Lower abdominal pain right or left

Lower abdominal pain right or left / symptoms
Lower abdominal pain is very common and, depending on whether it is acute or chronic or occurs in a woman or a man, have a variety of causes. If the abdominal pain occurs on the left, it can be, for example, a diverticulitis, while right-sided complaints often indicate appendicitis. Typical "gynecological problems" in the abdominal area include, for example, recurrent menstrual pain before or during menstruation, which is manifested by severe pulling or cramping. But men can also experience discomfort in this region, if e.g. Prostate inflammation, hernia or urinary stone disease is present. How strongly and in what form these occur is quite different, accordingly the pain can be e.g. be perceived as dull and diffuse, boring, pulling or stinging. In addition, the pain is often not limited to the abdomen, but radiates into other areas of the abdomen, the flanks or the back. In order to avoid health risks and to exclude serious diseases, pelvic pain should always be clarified by a doctor. This is especially true if they occur suddenly and are accompanied by fever and / or bleeding.


contents

  • Causes of pain in the lower abdomen
  • Naturopathy and home remedies for pelvic pain
  • Left-sided pelvic pain
  • Pelvic pain right
  • Lower abdominal pain of the woman
  • Lower abdominal pain in pregnancy
  • tubal inflammation
  • Abdominal pain man
  • treatment
  • Naturopathy for pelvic pain

Causes of pain in the lower abdomen

Abdominal pains in the lower abdomen are often due to disorders in the intestine, whereby the sections located in the pelvic area are especially affected (large intestine with appendix, rectum, etc.). But also stomach problems such as Gastritis (gastritis) can cause discomfort that spreads to the abdomen. Often, pelvic pain, e.g. in people who suffer from a bowel dysfunction or a so-called "irritable bowel syndrome", which affects an estimated one-fifth of the population in varying degrees.

Characteristic here are in particular constantly recurring, spasmodic pain in the abdomen, which are perceived as a strong stinging, pushing or pulling. Partly the symptoms are also expressed in the form of upper abdominal pain, in addition to constipation or diarrhea, these problems occurring in most cases only during the day. In addition, in the case of an irritable bowel, parallel to the digestive problems, unspecific general symptoms such as e.g. Headache, increased menstrual cramps, sleep disturbances, general fatigue or depression.

Intestinal polyps can cause pelvic complaints.

Another cause of severe, acute abdominal pain in the lower area may be a hernia (inguinal hernia), in which the well-worn intestinal parts (eg the intestine) are trapped (incarceration). Fever, nausea, and vomiting often occur here, while in a "normal" fracture, there are often no symptoms other than the characteristic swelling in the groin and slight groin pain. An incarceration is a serious complication of the inguinal hernia, because the affected intestinal tract is no longer supplied with blood, this can lead to dangerous inflammation and even die off in an emergency. Accordingly, there is an absolute emergency requiring immediate surgery.

Likewise, acute intestinal infections with pathogens such as Yersinia enterocolitica or Escherichia coli can cause severe abdominal pain or cramping, often accompanied by other signs of disease such as, for example, Be accompanied by fever or diarrhea. Similar symptoms are typical of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, aphthae are more common in the mouth or skin rashes, in rarer cases also conjunctivitis or eye inflammation as well as joint pain are possible.

In addition, having a urethra can cause lower abdominal pain. This mainly affects people between the ages of 30 and 50, and men are a little more common than women. But even children can already form ureteral stones, which are crystalline deposits (concrements) in the ureter (ureter), which may consist of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate or cystine, for example. If they reach a certain size, they can no longer pass the urinary tract and hit against the walls of the ureter, causing typical colicky flank pain, radiating into the back and lower part of the abdomen or into the genital area ("renal colic"). , If it comes through the stone to injuries of the ureter wall, it can also lead to bleeding, which is recognizable by a red color of the urine. In some cases, the stone also gets stuck in the ureter, as a result of which the urine can no longer flow away unhindered and leads to kidney congestion.

Naturopathy and home remedies for pelvic pain

Left-sided pelvic pain

Discomfort on the left side of the lower abdomen can be an indication of a so-called "diverticulitis", which is an inflammation of protuberances in the intestinal wall (diverticula). This can be restricted to the diverticulum (peridiverticulitis) or, more rarely, across the intestinal wall, leading to complications such as peritonitis, fistulas or intestinal obstruction. From a medical point of view, diverticulitis is often triggered by a low-fiber diet and a lack of exercise, resulting in hard bowel movements and constipation. As a result, the mucous membrane bulges due to the increased pressure to the outside. When faecal matter remains in the diverticula they can attack the mucous membrane and cause inflammation, in most cases affecting the last part of the colon (sigmoid colon).

Typically, this results in sudden, dull pain in the left lower abdomen, which resembles the character of the (right side) symptoms of appendicitis, which is why the disease is often referred to as "left appendicitis". The pain can radiate into the back, in addition many cases of fever, nausea and vomiting, urinary symptoms and abnormalities in bowel movements such as diarrhea, constipation or pus in the stool.

Pelvic pain right

Appendicitis is typical for pain in the right lower abdomen, whereby here, contrary to the name, the appendix itself is not affected. Instead, it is a bacterial inflammation of the so-called appendix, an appendix of the cecum up to 10 cm long, which is usually found in the lower abdomen on the right side. An appendicitis is very common (about 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year) and affects especially often younger people between the ages of 10 and 20 years.

Significant for the inflammation are especially severe pain, which usually begin in the region of the navel and then pass over the next few hours on the right side of the stomach, but it is also possible radiating into the left area. The pain is described by many sufferers initially as persistent dull and / or oppressive and usually amplified by tremors such. Cough, sneeze or hopping. Frequently, other symptoms such as slightly elevated temperature, nausea, vomiting and constipation may occur, loss of appetite, an accelerated pulse, or excessive sweating at night may continue. In contrast, appendicitis is less "typical" in pregnant women, as the position of the appendix changes during this time and the pain accordingly occurs more in the upper or middle area of ​​the abdomen on the right side. In children, appendicitis usually manifests itself in a modified form, as the overall symptoms are more pronounced than in adults. Accordingly, in many cases, small patients suffer from pain throughout the abdominal area and increased nausea.

There are several causes for appendicitis, but in most cases there is a blockage of the intestine, e.g. caused by fecal stones or scarring. A kinking of the appendix may also lead to secretion congestion and inflammation, as well as in rarer cases, fruit cores, worms or other foreign bodies as a trigger for a closure into consideration. In addition, it is possible that intestinal infections pass to the appendix, as well as an appendicitis may accompany the chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Lower abdominal pain of the woman

Pain in the abdomen of the woman can have many causes. Typical examples here are e.g. recurrent, cramping pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), which almost every woman experiences at least once during her life. If the menstrual pain is very pronounced, this may also indicate a so-called "endometriosis", which affects mainly women of childbearing age. This is a widespread, benign condition in which "dislocated" uterine lining (endometrium) also settles outside the uterus. However, as the displaced tissue, like the "normal" mucosa, participates in the menstrual cycle, the disease often leads to severe spasms and increased, painful bleeding, especially during the period.

Other possible symptoms include, for example, cycle disturbances, infertility or intermenstrual bleeding, in addition, depending on the spread of the tissue, e.g. Problems with urination, pain during intercourse or back pain occur. Because the symptoms of endometriosis are cycle-dependent, they usually disappear with the onset of menopause or during pregnancy. In the case of endometriosis, which symptoms actually occur depends primarily on where the tissue foci are. Accordingly, these can be quite different, in some cases, no typical symptoms occur.

Other genital causes of pain in the lower abdomen may be in the woman, for example, an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) or ovarian cyst (ovarian cyst), as well as an inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (adnexitis), malformations of the genitals, a narrowing of the vagina or a so-called "myoma "In the womb into consideration. It is a tumor or proliferation that can occur at various points in the muscular layer of the uterus. Fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female genital tract and can in principle develop in any woman, but usually between the age of 35 and 50 years. In about a quarter of those affected by the Gebweismustergeschwulst no complaints, so in these cases usually no treatment is necessary.

The others, on the other hand, typically experience cycle disturbances in the form of severe, prolonged bleeding and / or bleeding, as well as lower abdominal pain. The long, heavy bleeding also increases the risk of iron deficiency anemia, which in turn can lead to cardiovascular complaints, dizziness, and headaches. Depending on the size, location and growth of proliferation, an impairment of adjacent organs is also possible, causing further symptoms such. Increased bladder pressure, urinary frequency, constipation, back pain, discomfort during intercourse or cystitis are possible.

