What causes colic in the intestines. Symptoms and treatment of intestinal colic in adults. Symptoms of different localization of colic

Unfortunately, today there are practically no completely healthy people. From time to time, some problems with the body disturb everyone. In this article, I would like to talk about what intestinal colic in adults is: symptoms, treatment of this problem.

What's this?

At the very beginning, you need to understand the terminology. So, intestinal colic in medicine is also called intestinal dyskinesia. This is a complex of disorders that are the result of a violation motor function intestines. At the same time, there are no organic changes in it. To put it simply, intestinal colic is an attack of severe sharp pain. These sensations develop due to spasm of the large or small intestine. It is also worth noting that colic is not a separate disease, but a symptom of a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.

The reasons

1. Helminthization of the body. That is, a similar phenomenon can occur in those people who have worms.
2. As already mentioned, colic is a symptom. May be the chaperone of one of the the following diseases: pancreatitis, cholecystitis, colitis, etc.
3. Colic can occur if the patient has such diseases abdominal cavity that require urgent surgical intervention.
4. It can occur when overeating, consuming low-quality, “heavy” or junk food. Also, do not consume food that has just been taken out of the refrigerator. It is difficult for the body to cope with food at low temperatures.
5. May occur with diarrhea or flatulence.
6. Colic occurs during acute infection of any part of the intestine.
7. It may also occur if
8. The cause may also be nervous overstrain stressful situations.

Symptoms

What are the main signs of intestinal colic?

1. Severe sharp pain. Comes in waves (spasms).
2. Possibly often becomes hard. Discomfort when touched.
3. Chair disorder. Both constipation and diarrhea are possible. You can also find mucus (white ribbons) in the feces. Often characteristic of intestinal colic is a violation of fecal formation.

About pain

We further study the topic "Intestinal colic in adults: symptoms, treatment." So, I would like to say a few words separately about pain. Most often they are localized in the navel or lower abdomen. Rarely given to lumbar region. Spasms. The duration of colic can vary from a few seconds to tens of minutes. In the most severe situations, colic can last for days. Between bouts of pain, patients have other symptoms.

Differences

Is it possible to independently correctly determine that the patient has acute intestinal colic, and not another problem? So, you just need to be able to correctly differentiate this problem.

1. Acute gastritis. Symptoms uncharacteristic of intestinal colic: nausea, vomiting, coated tongue. There is also an aversion to food.
2. Lead colic. Symptoms uncharacteristic of intestinal colic: the appearance of a lead-gray border on the gums, a grayish color of the face and skin of other parts of the body.
3. Symptoms uncharacteristic of intestinal colic: vomiting, pain, difficulty in passing feces, gases. The pain does not have a typical localization. And in the intervals between contractions completely passes.
4. Abdominal crisis. It is also accompanied by severe sharp pains in the navel. However, with this disease, hemorrhagic rashes on the skin (bruising) also appear. There may also be blood in the stool.

This information is important, since very often intestinal colic is confused with these diseases.

The main thing

As mentioned above, intestinal colic is a symptom of a disorder in the gastrointestinal tract. How can this problem be countered? Very important proper nutrition with intestinal colic. So, the patient is recommended to strictly adhere to a special diet.

1. It is necessary to completely abandon the consumption of foods that contribute to gas formation (legumes, cabbage, etc.).
2. It is also necessary to reduce the consumption of sweets and muffins as much as possible.
3. You need to reduce your salt intake. Dishes should be as fresh as possible.
4. You also need to give up pickles, marinades, canned food.
5. It is completely necessary to exclude smoked meats, seasonings, ketchups and mayonnaises from the diet.
6. The diet should contain as much fiber as possible. Useful fresh vegetables and fruits.
7. Method of cooking: steamed, boiled or stewed.
8. Eggs are very useful for colic: scrambled eggs or soft-boiled.
9. It is also good to drink warm sweetened teas. Fennel tea will help to cope with colic.
10. Help to cope with intestinal colic dill and cumin. Of these, you can make decoctions or infusions and take it orally.
11. Mucous porridges and rice boiled in water are very useful.
12. It is necessary to refuse soda, "colored" drinks, coffee, alcohol.

Diagnostics

What to do if there is such a problem as intestinal colic in adults? Treatment in this case should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor. After all, self-medication can do great harm to your body. Which doctor should you go to?

1. Gastroenterologist. In most cases, you need to turn to him for help, because intestinal colic is a symptom of a malfunction in the digestive tract.
2. Traumatologist. In the event that colic was caused by an injury to the abdominal cavity.
3. Gynecologist. If colic torments a pregnant woman.

At the specialist

Considering the topic - intestinal colic in adults: symptoms, treatment - you need to talk about what the doctor will do with the patient.

1. Inspection. At the very beginning, the doctor will lay the patient on the couch and examine his abdominal cavity. It is very important at this moment to indicate exactly where it hurts and what is the nature of pain.
2. The study of anamnesis.
3. The doctor will also give a referral for a stool test. This is necessary in order to examine the feces for the presence of worms and to find out the state of the microflora of the stomach.

Possible studies:

1. Gastroscopy. It will be needed if the doctor has suspicions of stomach diseases.
2. Analysis of urine. Needed if the doctor has a suspicion of problems in the work of the kidneys. Also, using this analysis, you can determine whether there are inflammatory processes in the body.

These are the main activities. However, in some cases, doctors may prescribe other studies.

Treatment

So, intestinal colic in adults. Treatment will depend on the cause of the symptom. However, now I want to talk about those remedies that will help relieve pain:

1. Warm It can significantly reduce colic and allow a person to rest. It is important to remember that the water should not be hot.
2. Attention: in case of intestinal colic, a hot heating pad should not be placed on the stomach. If it is on the abdominal cavity, you can put a heating pad with ice.
3. If colic is caused by the intake of poor-quality food, in this case, you need to induce vomiting (this is necessary in order to free the stomach from the remnants of the product).
4. You can also take antispasmodics. That is, funds that help relieve pain. So, it can be the following drugs: "No-shpa", "Spasmalgon".
5. It is also important to take funds that help the work of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, it may be the drug "Smecta".
6. If poisoning is the cause of intestinal colic, it is also good to take a drug such as Enterosgel. It will remove toxins from the body, significantly speeding up the healing process. In parallel, the doctor may also prescribe an enema to cleanse the intestines.
7. If the patient has intestinal colic, what should be done to alleviate the condition? So, if this symptom is a consequence viral disease, it is enough to limit yourself to taking the drug "Activated charcoal", a complex of vitamins and a diet.

ethnoscience

What can you advise people who want to know how to treat intestinal colic? So, if there is no desire to resort to the use of drugs, you can turn to the means traditional medicine. What can help in this case?

1. Dill. This green will do the job perfectly. To do this, prepare a milk broth from its seeds (one tablespoon per glass of milk).
2. Collection. You need to take one tablespoon of calamus, angelica and oak bark, pour a liter of boiling water and leave for a day. You need to take the medicine two tablespoons before each meal. This remedy not only eliminate colic, but also relieve bloating.
3. Motherwort juice. Great for relieving spasms. To do this, one teaspoon of juice should be diluted in a glass of warm boiled water.
4. Pomegranate peels. Studying the topic "intestinal colic: symptoms and treatment", I would like to say that pomegranate peels can perfectly cope with the problem. To do this, take one teaspoon of crushed crusts, pour a glass of boiling water and boil over low heat for half an hour. accepted this medicine three times a day before meals, 30 ml.

Prevention

What else can be said to those who want to have more information about what intestinal colic is, the symptoms and treatment of the problem? Also important will be preventive measures to help avoid this problem:

1. Proper nutrition. It is necessary to abandon products that promote gas formation. It is also best to stick to a normal diet. healthy person(you need to completely abandon fast food, semi-finished products and "harmful" products).
2. Daily regime. To avoid colic, a person's day should be quite active. If the work is sedentary, it is necessary to do a little exercise during breaks, and once every two hours go out for at least 10 minutes in the fresh air.
3. Exercise can help relieve colic. The swing of the press works especially well in this direction.
4. And, of course, you need to avoid stressful situations and emotional overstrain.

Intestinal colic is not a disease. Most likely, it is a symptom of a combination of gastrointestinal diseases. Colic is characterized by a pain syndrome that occurs in the abdomen in a spastic type, it can actively increase or disappear suddenly. Often the result of pain is the urge to defecate or pass gases.

As a rule, pain occurs due to any changes occurring in the intestines. But it is not easy to understand the origin of pain, because, as mentioned above, colic is not a separate disease - it is a whole series of complications that signal that the normal functioning of the digestive tract organs is disrupted in the body. However, for most attacks, an inherent general condition, which speaks of a disorder of intestinal motility, its tone and spasm.

AT medical practice there are several types of colic, but intestinal colic is considered more famous view, also called intestinal dyskinesia. It is a complex of disorders due to malfunctions of the motor function of the intestine, and without its organic changes.

The reasons

Pain is based on functional disorders intestines, spasmodic contractions of the colon. The cause of occurrence can serve as a variety of factors based on internal or external properties.

For example, the cause of pain is often:

• The patient has gastritis or stomach ulcers. And also as a result of other diseases of the digestive system. For example, colitis of a non-infectious type or with functional failures occurring in other organs, when poorly digested food enters the small intestine in large quantities and contributes to the development of colic.
• An adult patient may suffer from intestinal colic as a result of loop distension of the intestine.
• Often a condition occurs when nerve endings are irritated in the intestinal walls from any factors.
• Carrying or lifting heavy various objects, as well as heavy physical exertion, can cause colic.
• Often there are intestinal colic due to acute intestinal obstruction. This occurs as a result of the accumulation of feces in the intestines, as well as other kinds of factors, when there is a "struggle" of the intestinal muscles with the obstacles that have arisen. These are intestinal adhesions, volvulus, increased growth of neoplasms, and the like. Of the factors external character the cause of symptoms is often injuries and other injuries in the abdominal region, causing obstruction.
• As a result of poisoning. It can be both food products and plant poisons, chemicals, salts of heavy metals.
• The patient suffers from any intestinal infection, such as dysentery or salmonellosis, as well as cholera or typhoid fever. The precipitating factors are often viral infections- ARI, tonsillitis and others.
• Affects the manifestation of symptoms of intestinal colic and poor-quality nutrition, for example, excessive consumption of foods that contribute to high education gases and fermentation, for example, kvass, lemonade, sauerkraut. Their use is strictly prohibited;
• Can provoke the appearance of colic helminths.

There are many other reasons that provoke the appearance of symptoms of this phenomenon. It should be noted that the risk group includes patients:

• at the age of forty and older, regardless of gender;
• those who have undergone abdominal operations;
• patients who have adhesions on the abdomen;
• patients suffering from chronic constipation;
• patients complaining of intestinal bleeding.

As already mentioned, intestinal colic is characterized, for example, by a sharp appearance and independent disappearance. Such phenomena can often be observed in patients at the time public speaking, when passing exams and the like, which are particularly suspicious. If spasms are provoked by a stressful environment. In other cases similar colic in adult patients occur, as a rule, periodically, often with increasing pain. This condition requires immediate treatment in a hospital for examination and consultation with a doctor.

Intestinal colic in adults: symptoms

What could be the main signs of this phenomenon? The very first thing to note is the sharp severe pain in the intestines, usually rolling in waves or spasms. They can be sharp and growing. Most of all, the patient feels pain in the navel, but often they are felt in the lower abdomen. There are fewer cases when patients complain of spasms in the lumbar region. Often, pain begins in the groin area, while male patients are given to the testicles, in women - to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe reproductive organ.

The duration of colic is different and it happens that in some cases it can be ten minutes or more, and sometimes it can last only half a minute, or even less. However, when severe situations occur, such symptoms can persist throughout the day. It should be noted here that in the intervals between attacks, patients have other symptoms.

