Intestinal Pain
Explaining the Possible Causes of Intestinal Pain
Whether it is sharp, lingering or sudden, intestinal pain stops you in your tracks. Search for the possible causes of the problem in order to avoid it.
Intestinal pain is defined as bloating, swelling, cramps or aches that emit from your abdomen area or lower. Often people call this type of suffering abdominal pain, possibly due to the more general nature of that name. However, remember that abdominal pain may be caused by things other than intestinal issues.
Watch for signs that the pain in your intestine is caused by a blockage. This can become very serious as your body will refuse to keep food or water down if it cannot pass through the body. Intestinal blockages can be caused by any number of things. It is common in advanced cancer patients for calcium to get lodged in the intestinal track, causing a blockage that is difficult to remove. Also, gallstones or swallowed objects may become jammed in the intestines or conditions such as hernias or adhesions (from previous surgeries) may cause blockage.
Not all intestinal blockages will require surgery, but all should be looked after immediately. At your first inclination of the possibility see your doctor for further tests.
Irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS) is another common cause of intestinal pain. Symptoms of IBS include bloating, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Almost every person will experience these sometime in their life, but IBS sufferers deal with them constantly and often together. Intestinal pain occurs in IBS sufferers when the bowels are not working well together. They may be contracting at the wrong times, pushing the material through too quickly and at other times may not be relaxed enough to allow material through easily. These contradictions can result in severe pain, as well as bowel movement issues and abdominal pain and bloating.
It is estimated that nearly 30% of North Americans suffer from IBS. No wonder it is a common cause of intestinal pain. Women may be more prone to the condition than men, but it can strike at any age from adolescence on. IBS may also disappear for a time, only to flare up again later. It can be caused or irritated by stress and even food allergies. Other supposed causes of IBS include alcohol use, antibiotic use and lack of proper exercise.
Intestinal pain can also be a result of colitis. This is essentially an inflammation of the large intestine. Colitides (plural for colitis) can be infectious, autoimmune, idiopathic or iatrogenic. Inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s Disease both lead to autoimmune colitis. Colitis sufferers will encounter nearly the same symptoms as the other digestive conditions above – diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain. They may also suffer from loss of appetite and fatigue.
You also may be suffering from small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (or SIBO) if you experience pain in that area. In your intestines there is an optimal amount of bacteria that is necessary for proper function. If the level of bacteria swells, the result is often pain and problems.
It is important to try and pin point the true cause of your intestinal difficulties. Is it possible that your diet is insufficient or you are intolerant of a certain food you regularly eat? Maybe you simply suffer from excessive gas or are having problems with constipation. Try to maintain good balance in your intestinal area. Eat plenty of pro-biotics, including those found in yogurts and cheese. Get adequate, regular exercise and drink enough water. All of these things will help to maintain proper function in your digestive system, decreasing the chance of pain flaring up.
If you suspect one of the above conditions, such as IBS, Colitis, SIBO or a blockage, go see your doctor right away. Watch your diet, get moving and drink water. Don’t take your intestinal system for granted – you need it every day.