However, a number of non-genital causes may also be considered for pelvic pain in women. These include, but are not limited to, cecal or renal pelvic inflammation, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or irritable bowel syndrome, as well as various tumors (e.g., ovarian or cervical cancer), inguinal hernia, inflammatory bowel disease such as inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease, intestinal obstruction (ileus) or scarring or adhesions due to surgery.

Lower abdominal pain in pregnancy

In addition, women often experience lower abdominal complaints during pregnancy, which must always be clarified by a doctor in good time to avoid health risks for mother and child. Often it is relatively "harmless" reasons, because especially in the first and second trimester of pregnancy occur by the growing child and the associated stretching of the uterus often belly button pain. Even at the end of pregnancy, most women experience quite natural pain in the lower abdomen when the labor pains start.

In addition to serious abdominal pain in pregnancy but also serious causes may be responsible. Possible here is e.g. a malformation of the placenta or a rupture in the uterus, as well as a premature or miscarriage into consideration. Accordingly, it is essential, especially in pregnancy to take the pain always seriously and to have a medical examination.

tubal inflammation

Inflammation of the fallopian tube and ovary ("pelvic inflammatory disease") can also be the cause of severe pain in the abdomen. This occurs in most cases on both sides and affects primarily young women between the ages of 15 and 25 years. The disease is usually caused by bacteria such as gonococcal or chlamydia, which can reach the fallopian tubes and ovaries (adnexa) via various routes of infection. If it is an ascending (ascending) infection, the pathogens pass from the vagina through the uterus to the fallopian tubes and from there into the ovaries. The prerequisite here is that there is a bacterial infection of the vagina, as in a vaginal inflammation, which often arises from unprotected intercourse. In addition, certain conditions (e.g., period, birth or miscarriage, insertion of the coil) must be met to allow the bacteria to enter the uterus at all and not be "warded off" by natural protective barriers such as the cervix.

By contrast, a "descending" (descending) infection is used when the bacteria can pass from an adjacent organ to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, as in the case of appendicitis or appendicitis. The pathogens can either "jump" directly from one organ to the other through spatial proximity, but it is possible that they spread to the adnexa via the lymphatic system. In addition, infection via the bloodstream (hematogenous infection) may also occur, e.g. by the tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as part of a virus flu or mumps.

Depending on how the inflammation develops and the treatment proceeds, a distinction is medically made between an acute and a chronic form of adnexitis. Typical of the first case are sudden pelvic pain, often accompanied by fever, purulent discharge from the vagina and a strong sense of malaise. In addition, other symptoms may occur, such as a pressure-sensitive, inflated abdomen, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, vaginal bleeding, or pain when urinating. If the acute symptoms are not treated appropriately, there is a risk that they will persist or return over the long term (chronic pelvic inflammatory disease), although this may also be due to scarred changes as a result of previous, healed inflammation.

If there are scarring or even adhesions with neighboring organs, this can lead to some back pain after intercourse in some women, as well as regular pains, flatulence and constipation. Typically, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease is a very protracted disease that can severely affect the well-being and quality of life of the woman. In addition, the infection can lead to complications and long-term consequences such as peritonitis, sepsis or even infertility, which is why inflammation should always be taken seriously and treated early.

Abdominal pain man

If men develop pain in the area of ​​the lower abdomen, various causes may also be considered. Often, there is an appendicitis or inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis), which may be accompanied by other symptoms, e.g. Fever, chills, nausea and vomiting is accompanied. Especially in older men complaints in the abdomen can also indicate a disease of the prostate ("prostate gland"). This is a small bladder beneath the bladder that is an important part of the male reproductive system, producing secretions that protect, motile and nourish the sperm cells. Although the prostate is only about walnut-size, it causes many men sometimes great problems. Possible here, for example, an inflammation (prostatitis), which in addition to discomfort in the abdomen often comes to a pressure sensation in the perineal area and anal pain and in some cases to erectile problems, pain in and after ejaculation and fever. Often there are problems with urination, as the patient feels a strong urge to urinate, but then only a few drops of urine can be released from the toilet.