The nature of pain during the appearance of intestinal colic is also very diverse. Pain can be barely perceptible, or vice versa, pronounced. Often there are complaints of paroxysmal, cramping, cutting and stabbing symptoms.

Intestinal colic should also be considered. Symptoms in adults usually appear:

• Bloating, flatulence. It often becomes hard. The patient feels discomfort on palpation.
• Disorders of the stool, patients have both constipation and diarrhea. Often there is a violation in the formation of feces.
• Mucous discharge during bowel movements, white ribbons are found in the feces.
• Nausea and dizziness.

Colic can also appear after a big nervous strain or conflict. At the moment of probing the abdomen during an attack, the patient feels severe pain, although the muscles, as a rule, are not relaxed. Body temperature is kept normal.

When a patient has diseases such as acute gastritis, then the main symptoms of this disease may be accompanied by symptoms of a dyspeptic nature - vomiting and refusal to eat.

Clinical manifestations

Medical practice divides intestinal colic in adults, the symptoms associated with them, into some types of pathology:

• Appendicular. Serves most of all initial sign at acute appendicitis. It is characterized by the appearance strong attack pain that comes on suddenly the patient feels a sharp pain that captures the right lower side of the abdomen. This happens as a result of the onset of inflammation in the process of the colon, the pain does not stop with time, but rather becomes stronger.
• Rectal. It is characterized by acute attacks of pain in the rectal area; they intensify over time; along with them, the patient suffers from painful urge to defecate.
• Lead. This phenomenon is observed when the patient's body is exposed to lead poisoning, in most cases this is the result of harmful production. It is characterized by sharp, excruciating pains, which in turn strain the abdominal wall; periods of calm are rare; severe bleeding gums, they are covered with a white coating; the patient's temperature rises and may approach a critical point. In such a situation, immediate medical attention is required.
• Vascular. main reason This type of intestinal colic should be called a weak blood supply to the tissues of the intestinal muscles as a result of various pathologies- Tumors, vein thrombosis, polyps and adhesions. Initially, pain may be weak, slightly aching; but then they begin to intensify; because of oxygen starvation in muscle tissue there are attacks of sharp pain that spreads throughout the abdominal cavity.

Despite the initial causes that contribute to the formation of excruciating spasms, the main symptoms in most cases are pains of a sudden cramping nature, localized in the abdominal region and only getting worse over time. They manifest themselves, as a rule, after eating, but with diseases of a gastroenterological property, their unexpected appearance is permissible, and on an empty stomach, regardless of the daily time.

Muscle spasms can be supplemented by the following symptoms:

• if pain during seizures continues long time, then they begin to give to the lower back and to the coccyx, creating a feeling that the pain has spread throughout the abdominal cavity;
• with prolonged spasm, an obstacle is created for the normal exit of gases and feces, as a result, flatulence is formed with severe bloating. The patient, against the background of diseases such as gastritis or stomach ulcers, has an eructation with nausea;
• in some cases suddenly rises arterial pressure, this does not apply to cases where the patient suffers from intestinal obstruction, in this situation, on the contrary, the pressure drops;
• the patient experiences a breakdown, his state of health is steadily deteriorating, this condition is typical for acute intestinal obstruction;
• in the patient's stools (constipation, diarrhea), one can see not only mucus, but also an admixture of blood;
• the patient's body temperature rises during spasmodic attacks, but only if provoked by poisoning or viral and intestinal infections.

In the event that the patient's condition from the moment the pain attacks begin to steadily worsen, it is necessary to immediately seek medical help, since only a doctor can determine the causes that caused such a condition. We must not forget that such serious conditions as intestinal obstruction, severe stage of dysentery and poisoning require immediate treatment. Otherwise, the risk of death increases.

Differences and Diagnosis

Is it possible, without the help of specialists, to correctly recognize that the patient has symptoms of acute intestinal colic, and not another problem? At least, this is possible if you can distinguish between the symptoms of other diseases.

In acute gastritis, uncharacteristic symptoms appear, for example, this can be expressed in a coated tongue, lack of appetite, even more aversion to food, as well as nausea, vomiting.

If the patient has a lead type of colic, then the symptoms are expressed in a gray face and other skin integuments, a gray border with a lead tinge appears on the gums.

With intestinal obstruction, symptoms atypical for colic can be expressed in difficult passage of feces and gases, vomiting. At the same time, pain sensations do not have a characteristic localization and at the moment of respite between attacks completely disappear.

If the patient suffers from an abdominal crisis, then such a condition is characterized by symptoms such as the appearance of sharp and severe pain in the umbilical region. It should be taken into account that there must necessarily be the presence of hemorrhagic eruptions on skin Something like bruising. The presence of blood impurities in the feces is not excluded.

This information is relevant, since often intestinal colic is confused with just these diseases.

Diagnostics

As already mentioned, intestinal colic is not separate disease, but on the contrary, a consequence of a large number of disorders in the body, so doctors need to carry out complex diagnostics. This need is due to the fact that you need to determine the real cause of spasmodic attacks of muscle tissues. As a rule, the initial diagnosis is made in the process of questioning the patient. However, it will be possible to speak about the final diagnosis only after the results of the procedures performed, which are described below:

• Gastroduodenoscopy. During this endoscopic examination, when the doctor performs a visual inspection of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, are detected possible violations in work digestive organs that provoked the occurrence of intestinal colic.
• Cholecystography. This is the name of the method, which involves x-rays and a contrast agent, which help to identify abnormalities in the functioning of the gallbladder.
• Colonoscopy. Using this method, the doctor can detect quite a lot of anomalies in the large intestine. For example, it is possible to diagnose diverticulitis, malignant and benign tumors, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, narrowing of the intestinal duct, which were caused by inflammatory processes.
• Sigmoidoscopy. With its help, the intestines are examined, more precisely, the rectus and sigmoid sections, in order to identify the presence of various kinds of neoplasms, ulcers, inflammatory processes, soldering and the like.
• ultrasound. Allows you to conduct a visual examination of the structure and functioning of organs and identify the pathologies that the patient has.
• Blood. Analysis is carried out to detect inflammatory processes.
• Urine. This analysis is necessary, first of all, to identify possible pathologies in the work of the pancreas, kidneys and liver.
• Cal. This type of diagnosis in the event of intestinal colic should be given a special place. It allows you to identify the activity of enzymes, the presence of infections, as well as the presence of dysbacteriosis.

