Intestinal pain is most often caused by a buildup of intestinal gas, but it can also be a sign of constipation, infections, food intolerance, inflammation, or, in some cases, tumors.
In addition to intestinal pain, other symptoms can help identify the cause, such as nausea, vomiting, blood in the stool, bloating, changes in bowel habits, or fever.
If intestinal pain lasts for more than one day, is very intense, or comes with other symptoms, it is important to see a gastroenterologist to identify the cause and begin the right treatment.
What can cause intestinal pain?
The main causes of intestinal pain include:
1. Excess intestinal gas
Excess intestinal gas is the most common cause of intestinal pain. It can be triggered by stress, eating too many fiber-rich foods, or digestive problems like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
Also recommended: What Causes Smelly Farts? Top 4 Reasons & What to Do tuasaude.com/en/smelly-fartsPain from excess gas often feels like a sharp stabbing on the left side of the abdomen and can sometimes be mistaken for heart pain. However, it usually improves after passing gas and does not worsen within minutes.
What to do: an abdominal massage from right to left or drinking peppermint tea can naturally help release trapped gas. If the pain does not improve after passing gas, or if passing gas is not possible, it is important to see a gastroenterologist.
Check-out how to get rid of gas for quick relief at home.
2. Constipation
Constipation happens when bowel movements occur fewer than three times per week. It causes hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass, along with bloating, abdominal discomfort, and the sensation of incomplete emptying.
This condition is very common and often occurs in people who hold back the urge to go to the bathroom. It can also result from a diet low in fiber and fluids, use of certain medications such as antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, or psychotropics, as well as medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological disorders.
What to do: increase fiber and fluid intake, practice regular physical activity, and use the bathroom whenever the urge arises. A doctor may also recommend laxatives or treat the underlying cause of constipation. Read more about constipation relief and what to do when you're backed up.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is when there are four or more bowel movements per day, usually with watery or loose stools. It is most commonly caused by gastroenteritis.
Other causes of diarrhea with abdominal pain include intestinal parasites, celiac disease, food intolerances, medication use, or irritable bowel syndrome.
What to do: treatment depends on the cause and may involve antibiotics for infections, antispasmodics to reduce cramping, hydration, and dietary adjustments.
Also recommended: Why Does My Stomach Hurt? 8 Common Causes tuasaude.com/en/why-does-my-stomach-hurt4. Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the intestines that causes abdominal pain, usually relieved after a bowel movement, along with changes in stool frequency, consistency, and appearance. IBS symptoms often alternate between diarrhea and constipation.
Although the exact cause of IBS is unknown, it often worsens during times of stress and anxiety.
What to do: see a gastroenterologist for evaluation and tests to rule out other conditions. Dietary changes, such as avoiding foods that cause gas or diarrhea and increasing fiber intake, can help. Medications like probiotics and antidepressants may also be prescribed to ease pain, regulate bowel habits, and address related emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
Read more about IBS treatment and what your doctor may recommend.
5. Food intolerance
Food intolerance, such as lactose, gluten, yeast, alcohol, or fructose intolerance, can lead to intestinal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Symptoms typically appear or worsen after eating the triggering food.
What to do: consult a gastroenterologist and a nutritionist for proper evaluation. Avoiding the triggering food is usually necessary, although enzyme replacement may be possible in some cases, such as lactase supplements for lactose intolerance.
6. Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is linked to autoimmune and genetic factors, although the exact cause is unknown.
IBD causes chronic inflammation in the intestinal wall, which may occur anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Symptoms include abdominal pain, rectal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, fever, and anemia.
What to do: treatment usually involves medications that reduce inflammation, such as sulfasalazine. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary.
7. Bowel obstruction
A bowel obstruction is a medical emergency. It can be caused by conditions like volvulus (twisting of the intestines), a strangulated hernia, or intestinal tumors.
Obstruction can occur in both the small and large intestines, leading to a buildup of gas, stool, and fluids. This triggers intense inflammation, severe abdominal cramps, bloating, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
What to do: go to the emergency room immediately. The doctor will perform tests, such as abdominal X-rays, along with a clinical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis.
8. Intestinal ischemia
Intestinal ischemia, also called intestinal infarction, occurs when blood flow to the intestines is blocked. It causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever, especially after meals, and requires urgent treatment to reduce health risks.
It is more common in men over the age of 60 and can affect both the small intestine and the colon.
What to do: surgery is usually required to remove dead tissue or restore blood flow by unblocking the affected blood vessel.
9. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of diverticula, which are small pouches that form in the walls of the large intestine. It causes abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, vomiting, fever, and chills.
What to do: treatment generally includes antibiotics, pain relievers, hydration, and dietary changes. Surgery may be needed if complications occur.
10. Appendicitis
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small organ connected to the intestine on the right side of the abdomen.
It usually begins with pain around the belly button that moves to the lower right abdomen within 24 hours. Other symptoms of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, and fever over 100.4°F (38°C). The pain often worsens with walking or coughing.
What to do: surgery is the main treatment for appendicitis, along with antibiotics and hydration.
11. Intestinal tumors
Intestinal cancer is a less common cause of intestinal pain. It may be suspected when pain is accompanied by changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or blood in the stool.
What to do: treatment is guided by an oncologist and may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery.