such as eating or lying on one side?
• Does an activity or position make the pain worse?
• Were you injured recently?

After your exam is over and your doctor is done asking you questions, you may need tests to help find the cause of your pain. These tests may include:

• Stool or urine tests
• Blood tests
• Barium swallows or enemas
• Endoscopy
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

Abdominal Pain Treatment and Home Remedies

The treatment for abdominal pain depends on its cause, and may include:

• Medications to lower inflammation, prevent acid reflux, or treat ulcers or infection
• Surgery to treat a problem with an organ

Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate your stomach and worsen your pain. Don’t take them unless a doctor has diagnosed the cause of your belly pain and recommends their use.

Some diet and lifestyle changes may help belly pain caused by gas and indigestion. Here are some things you can try:

• Eat smaller portions at more frequent meals
• Eat slowly
• Chew your food well
• Drink beverages at room temperature
• Avoid foods that give you gas or indigestion
• Manage your stress
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Sit up straight after you eat
• Get regular physical activity and take a short walk after you eat 

Pain Management Guide

1. Types of Pain
2. Symptoms & Causes
3. Diagnosis & Tests
4. Treatment & Care
5. Living & Managing
6. Support & Resources

Abdominal pain - find out the cause!

There can be many causes of abdominal pain and some of them can be seriously life threatening.

Therefore, do not get carried away with self-treatment - traditional medicine or over-the-counter medicines. It is necessary to consult a doctor, since only a specialist is able to determine the exact diagnosis.
From the point of view of a gastroenterologist, there are quite a few places where the source of pain can be - the stomach, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, etc. However, abdominal pain can also be caused by muscle tissue or nerve endings, which are directly related to problem areas of the spine. Pain can also be caused by pneumonia, a heart attack, or other health problems.

Abdominal pain should be taken very seriously, as it may indicate a malfunction in the functioning of internal organs. Gastroenterologist Medicīnas centrs ARS , certified endoscopist Dr. Sabri ABDELMASI.

• Pain in the abdomen and in the left hypochondrium can cause pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas (quite often after parties and feasts).
• Helicobacter pylori infection, gastritis or ulcer.
• Abdominal bloating because gases build up pressure and cramps occur.
• Pain may indicate a serious problem, such as a blockage in the colon. This can be caused by some kind of neoplasm or psychological problems that inhibit bowel function.
• Very severe, attacks, pain in the right hypochondrium with severe chills and nausea to vomiting is most often associated with problems in the gallbladder.
• One of the most common causes of abdominal pain is the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, a person often has a headache and therefore regularly uses painkillers. Strong painkillers are also used for injuries. For the stomach, there is no difference how medicines are taken (injected or in the form of tablets) - the irritation is the same. If special medicines that protect the digestive tract are not used to protect the mucous surface of the stomach, then it becomes inflamed and hurts. Soon, extensive inflammation occurs, damage develops on the mucous surface, there may be bleeding, an ulcer occurs. Regular use of aspirin has a very negative effect on the stomach and small intestine.

What to do?

Acute pain. If the pain in the abdomen is severe, attacks and does not go away, there is sweating, a feeling of heaviness in the heart, weakness, fever, vomiting with blood, diarrhea (several times a day) with / without blood, bleeding - then urgently required call for emergency medical attention. There is a possibility that the cause of the pain may be internal bleeding, a deep ulcer, a severe infection or poisoning, which seriously threatens human life.

Chronic pain. If the pain in the abdomen is chronic and not particularly disturbing, a consultation with a doctor is required and an in-depth examination is necessary so that there are no life-threatening risks in the development of the disease. Especially if recently there has been, for example, an incomprehensible weight loss or a variable nature of defecation (diarrhea is replaced by constipation) - this can be a serious signal that you need to check and make sure that there is no malignant neoplasm. Unfortunately, people often come to the doctor late. If something hurts in the stomach from time to time, it is better to check once than to suffer in ignorance - what is there?

Methods of examination:

• Laboratory tests of blood and urine, which reveal the presence of inflammation, infection or other pathological changes, if any.
• If gallbladder problems are suspected, ultrasonography (ultrasound) and computed tomography (CT) are needed.
• For pain and burning sensation in the stomach, pain in the upper abdomen, vomiting with blood, if an ulcer or neoplasm is suspected, gastroscopy is performed and the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (initial site) are examined. AT Medical centrs ARS this examination is carried out using a new generation of video endoscopic equipment Olympus EVIS EXERA III , which allows not only to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenal mucosa in detail, but also to simultaneously carry out diagnostics and medical manipulations, for example, remove polyps, treat a bleeding ulcer, conduct a biopsy - take samples of mucous tissues to assess the risk of tumors, and also clarify the presence of a heliobacterial infection.
• If abdominal pain is localized in the lower part, there is a painful bowel movement with an admixture of blood, painful cramps that arose due to bloating, constipation - then a colonoscopy is necessary, which will allow a qualified assessment of the mucous membrane of the colon and rectum. This is also carried out using the latest generation video endoscopy equipment Olympus EVIS EXERA III . The procedure is painless and at the same time it is possible to carry out various diagnostic and therapeutic manipulations, for example, take a sample of mucous tissue for analysis, perform a polypectomy - remove polyps, stop bleeding, etc. To get rid of any discomfort, light, short-term anesthesia is used.