The results will help the doctor choose the appropriate treatment in this case.

Doctor's advice: when intestinal colic appears, it is strictly not recommended to use painkillers, as they can affect clinical picture which, in turn, will create difficulties with the diagnosis.

After passing the examination, the doctor selects the necessary course of therapy for the patient. Basically, the treatment is aimed at eliminating the factors of the underlying disease that provoked pain syndrome.

Treatment

To eliminate the symptoms of intestinal colic, to relieve the patient of severe pain, they are initially blocked. At the same time, when the pain is eliminated, the patient should go to a specialist to find out real reasons this phenomenon. It must be remembered that intestinal colic may be accompanied by severe diarrhea, or, conversely, persistent constipation will occur.

Therefore, do not hesitate to go to the doctor. Moreover, it is impossible to exclude, for example, the presence of a dangerous intestinal infection, which requires immediate hospitalization in the infectious diseases department. The acute phase of intestinal obstruction also requires a serious attitude, it may even require urgent surgical intervention.

If you ignore the appeal to the doctor, then, both in the first case and in the second, this will lead to serious complications.

Treatment of intestinal colic in adult patients is known to be based on the diagnosis and the factors that provoked this symptom. What means are used for treatment? First, you should probably dwell on those that help to cope with pain:

• Great for relieving spasms and giving the patient a break when using a relaxing bath. At the same time, the temperature of the water in it should not be very high. Warm water has a beneficial effect on the body. You need to know: you can not use a hot heating pad as a compress for intestinal colic and put it on your stomach. For biliary colic, it is recommended to use an ice pack.
• In the event that attacks are provoked by poor-quality food, it is imperative to cleanse the stomach by causing vomiting. Not bad help in this situation such funds "No-shpa" and "Spazmalgon".
• It is also recommended to use tools that help restore the normal functioning of the stomach. For example, such a drug is Smecta.
• In case of poisoning, Enterosgel helps well. It promotes the elimination of toxins, which in turn significantly speeds up the healing process. At the same time, you can use a cleansing enema.
• With a viral nature, colic is used Activated carbon as well as vitamins and diet.

Diet

Intestinal colic of any kind requires a special diet, which is the basis of treatment. When an adult patient has a strong spasm, he needs, first of all, to provide his diet with foods that are rich in fiber and vitamins. It must also consist of fermented milk products, decoctions of various herbs and juices from vegetables.

Meals should be taken according to the schedule, preferably in small portions, in order to avoid overeating and at the same time avoid prolonged fasting.

• Vegetables. They must be in boiled form. At the same time, the use of raw carrots, green apples and pumpkins is not prohibited.
• Dairy products. The patient can eat cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, kefir, as well as low-fat sour cream and snow.
• Fish. This product should be consumed boiled or steamed. In the same form, veal and chicken are cooked.
• Kash. They should be low-fat and cooked in water.
• Bread. A dried white variety is recommended. Also crackers are not banned.

• Vegetables. These include those species that contribute to increased gas formation. Therefore, it is undesirable to use cabbage, legumes, corn, radish and other similar vegetables.
• Milk. Should not be in the diet of fatty sour cream.
• Pork.
• Kashi. Cooked not on water, as well as using hercules, millet and pearl barley.
• Sweets. Sweet pastries, cakes, pastries and other similar products should be avoided.

What is intestinal colic? Spasmodic colic is an infectious and inflammatory process of the mucous layer of the large intestine, with an acute or chronic course. Colic is accompanied by pain syndrome, gas formation, nausea, gag reflex and temperature up to 40 degrees.

To call them a separate disease is not correct. Pathology is a symptomatic manifestation of other diseases. Therefore, intestinal colic is not a final diagnosis, but only a symptom of a separate pathological process.

A little about the structure of the intestine

The anatomical structure of the gastrointestinal tract consists of the following segments: stomach, duodenum (duodenum), small intestine and large intestine. Food slurry from the stomach enters the small intestine through the duodenum. It has a smaller diameter and anatomical structure. In its departments (skinny and ileum) the food coma is split into small particles, which, in turn, are absorbed into the bloodstream in a certain amount.

Further, the "processed" pulp enters colon(colon). It consists of the caecum and appendix, the transverse colon, and the rectum (ampulla, rectal canal, and anus). Thanks to the developed muscular and mucosal systems, as well as the large diameter of the tube, food turns into chyme or a completely spent material from which all nutrients are “squeezed out”.

Types of colic in adults

In patients, intestinal colic is divided into certain types according to the nature of the manifestation.

In the intestine, colic appears after obturation (obstruction) of the lumen or overfilling of the intestine with a large amount of feces. Motility is impaired, that is, tone and peristalsis. Spasms cause severe paroxysmal pain.

The pain syndrome depends on the degree of stretching of the intestinal wall and on the irritable reflex of intestinal innervation. Spasms are accompanied by nausea, reflex vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and fever.

In order to exclude serious complications up to death, each of us needs to know everything about intestinal colic in adults, their symptoms and treatment. This information will help you give yourself first aid.

Diseases that cause intestinal colic

Colic in the large intestine is the main symptom food poisoning, appear with gastroenteritis and colitis infectious nature. Paroxysmal colic is characteristic of salmonellosis, dysentery, botulism, tuberculosis, and pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic fungal infection.

Cancer also causes colic with stool obstruction. Intussusception and perforated gastric ulcer cause severe intestinal spasms with vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature body and fainting. The picture of intestinal gas formation and colic is observed with influenza and SARS.