The majority of men in middle to older age is also affected by a benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, short: BPH). This is due to an excessive proliferation of cells, which is relatively harmless in itself, as it is neither aggressive nor uncontrolled as in the case of malignant growth (cancer). Accordingly, a disease value only exists if other symptoms, such as Frequent urination at night, urinary retention or difficulties in urinating occur despite greatly increased bladder emptying pressure. As a result, sufferers experience a constant feeling of fullness of the bladder and a permanent urinary urgency, also it can come by disease germs in Resturin quickly increased urinary tract infections or bladder stones. If the disease is detected early, it can usually be treated well using current procedures. If this does not happen, however, the ever-increasing prostate gland exerts increasing pressure on the urethra, which can lead to urinary retention and very painful bladder overstretching in an emergency. If the stasis of urine in the bladder continues into both kidneys, there is also a risk that they will be permanently damaged or even cause kidney failure. Accordingly, even at the first sign of a BPH such as e.g. interrupted urination or dripping urine a urologist to be examined to clarify the symptoms and, where appropriate, to initiate necessary treatment steps.

In addition to benign enlargement, a malignant tumor (prostate carcinoma) of the prostate gland can also cause pelvic pain. With more than 60,000 new cases annually, this is the most common cancer in men in this country, affecting men above the age of 60 years. In the beginning, the prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms, therefore, it can only be detected in the context of an early detection test, which is recommended by specialists for all men over 40 years once a year. Only in the further course it comes to complaints, which are often relatively unspecific and thereby can also indicate other diseases of the prostate. For example, increased (nocturnal) urination, urinary and urinary problems, blood in the urine and semen, abdominal or prostate pain, or erectile dysfunction.

If the cancer has already formed secondary tumors (metastases) in the bones in advanced cases, further symptoms such as severe lower back complaints, hip or leg pain are often added. However, what exactly causes prostate cancer is not yet clear, but certain risk factors are known that may favor its occurrence. These include, above all, the age and a family disposition, in addition, some relationships with the diet and the general lifestyle (exercise, smoking, etc.) are suspected. If the cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are usually good, so it is even more important that men latest 45 years and older take advantage of the cancer screening tests offered by the statutory health insurance.

In addition to the diseases of the prostate, a number of other causes are considered for lower abdominal pain in men. These include urinary tract infections, pyelitis, hernia or kidney stones, gastrointestinal diseases or inflammatory bowel disease (eg ulcerative colitis). Also, bowel obstruction (ileus) or inflammation of gut wall protuberances (diverticulitis) as well as other tumors (e.g., colon cancer) or intestinal polyps are conceivable. In addition, the abdominal discomfort in men may e.g. caused by a morbid sagging of the abdominal aorta (aneurysm).

treatment

Depending on the cause underlying the pain in the lower abdomen, a variety of different drugs, procedures and measures may be considered for the treatment. Accordingly, it is indispensable to take the complaints in any case seriously and to be promptly checked by a doctor. This is especially true when the pain is acute and severe and associated with fever and / or bleeding. In this case, the family doctor or a gynecologist or urologist should be consulted immediately, in addition, in many cases, specialists in gastroenterology (gastroenterologist), neurologists or orthopedists are a good address.

If the symptoms go on e.g. due to inflammation of the fallopian tube and ovary, it is especially important to treat them as early as possible and in a targeted manner in order to avoid complications such as To avoid adhesions and long-term consequences such as infertility. Accordingly, in the acute stage of the disease bed rest should necessarily be followed, for which reason e.g. Pregnant women (especially in case of parallel fever, unclear diagnosis or spreading abscess) are often recommended hospitalization in hospital. The therapy is primarily conservative with drugs, which are usually antibiotics and other anti-inflammatory analgesics (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, short: NSAIDs) such as diclofenac or ibuprofen used. In addition to hormone preparations may be prescribed to prevent irregularities in the menstrual period.

Successful with irritable bowel: acupuncture

If complications such as peritonitis (peritonitis) or intestinal obstruction (ileus) occur, which can not be treated with conservative measures, an operative therapy of adnexitis becomes necessary. This may also be indicated in the chronic stage for recurrent complaints by the affected organs, e.g. the uterus or ovaries are removed. Since the complete cure of pelvic inflammatory disease can take up to three weeks, the treatment should not be stopped even after the onset of acute complaints, so as not to risk any health risks or re-infection. In this context, sexual intercourse should also be avoided during acute inflammation, and in many cases it is advisable to treat the patient's sexual partner in order to avoid repeated infection.