causes, symptoms, treatment, what to do with acute pain

If a person says: “I have abdominal pain”, then it is important to understand that abdominal pain can hide problems of any organs of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal space, small pelvis.

If a person says: “I have abdominal pain”, then it is important to understand that abdominal pain can hide problems of any organs of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal space, and small pelvis. The intestines (ileal, lean, thick, sigmoid, colon, transverse intestine), appendix, stomach, liver, duodenum, spleen, ureters, kidneys, mesenteric (mesenteric) intestinal vessels can give painful sensations to the stomach. Therefore, pathologies can be of a gastroenterological, surgical, gynecological, urological nature.

Types of pain

Abdominal pain is very different:

• Acute and chronic . Acute pains occur suddenly, chronic ones develop gradually, their intensity increases step by step - sometimes over several weeks. In this case, a special variety is formed by chronically recurrent abdominal pain. They can suddenly make themselves felt, and then also suddenly disappear and resume after a certain period of time.
• Tonic and clonic . With tonic pain, the muscles are very tense, compacted areas appear on the abdomen, uncontrolled muscle contraction is observed. Tonic pains are accompanied by rather rhythmic spastic spasms.
• Burning (cutting) and aching - reminiscent of hunger.

Pain can be localized in the abdominal cavity, hypochondrium, areas above or below them.

Symptoms

A person who complains of abdominal pain may have different symptoms. Most often, it manifests itself in the form of spasms, colic.

• Colic - attacks, primarily of stabbing (hence the name) pain. With colitis, a person has colitis in both sides, with appendicitis or inflammation of the ovaries - in the lower abdomen, with poisoning, the localization of colic can be in different parts of the abdomen and most often there is an additional symptom (vomiting, diarrhea).
• Spasms - pain accompanied by involuntary muscle contraction. In this case, the skin turns pale. Because of the pain, a person can lose consciousness. If spasms - with inflammatory diseases of the intestines, stomach, they are accompanied by fever. Gynecological problems are indicated by spasms accompanied by bleeding.,
• Anginal pain - an unpleasant sensation with a strong burning sensation.
• Sharp pain in the area above the navel is a common symptom of appendicitis.
• Feeling of "fullness" in the lower back may indicate problems with the large intestine
• Cyclic pain (sometimes intensify, then subside) - characteristic symptoms in diseases of the bladder, intestines.
• Pain with severe gas , indicates a malfunction of the colon.
• Pain on the background of itching of the anus - symptoms of damage to the rectum.
• Unpleasant sensations in the abdomen that worsen at rest and disappear with movement are the result of circulatory problems.

Causes

What are the causes of abdominal pain, disorders of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space?

Colic can be caused by appendicitis, inflammation of the ovaries (in these cases, colic in the lower abdomen), poisoning, colitis. With colitis, a person has colitis in both sides. If the colic is cramping and at the same time localized both in the abdomen and in the lower back, the pain is more intense, the cause is most often in urolithiasis, kidney injuries or pyelonephritis. Colic in the navel may be a response to irritants of the sensitive mesenteric plexus of the intestine.

Among the common causes of paroxysmal spasms are intestinal obstruction, gastroduodenitis. And for spasms during urination in women, most often there is endometriosis of the uterus.

If abdominal pain is accompanied by increased gas formation, frequent urge to defecate, then the cause will most often be associated with diseases of the colon.

If the pain in the abdomen is anginal, and the patient is disturbed by an expressive burning sensation - the cause is most often gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa) or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). If pain and burning sensation are accompanied by strong tension in the muscles of the abdominal wall, and a person complains that he is pressing in his chest, the cause may be related to heart pathologies: in particular, such pain is typical for 60% of patients with myocardial infarction.

Abdominal pain accompanied by subfebrile temperature (for a long time the temperature stays at 37.1-37.5 °C ) is most often caused by inflammatory bowel disease.

Diseases

Most often, abdominal pain is caused by diseases of the intestines, stomach, pancreas, problems with the gallbladder, as well as hernias.

• Ulcerative colitis - diffuse inflammation. The mucous membrane of the rectum is affected. In the initial forms of ulcerative colitis, inflammation affects only the proximal section (entrance to the intestines), when neglected, the problems affect the entire colon. With the progression, exacerbation of the disease, the patient feels a sharp deterioration in well-being, he begins to become intoxicated, the pulse quickens, and blood appears in the feces in most cases. If the disease is not treated, then the body can poison itself, peritonitis can develop - a lesion of the abdominal cavity that poses a threat to life.
• Enteritis . The small intestine becomes inflamed. At first, the disease “masquerades” as a departure, and often is an accompaniment to this problem. If the disease is not treated in time, then the functions of the small intestine are disturbed. Food begins to be poorly absorbed by the intestinal walls. Digestion processes are disturbed.
• Crohn's disease . Both one and several sections of the intestine can become inflamed. But at the same time, almost always, the entire inflammation affects the junction of the large and small intestines. One of the most unpleasant moments is that inflammation affects the entire thickness of the wall, and a complication of the disease is intestinal obstruction syndrome, the treatment of which requires the adoption of a set of measures related to the simulation of motility and the restoration of bowel function.
• Dysbacteriosis – violation of the intestinal microflora. In the intestines, the number of beneficial bacteria is reduced, and pathogenic microflora develops. As a result, gas formation occurs, a person cannot digest food, and stool is disturbed. Very often, the development of dysbacteriosis is a consequence of incorrect antibiotic therapy or a reaction to stress.

Diseases of the pancreas

• Pancreatitis . The most common disease affecting the pancreas is pancreatitis. With inflammation of the pancreas, a person feels severe discomfort in the upper abdomen, it becomes difficult for the body to digest proteins and fats. Often in everyday life in this case they say: "Not enough enzymes." And it really reflects the real picture. In the affected pancreas, the production of lipase, chymotrypsin, and trypsin is significantly reduced.
• Cystic fibrosis is a disease that disrupts the functioning of the pancreas and respiratory organs. It is a non-inflammatory pathology. The reason is hereditary factors. A complication of the disease can be the formation of a duodenal ulcer.

One of the most common diseases that affect people of all ages, accompanied by pain in the abdomen is the pathology of the stomach, especially its mucous membrane. Leaders are gastritis, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease.

• Gastritis . It is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The entire stomach or its individual sections can become inflamed. With gastritis, burning pains and spasms predominate. The patient is concerned about discomfort after eating, a feeling of a full stomach, or, on the contrary, "sucking" and a constant feeling of hunger. Companions of the disease in the acute stage - vomiting and nausea.
• Gastric ulcer . Pain occurs against the background of characteristic ulcerative lesions of the gastric mucosa. Dyspeptic phenomena are expressed: heaviness in the stomach, a feeling of oversaturation of the stomach, cramps in the epigastric region.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (colloquially called “reflux”). The disease is associated with a weakening of the valve between the stomach and esophagus. The result of this weakening is pain, accompanied by heartburn. Very often, gastroesophageal reflux disease appears in patients who have already experienced gastritis or stomach ulcers.

Hernias

Abdominal pains are often caused by abdominal hernias. They can be umbilical, inguinal, diaphragmatic. Umbilical hernias are more often formed during pregnancy or in the postpartum period, inguinal hernias - with excessive loads, diaphragmatic hernias - abdominal wall defects that form as a reaction to improper bowel function, an incorrectly selected corset, weight lifting. The insidiousness of diaphragmatic hernias is that at the initial stage of the disease, a person believes that he has a typical gastritis - with heartburn and belching, but traditional therapy does not provide treatment, and ultrasound shows that the reason is not in inflammation of the stomach, but in the presence of a hernia. In toga, to combat pathology, it is not necessary to relieve inflammation, eliminate spasms, but surgical treatment, which is aimed at strengthening the abdominal wall.

Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts

Diseases associated with the gallbladder and bile duct constitute a special group.

• Cholangitis . Inflammation of the bile ducts. The pain is unbearable. Mostly on the right side. It is difficult because it requires not only the rapid removal of an attack of the pains themselves, but also the normalization of blood pressure.
• Cholecystitis . Acute pain on the background of fatty foods. Often, the pain itself is followed by vomiting with an admixture of bile. Flatulence (gas formation) and vomiting may disturb.
• Cholelithiasis – formation of solid structures in bile – stones. Pain during the disease is paroxysmal. Especially if the stones move along the gallbladder and ducts.

Contraindications

An incorrect diagnosis is fraught with the fact that the treatment will not only be useless, but will provoke serious complications. After all, many medicines, physiotherapeutic methods, effective in some diseases, accompanied by pain in the abdomen - is a strict contraindication for other diseases with similar symptoms.