Closed injuries of the abdomen and abdominal surgical interventions lead to intestinal colic. Lead intoxication is accompanied by spasms and a specific border on the gums. In the list of diseases that cause spasm of the thick gastrointestinal tract, there is also an allergy. Spasmodic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract occur after ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, as well as in diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system.

colic symptoms

The most important symptomatic component is severe and acute paroxysmal pain in the abdomen. It is accompanied by bloating, gaseous rumbling and altered consistency of feces. The pain begins suddenly and goes on increasing, to an unbearable sensation. The localization of pain depends on gender, that is, in men it begins in the groin and testicles, and in women in the genital area and labia.

Symptoms of intestinal colic in women and men, regardless of location, have big picture: unbearable paroxysmal character, accompanied by nausea and gag reflex. In such situations, it is necessary to conduct a differential diagnosis in the exclusion of inguinal hernia and inflammation of the female genital organs: ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.

A clear sign of colic is a change in the consistency, color and smell of feces. The stool may be thin, offensive, and shaped like sheep's stool. The stools are streaked with mucus, pus, and undigested food. The veins have a ribbon-like or tubular shape.

At allergic reactions eosinophils and pointed crystals resembling pulmonary sputum are constantly observed in the stool. With gastritis, gastroenteritis and colitis, feces are hard (sheep stool), coated with mucus or pus. Obturation of the intestine is characterized by the absence of feces. A characteristic concomitant symptom of colic after heavy metal poisoning is the rim of the gums.

If colic appeared in the intestines in adults, is it possible and how to treat them at home? There is no need to self-medicate spasmodic attacks of the gastrointestinal tract, some incidents of colic can lead to irreversible processes and death due to relief with analgesic drugs. If unbearable pain has disappeared, this is not the result of recovery, but a “time bomb” for appendicitis, intussusception or intestinal obstruction (ileus), incarcerated inguinal hernias and perforations of the intestines, as well as acute abdominal syndrome.

Diagnostics

The final diagnosis is made only after a complete examination of the patient, namely:

• collection of complaints and general anamnesis;
• visual examination of the abdomen - the consistency and color of the epithelial cover;
• palpation and percussion - the tone of the rectus abdominis muscles, the localization of pain, the presence of gases and the determination of the irradiation of pain;
• laboratory tests of blood, urine and feces;
• instrumental studies through MRI, ultrasound and computed tomography.

In case of doubts about the final diagnosis, the patient is immediately sent for a consultation with the surgeon. If the attending physician is sure of the diagnosis, excluding appendicitis, intussusception and obturation of the intestine, the patient is prescribed antispasmodics and analgesics, and a warm heating pad is placed on the stomach and a cleansing oil enema is performed. The patient must be hospitalized.

What to do with intestinal colic in adults suffering from an allergic disease? With colic of an allergic nature, Atropine, Papaverine and Desensitizers are administered to patients.

First aid for intestinal colic

Intestinal spasms are stopped by applying dry heat or hot water bottles to the abdominal area. The thermal effect relieves paroxysmal spasms, relaxing the muscles of the large intestine. AT field conditions a heating pad can be thought of from a glass or plastic bottle filled with boiling water.

How to treat intestinal colic in adults at home if you need to urgently relieve spasm? You need to take Spazmalgon or No-shpu, as well as Papaverine. Fresh decoction helps a lot. peppermint and chamomile. After removing colic, it is not recommended to eat meat, legumes, fish or pickles, but start with porridge on the water, strong teas and crackers. But! The first step is to seek specialized medical care at the clinic at the place of residence.

Patients suffering from chronic intestinal colic, flatulence and other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are not recommended to overeat and abuse meat products, as well as spicy, spicy seasonings, fatty foods, marinades, carbonated drinks and alcohol. For this group of people there is special diet– tables number 1, 4 and 5 depending on concomitant diseases. On an empty stomach, drink 200-300 ml every day fresh juice from carrots, red beets or spinach.

Treatment Methods

Therapeutic therapy for colic takes place in several stages:

1. Pain relief with atropine, analgesics and antispasmodics.
2. Appointment of desensitization for allergies (Analgin, Papaverine and Diphenhydramine).
3. Purpose antibiotic therapy with infectious colitis.
4. The appointment of a balanced and complete diet with lifestyle changes.
5. Therapy of the underlying acute or chronic disease.

Observing all these points, you can solve the question: how to get rid of intestinal colic once and for all.

Food

What can you eat with intestinal colic? With intestinal colic, you need to follow the dietary recommendations of a nutritionist, excluding fatty and fried, peppered and spicy, sweet and sour, muffins and kvass, carbonated and alcoholic drinks, as well as smoked meats, pickled vegetables and salty foods from the daily menu. Meat products should be consumed according to a certain scheme and in small quantities. Every day, 100 grams of boiled chicken or beef is recommended.

Nutrition for intestinal colic is fractional and in small quantities. The menu will certainly include foods rich in trace elements and vitamins. These are vegetables and fruits in fresh and passivated form. Mushrooms, cereals, soups, Rye bread, crackers, lean meat and fish - are dietary products for colitis.

Decoctions, infusions and teas from medicinal herbs, namely wormwood, dill, mint, St. John's wort and chamomile, patients with intestinal colic should take 200 ml every day three times with meals. There is a special diet for intestinal colic in adults - diet table number 4. Patients with acute and chronic forms intestinal spasms liquid or semi-liquid dishes are recommended.

Prevention

Preventive measures of intestinal spasms consist in full and fractional nutrition, excluding the abuse of nightly overeating and the use of carbonated and alcoholic beverages. Try to eat less meat oily fish and spicy dishes.

Intestinal spasms are a complex symptomatology of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and abdominal organs, so self-medication is not recommended. At the first sign, you need to consult a doctor, otherwise this nuisance will turn into purulent appendicitis, peritonitis, disability, or worst of all - in fatal outcome. Appreciate your health and be examined by a doctor in time!

Useful story about bowel diseases

The external manifestation of the diverse diseases of the digestive system are pain and spasms in the intestines. A painful attack is indicated by the phrase intestinal colic from the Greek word "kolikos", which translates as "colon hurts." Intestinal colic occurs in people of all ages - from infants to the elderly. Under the painful attacks of intestinal spasms, pathologies so different in nature are hidden that only a doctor is able to establish an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment.