On the other hand, if there is a benign prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia), treatment is not always required; instead, the respective complaint picture determines the need for therapeutic measures. To alleviate more severe prostate problems, for example, various drugs can be used, but the cause can not be resolved in this way. In question, for example, Alpha-receptor blockers (alfuzosin, tamsulosin etc.) or so-called "5-alpha reductase inhibitors" such as finasteride, which not only can alleviate the symptoms but also reduce prostate tissue.

If the medical treatment is insufficient or complications such as increased susceptibility to infection, blood in the urine or bladder stones, the doctor usually recommends an operative therapy. Again, there are a variety of procedures, each associated with specific advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, patients should always carefully inform in advance and consult with the attending physician to select the individually "most appropriate" method.

The standard method is the "transurethral resection of the prostate" (TURP), in which the affected prostate tissue is removed by means of an electrical sling and removed via the urethra. In addition, the "transurethral incision of the prostate" (TUIP) as a further development of the conventional TURP and the "transurethral microwave therapy" (TUMT) come into consideration, which is also carried out via the urethra.

Alternatively, laser techniques can be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia in which the prostate tissue is laser cut and excised and ablated. Here, the so-called "holmium laser enucleation" (short: HoLEP) is considered to be an effective and sustainably successful process. In this case, the excess prostate tissue is first completely removed with the help of laser beams. Then it can be crushed with a special instrument still in the bladder and finally sucked through the urethra (Morcellation). The procedure is endoscopic, i. without cutting through mirror instruments, moreover, the energy of the laser, the blood vessels are closed so effectively that it rarely comes to bleeding. Other options include interstitial and transurethral laser photocoagulation and vaporization, whereby the former, in contrast to the others, can be performed under local anesthesia.

Naturopathy for pelvic pain

In addition to the possibilities of conventional medicine, naturopathy, depending on the cause, also offers numerous possibilities of application for complaints in the lower abdomen. With suitable homeopathic remedies, for example, mood swings and menstrual pain before or during the monthly period can in many cases be significantly alleviated or even completely cured. In question here is e.g. Lachesis, especially if before the onset of bleeding headache or migraine and concomitant dizziness and / or nosebleeds occur. This remedy is also useful for low back pain, abdominal cramps, irritable mood and a feeling of overwork and restlessness.

Sepia can be the drug of choice if pain sets in before the bleeding and worsens again. Headaches and uterine cramps often occur here, as well as increased vaginal discharge and an increased sensation of tightness in the chest. Another characteristic of sepia patients is the aversion to sexual intercourse and physical proximity, an increased sensitivity and irritability. In addition, Pulsatilla may be helpful if you experience headache and chest pain, or a herniation before or during bleeding. Other proven remedies for menstrual problems include Nux vomica, Lycopodium or Magnesium phosphoricum.

Another alternative treatment for periodic pelvic pain is aromatherapy, which focuses on the self-healing powers of the patient. Proven remedies include chamomile, lavender, lemon balm or juniper, the essential oils of which are e.g. Can be used for a gentle massage of the abdomen or as an additive for the bathwater. In addition, various medicinal herbs can help alleviate the discomfort. Here comes in particular the spasmolytic goose finger herb, from which usually several times a day a cup of tea from one teaspoon of dried cabbage and about 200ml of hot water (drawing time about 5 minutes) is drunk. Other valuable "helpers" in the field of herbal medicine are women's mantle, yarrow and sagebrush as well as chasteberry, black cohosh and oregano. Ginger can also be very beneficial, since it gives warmth from inside as well as has a relaxing and analgesic effect.

Herbal preparations (phytotherapeutics) are also increasingly used in the treatment of prostate enlargement. Examples include extracts of saw palmetto, pumpkin seed or rye pollen and phytosterols from pine and spruce. Here, in many cases, an improvement in the symptoms was achieved, it should be considered, however, that the plants have no effect on the benign prostatic hyperplasia itself or the size of the prostate gland.

In addition to the complaints in the abdomen offer a number of other home remedies for stomach pain. In many cases, heat is perceived as very pleasant by e.g. a hot water bottle or a cherry stone pillow is placed on the affected area. Also, vinegar wraps can serve well with an uncomfortable feeling in the lower abdomen. For this, a towel is dipped in a mixture of (one liter) of hot water and (one tablespoon) of vinegar, wrung out and placed on the affected area for about twenty minutes. The irritable bowel acupuncture has proven itself. (No)