For example, if a number of drugs prescribed for pancreatitis are given to patients with hepatic colic, the response may be unpredictable. And the treatment of a number of diseases of the stomach with an antibiotic can cause serious dysbacteriosis.

And absolute contraindications in the event of pain in the abdomen, stomach is self-treatment - especially the independent decision to take an anesthetic or antispasmodic. If, for example, such drugs are used by a person whose appendix has become inflamed, then relief will follow for a while. But this will not be help, but false help to oneself. It is not uncommon for patients who did not get to the surgeon in time to remove appendicitis, necrosis of the tissues of neighboring organs began.

In no case, without making a diagnosis, one should not grab even seemingly “harmless” means to combat hyperacidity. What seems to be just a release of excess hydrochloric acid and inflammation of the stomach may be a symptom of a completely different disease, such as a heart attack.

Also, for pain in the abdomen with an unexplained diagnosis, do not apply a heating pad with hot water. In a number of pathologies, heat only accelerates the inflammatory process, activates bleeding.

Examinations

An effective examination of a patient who suffers from abdominal pain consists of a survey, palpation of the abdomen, laboratory and functional diagnostics.

Even the smallest details are important for a doctor to make a diagnosis. For example, even an elementary assessment of feces can clarify a lot in case of pain in the abdomen.

• Hard lumps ("sheep" feces) are a frequent companion of colitis, lengthening of the sigmoid colon, stomach ulcers.
• Watery stool often accompanies poisoning, infectious diseases.
• With a parasitic disease (the presence of worms in the intestines), dysbacteriosis, stool particles are usually very loose.

Oral questioning of the patient is also important for the choice of instrument, diagnostic technology. The doctor asks the patient how long the pain lasts, whether there are attacks, what exactly causes pain - physical movements, going to the toilet, eating, taking a certain position.

Diagnosis

The following examinations are especially valuable for identifying the cause of the disease and finding methods of treatment for pathologies of the abdominal cavity:

• Abdominal ultrasound . One of the most prompt measures in diagnosing diseases of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis, identifying the cause of abdominal pain is ultrasound diagnostics. With the help of ultrasound, pathologies of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, uterus, and ovaries can be detected. Many people wonder: is the stomach and intestines visible on ultrasound. The stomach cannot be examined by ultrasound, the intestines - partially. If the equipment has a good resolution, for example, volumetric formations in this area are visible on it.
• EGD (gastroscopy, probing, swallowing the "gut") - a diagnostic method that can be used to obtain an objective picture of the state of the stomach, duodenum, esophagus. If necessary, you can immediately conduct a rapid test for Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter pylori) (which is the cause of the development of an ulcer), do cytology and biopsy - to exclude the oncological nature of the disease, determine the "acidity".
• X-ray. An old, but still practiced method of diagnosis. It can be used as an emergency measure for examining the stomach, if for some reason it is impossible to do an EGD. In addition, X-ray is informative in identifying diseases accompanied by symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Depending on the nature of the pain and complaints of the patient, a traditional X-ray or an X-ray with contrast enhancement (irrigoscopy) can be used.
• MRI is a progressive diagnostic method for abdominal injuries, liver enlargement, and an uninformative picture of the abdominal cavity during ultrasound (for example, due to severe flatulence).
• Colonoscopy. One of the most accurate methods for examining the intestines. It is carried out using a fibrocolonoscope. With the help of the device, you can explore everything - even the most difficult areas, including the inner surface of the colon.
• Cholescintigraphy . Isotopic research. It is carried out using a radio pharmacological preparation. Informative for problems with the gallbladder and bile ducts.
• Blood, urine and canal testing . In the analysis of blood, special emphasis is placed on ESR (inflammation can be determined by the erythrocyte sedimentation rate), biochemical parameters, and stool, with many types of examinations for abdominal pain, is examined for occult blood.

What to do?

So, the main thing in case of pain in the abdomen is not to self-medicate, not to delay the visit to the doctor and diagnosis.

At the same time, in some cases, it is important not only to make an appointment at the polyclinic, but to immediately call an ambulance. In what cases is an ambulance required?

• Pain in the abdomen is very intense.
• Cold sweat breaks out.
• Violent vomiting with blood begins.

If the pain is not acute, there is no blood in the vomit, the temperature differs from the temperature of a healthy person, but there is no fever, consultation with a general practitioner, gastroenterologist and diagnostics is recommended.

Timely diagnosis is a guarantee that the most gentle methods will be used to combat the disease. Even when it comes to surgery.

• Laparoscopy is used to remove gallstones and appendicitis (if the situation is not advanced).
• Laparoscopic funduplication is used to treat astroesophageal reflux disease.
• Surgical hernioplasty is used to effectively solve hernia problems and strengthen the abdominal wall.