How to recognize intestinal colic

Intestinal spasm is a condition of the muscles of the intestinal wall associated with a violation of the tone of smooth muscle fibers. Muscles contract (hypertonicity) or relax (). Pain arises from an unnaturally strong contraction of the muscles of the intestinal wall. Intestinal spasms occur in both the thick and thin sections.

The first symptoms of colic begin with increasing spasmodic pain in the navel. Contractions of excruciating pain are interspersed with short periods of calm. Symptoms of intestinal colic are rapidly increasing. Painful impulses intensify, give down the abdomen. Symptoms of spasm differ not only in the underlying disease, but also in age and gender.

Signs of colic in babies

In healthy newborns, colic occurs from the first week of life and resolves on its own by six months. A child during colic has a sudden strong cry, the baby presses his legs to his stomach, arches his back. This “concert” lasts up to 3 hours, occurs with a frequency of up to 3 times a week.

Infantile colic occurs in the late afternoon, observed in a third of newborns. Accompanied by an attack of increased gas formation, bloating.

Features of female colic

In women, colic is similar to menstrual pain. Strong spasms in the intestines are given to the lower abdomen, the pain then rolls, then recedes. The abdomen is soft but very painful. Diarrhea or constipation, flatulence, general weakness. It is necessary to distinguish signs of intestinal colic from anomalies of the uterus, ovaries in order to avoid misdiagnosis and treatment.

Signs of colic in men

Spasm of the large intestine in men spreads pain impulses to the scrotum. The symptoms are similar to inguinal hernia, prostatitis, testicular torsion, inflammation of the appendages. Cramping pains with colic last more than a day. The patient feels a noticeable deterioration, weakness, lethargy, in severe cases - loss of consciousness.

In all adults in the presence of inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines, the following is noted:

• decreased appetite, nausea, turning into vomiting;
• with gastritis, gastric contractions are felt, diarrhea develops with inclusions of mucus and poorly digested dietary fiber;
• in a spasmodic intestine, a food lump stagnates. There are difficulties with the passage of intestinal gases and defecation. Intestinal obstruction begins, which gives out prolonged constipation. The patient does not stop nausea and vomiting. The intestinal wall experiences an additional stretching load, which leads to an increase in pain;
• violation of the digestive processes is manifested by pallor, weakness, anemia, dehydration.

Often, intestinal cramps occur an hour after eating, when food begins its journey through thin department and runs into an obstacle. If in babies everything goes away by six months, the colic of the intestines of adults only progresses. They reflect the abnormal and sometimes very disturbing position of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

When the first symptoms are detected, medical attention is needed.

Types of intestinal colic

Strong spasms in the intestines are characteristic manifestations of certain pathologies, so there are different types of colic:

• appendicular colic happens when the stomach hurts a lot, first above the navel, and the pain gradually flows into right hypochondrium. When it hurts on the right side of the abdomen, it means that the process of the caecum has become inflamed, appendicitis has developed;
• damage to the pancreas by inflammation or tumor is manifested by pancreatic colic. With pancreatitis, it hurts first on the left, slowly shifting to the center and encircling the stomach in a circle. Spasm small intestine expressed by bouts of nausea, vomiting, flatulence;
• if the mouth is full of bitterness, and under the right rib it hurts so much that it is given under the shoulder blade, then the bile ducts are blocked by stones. At cholelithiasis hepatic colic is accompanied by bile in vomit, temperature up to 37 ° C;
• the most painful is renal colic - the pain is so severe that people lose consciousness. It happens with nephritis, neoplasms and kidney stones, tuberculous lesions of the organ. The strongest bouts of pain are felt in the lower abdomen, in the lumbar region. The temperature is high, the pressure is below normal. Concentrated urine is separated in scanty portions or not at all;
• rectal colic is observed with spasms of the large intestine. It seems to the patient that it is necessary to go to the toilet, but there is no bowel movement. The large intestine hurts, spasms cause serious discomfort;
• workers in hazardous industries in contact with heavy metals are at risk of lead poisoning. Cramping lead colic is manifested by cutting, spastic pains, fever, characteristic gray coating on the gums with subsequent bleeding from them;
• spasm of intestinal vessels provokes a vascular type of colic. The intestine does not receive a normal blood supply, its work is disrupted.

Any kind intestinal pain and cramps of the abdominal muscles requires careful attention. The patient is immediately hospitalized for examination, as appendicitis, kidney and pancreas diseases directly threaten life.

What causes intestinal colic

The main cause of painful spasm of the intestines is a persistent violation of motor function. The walls of the organ experience a strong stretch, sending the appropriate signal to the brain. The muscles are trying to restore their previous state by contracting more than usual. Thus, throughout the intestine, areas with stretched, atonic walls and zones of spasmodic muscles alternate. There is stagnation of the food coma, constipation, bloating. The formed toxins enter the bloodstream, provoking symptoms of general poisoning - indomitable vomiting, loss of strength.

In reality, there are many more causes of spasms in the intestines; each organism shows an individual response to adverse environmental conditions. In life, there is a combination of provoking factors, their mutual influence. For example, a person who lives in an ecologically unfavorable area and comes into contact with chemical agents at work has received food poisoning.

How to identify intestinal colic

Identification of the underlying cause of intestinal colic is based on the diagnosis of existing diseases. A complete, comprehensive examination of the body is necessary. Diagnosis is performed by a team of doctors - gastroenterologist, neuropathologist, gynecologist, urologist, infectious disease specialist, therapist.

At the initial visit, the therapist conducts an examination, collects an anamnesis and prescribes laboratory tests:

• blood tests for hemoglobin, leukocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Blood biochemistry will show deviations in the work of internal organs;
• a general urine test will reveal kidney pathology;
• stool analysis is taken for a coprogram, detection of helminths, hidden blood. Examine feces for dysbacteriosis, finding out if there are pathogens of infectious diseases in the body.

After receiving the results from the laboratory, the patient is sent for hardware studies:

• radiography:
• fibrogastroduodenoscopy;
• sigmoidoscopy;
• colonoscopy;
• irrigoscopy;
• ultrasound procedure;
• computer and magnetic resonance imaging.

With endoscopic probing, pieces of suspicious tissue are taken for microscopic examination. The nature and structure of cellular deformation, neoplasms of the digestive tract is determined.

Treatment of intestinal colic

Treatment of intestinal colic in adults consists of combating the underlying disease and eliminating acute painful symptoms. It is important to note that with a sudden onset severe spasm in the stomach, you need to immediately call the ambulance. While waiting for the doctor, you should not give the patient painkillers, antispasmodics, laxatives. Warm heating pads on the stomach, laxative enemas are prohibited. Unskillful actions will harm the patient and complicate the work of the doctor.

Acute attack of colic

Help with intestinal colic is provided only by competent medical specialists. A patient with suspected appendicitis intestinal obstruction, peritonitis urgently placed in surgery department for emergency operation. Symptoms of acute intestinal infection give rise to hospitalization in the infectious diseases department. Poisoning poisonous plants, mushrooms, chemicals requires urgent measures to remove toxic substances from the body and prevent their absorption into the bloodstream.

Colic in the chest

Treatment of intestinal spasm in infants occurs after consultation with a pediatrician.

If, according to the results of the examination, the baby is healthy, and colic does not stop, you can advise:

• circular in a clockwise direction for rapid discharge of gases;
• therapeutic exercises, consisting of sequential flexion and extension of the baby's legs, pressing them to the tummy and pressing on it;
• laying the baby on the stomach;
• vertical position after feeding;
• the use of decoctions of chamomile, anise, mint, fennel;
• create psychological comfort for the baby - spend more time with him, pick him up;
• control the baby's latch on the nipple or bottle to prevent air from entering the stomach.

Usually colic in infants disappear by 4-6 months. It is not necessary to use medications to relieve spasm in the intestines of an infant.

Colic of medium and low intensity

It is possible to treat intestinal colic caused by nervous stress in the absence of other pathologies with sedatives. For the treatment of spasms in adults, extracts of valerian, motherwort, mint, passionflower herb are used. They have a mild sedative effect, in the recommended doses do not have side effects.

A group of drugs called "intestinal antispasmodics" is called upon to relieve intestinal spasm. They relieve pain of weak and moderate strength. Medicines are taken orally for ulcers, bile duct obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome. Antispasmodic therapy is prescribed in violation of peristalsis.

Medications based on:

• papaverine hydrochloride - Papaverine, Papazol;
• drotaverine hydrochloride - No-shpa, Drotaverin, Spazmoverin, Spazmonet;
• mebeverine hydrochloride - Duspatalin, Sparex, Niaspam;
• trimebutina - Trimedat, Neobutin.

Relieve intestinal spasms herbal preparations Iberogast, Plantex. Herbal drops Urolesan is indicated for hepatic colic, relieve spasm of the biliary tract. Eliminate the consequences renal colic Phytolysin will help. Relieve spasms associated with increased gas formation, called pharmacological agents Espumizan, Smecta, Enterosgel.

Nutrition for colic

Intestinal colic in adults can be cured by changing the diet. The basic principles of the diet for intestinal colic:

• with painful attacks, intense gas formation, they do not eat anything during the day. You can drink boiled warm water;
• after the removal of an acute attack, they eat fractionally, in small portions, reducing the load on the gastrointestinal tract;
• dishes are warm, without temperature differences "hot-cold";
• food is prepared by boiling, stewing in water, steaming, baking without a crust;
• you can eat cereals on the water, soups with chicken broth, vegetable and fruit purees, low-fat minced meat and fish products;
• must be consumed clean water, a decoction of wild rose, chamomile;
• exclude products that cause gas formation - cabbage, corn, yeast bread, radishes, grapes;
• spicy, fatty, fried foods, smoked products, canned food, marinades, sauces are prohibited.

It is necessary to follow the diet for as long as the course of treatment requires. In some pathologies, dietary restrictions are lifelong. Definitely contraindicated in intestinal spasms the use of alcohol and tobacco.

Prevention of intestinal colic consists in the timely elimination of the causes of the disease, a visit to the doctor at the first alarming symptoms.

Intestinal colic occurs as a result of spasm of smooth muscle fibers of the intestinal wall. It is a symptomatic manifestation of various diseases. The vast majority of acute attacks of colic ends with hospitalization of the patient. Treatment at home consists of the use of sedatives, antispasmodics, nutrition and lifestyle changes.

The information on our website is provided by qualified doctors and is for informational purposes only. Do not self-medicate! Be sure to contact a specialist!

Gastroenterologist, professor, doctor of medical sciences. Prescribes diagnostics and conducts treatment. Study Group Expert inflammatory diseases. Author of more than 300 scientific papers.

The problem of intestinal colic worries many adult men and women.

In cases where it occurs, it is required emergency treatment, which would include a number of measures, including diet. A diet for intestinal colic must be observed.

But before proceeding to its description, it is necessary to understand what intestinal colic is in adults. Symptoms, treatment, and causes this process will be discussed below.

What is this disease

Intestinal colic is a syndrome of acute pain in the stomach. What are they related to? Pain is associated with contraction of the muscular wall of the intestine, which occur intensely.

Such muscle contractions can occur in both adults and children.

Intestinal colic is not a separate disease that manifests itself independently. Spasm of the colon or small intestine provoking stomach pain, occurs as a result of some disturbances in the functioning of the body.

Therefore, the occurrence of intestinal colic is a serious reason to seek help from a doctor.

Arriving at the hospital, a person should describe in detail the symptoms that provoke severe pain in the stomach. If he has a regular pain attack, this should also be reported.

The patient describes his syndrome in detail, after which he is prescribed treatment.

What causes it

Symptoms of intestinal colic will depend on the cause of its occurrence. Most often, intestinal colic in adults is associated with some kind of pathology in the functioning of their body. What can cause intestinal colic?

Most often, pathologies of the abdominal cavity occur. If time does not begin to treat stomach cramps may require surgical intervention.

For this reason, doctors conduct detailed studies of the condition of the intestine.

Harmful microorganisms settle in the stomach, or rather in the lymph of the abdominal cavity. The result is intestinal colic.

Spasmodic pains that occur in the abdomen must be removed, because they bring the patient a lot of uncomfortable sensations.

Other symptoms are also observed: the patient may begin to have diarrhea, a painful attack leads to difficulties in eating, after which a feeling of weakness appears.

Treatment of intestinal colic caused by viruses is the most difficult and longest.

Another reason! Intestinal colic often appears due to diarrhea. Simply put, its appearance is preceded by diarrhea. As a result, the intestinal walls become inflamed. After that, feces and gas accumulate there.

As a result, intestinal colic appears, defecation will help get rid of it. In adults, this problem occurs quite often, because it provokes weight lifting and malnutrition.

Symptoms of the disease

• Sudden onset of acute pain in the stomach. The pain syndrome is accompanied by spasm. In women, discomfort is felt in the area of ​​the labia, and in men - in the area of ​​the testicles.
  Usually, the pain syndrome does not go away after a few hours. Discomfort in the abdomen does not leave the patient even during the absence of spasms.
• Constipation, fecal obstruction. This symptom may be absent.
• Diarrhea. With diarrhea, light mucus is excreted along with feces.
• Bloating. Flatulence is present in such diseases of the housing and communal services as gastritis, stomach ulcers, etc.
• There may be belching, vomiting and nausea.
• Feeling of weakness.
• Bad mood, apathy.
• Pale and flaccid skin.
• Cold sweat.
• Lack of appetite.

Intestinal spasms almost always provoke constipation. During constipation, pain occurs throughout the abdomen. In the future, there may be a delay in stool and gases. In this case, the patient's pressure drops sharply.

It is necessary to take timely measures to eliminate all of the above symptoms, since delaying treatment can lead not only to a deterioration in the health of the patient, but also to his death.

If a person complains of acute pain in the abdomen and other symptoms of intestinal spasm, you should immediately call ambulance. No need to self-medicate.

Diet for illness

Nutrition for intestinal colic should be correct. If symptoms such as diarrhea and bloating are observed during spasms in an adult patient, the diet is taken especially seriously.

So the diet this disease is a necessity. What foods and drinks should be excluded from the diet?

• Alcoholic drinks.
• Kvass.
• Chocolate.
• Corn.
• Coffee.
• Mushrooms.
• beans.
• syrups.
• Carbonated drinks.
• Fried meat, fish.
• Sauces.

Why can't you eat these foods during a stomach cramp? The fact is that these drinks and products have a gas-forming property.

Excessive accumulation of gases in the intestinal area provokes a deterioration in the patient's condition. Rectal pain may occur during bowel movements.

With intestinal colic, you should not eat foods that stimulate nausea and vomiting. The diet excludes the use of:

• Vegetables containing natural acids (onion, cabbage, radish, turnip, etc.).
• Spicy food.
• Fruits containing natural acids (apples, citrus fruits, plums, etc.).
• Sugar sand.
• starch.
• Spread, margarine, butter.
• White bread.
• dairy products.

If, with intestinal colic, garlic and seasonings are added to food, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract may occur.

To solve the problem of intestinal colic in adults, it is recommended to include in your diet foods that help relieve stomach cramps.

So, in order to help the patient with this ailment, you should feed him:

1. bananas. This product can also treat heartburn. Bananas contribute to the normalization of the work of housing and communal services. With their help, you can eliminate the problem of irritation of the intestinal walls.
2. rice. Intestinal spasms can be relieved with rice.
3. Oatmeal. If you eat this cereal, then diarrhea will quickly pass. Oatmeal has benefits alimentary fiber providing positive action for intestinal work.
4. Apples. Treatment of stomach cramps with this fruit should be correct. Apples contain a large amount of acids that can harm the stomach with this ailment. However, if you eat them in moderation, you can remove them from the body. harmful bacteria. If the causes of the disease are bacteria and viruses, then 150 grams of applesauce will help the patient in treatment.
5. Whole grain toast. After eating such a toast, you can get rid of the problem of excessive acidity in the stomach. Such a diet will allow the patient to reduce the feeling of discomfort and partially eliminate the problem of pain.
6. Carrots. The carrot diet is great folk medicine from constipation. If intestinal spasms are accompanied by constipation, their treatment should be accompanied by a carrot diet.
7. Probiotic yogurt. A diet with this pathology should contribute to the supply of the stomach with beneficial bacteria. With the help of a probiotic, you can improve the quality of food digestion, eliminate pain, and also eliminate intestinal spasms.
8. Fish. Fish such as herring, salmon, mackerel and sardine contain fats that contribute to the normalization of the digestive system.

How to help the sick

One of the digestive problems in adults is abdominal cramps. What to do when they occur to alleviate the patient's condition?

At home, the following treatment is possible:

• Calming drugs. Sedative tablets the patient is given in cases where the symptoms of the disease are associated with psycho-emotional upheavals, stress.
• Antispasmodics. These medicines help to eliminate the problem of pain in this disease. They have a positive effect on the smooth muscles of the intestine, relaxing it. For example, you can drink No-shpu.
• Warm heating pad. Patients often have to do warm compresses, which are placed on the stomach. Thanks to this, the spasm is removed and the pain goes away.
• Enema with a decoction of mint and lemon balm. This decoction helps to cleanse the intestines from feces and gases. To prepare it, you need to pour the leaves of lemon balm and mint with water and bring them to a boil. When the water boils, you need to turn off the fire. Cooking time - 20 minutes. An enema should be done with a warm decoction.
• Smekta. This remedy is antidiarrheal. Smecta helps to adsorb viruses, toxins and bacteria, which caused a spasm. You need to make a smecto-water mixture and drink it before eating.
• Refusal to eat. After the onset of the first intestinal spasms, the patient is not recommended to eat food for 12 hours.

Folk methods of treatment of the disease

At home, you can implement a number of methods that will help relieve stomach cramps.

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