Pain in the intestines

The colon is the end part of the colon. It is used to absorb water and minerals from the passing chyme.
The large intestine extends from the ileocecal valve (between the small intestine and the cecum) to the anus and has the function of excreting the end products of digestion.

The large intestine consists of the following parts:

• appendix (caecum),
• rectum (rectum),
• Colon (colon).

The colon is further divided into 4 sections:

• Ascending colon (ascending colon))
• Transverse colon (transverse colon))
• Descending colon (Colon descendens)
• Sigmoid colon (colon sigmoideum)

Between the small intestine and the large intestine, there is an area called the appendix that often causes pain, especially at the level of the ileocecal valve.

Diseases of the colon

Crohn’s
disease Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal system.
It mainly affects the lower part of the small intestine, but swelling or inflammation can spread to the large intestine.

More or less severe symptoms are:

• Diarrhoea
• blood in the stool,
• Cramps
• Stomach ache
• unexplained weight loss,
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Fever.

Diverticulitis or diverticulosis
The formation and inflammation of some diverticula in the intestinal wall is called diverticulitis.
These protuberances can form anywhere along the digestive tract, but they are most common in the large intestine.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include:

• abdominal cramps (Hobson – 2004),
• pain at the bottom of the left flank,
• altered bowel behaviour (constipation or diarrhoea) (Barroso – 2015),
• rectal bleeding (Onur – 2016).

Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
Symptoms of this condition include:

• colicky abdominal pain (Collins – 2006),
• blood in the stool,
• attacks of diarrhea,
• urge to defecate,
• Compulsion to defecate (urging to defecate, but only very small fecal masses are emptied).

Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common diseases of the colon.

The muscles of the colon contract to promote the passage of the stool to the rectum.
In the case of spasms, the contraction of the colon wall muscles occurs in an uncoordinated manner.
These spasms are often painful, while the normal contractions are rarely felt.

Food, stress, hormonal imbalance and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can cause this problem.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include:

• Nausea
• Meteorism
• Fullness
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation (Lacy – 2009),
• Abdominal pain that worsens when the patient runs.

A strict diet is crucial for the treatment of this disorder.
You should refrain from:

• Dairy products
• Fried
• Confectionery
• sugared drinks.

Centrifuged vegetable juices are recommended, especially from green leafy vegetables.
What can you take? Medications
The doctor may prescribe butylscopolamine (Buscopan), an antispasmodic that helps reduce intestinal muscle contractions (Weiser – 2009).

Proctitis
Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum.
A trauma, radiation, sexually transmitted diseases and the long use of antibiotics can cause proctitis.
This disease manifests itself with:

• hard and bloody stools,
• constant and frequent urge to defecate,
• mucus in the stool,
• pain in the rectum or abdomen,
• Diarrhoea
• the feeling of incomplete defecation.

Intestinal polyps Intestinal polyps
are abnormal masses of tissue on the inner wall of the colon. The clearest sign of intestinal polyps is rectal bleeding. Causes of the development of these polyps are:

• age (over 50 years),
• high-fat diet with little fiber.

Other causes of pain in the intestines include:

• lactose intolerance,
• appendicitis (appendicitis),
• Ileus
• Indigestions
• colon tumor (the pain is present constantly, including at night, and can also radiate to the back),
• ischemic bowel disease,
• Food poisoning
• intestinal parasites,
• intestinal spasms (convulsions).

Causes of pain in the sigmoid colon

The sigmoid colon is the lower part of the colon, the area commonly referred to as the “abdomen.”
The pain in the sigmoid colon (last part of the colon, bottom left) may indicate a mild (for example, irritation during ovulation) or serious problem, such as a colon tumor.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders (NIDDK), about 50% of the American population suffers from intestinal problems caused by a low-fiber diet.
This is the main cause of the diseases of the sigmoid.
There are many diseases that can cause pain.
Other causes of pain in the sigmoid colon:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Tumor on the sigmoid colon
• Diverticulitis
• Volvulus of the Sigmoid
• Convoluted sigmoid colon course

Cause of pain after defecation

• Proctitis
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Haemorrhoids

Causes of intestinal pain after eating

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS);
• Crohn’s disease;
• Food poisoning;
• Colorectal tumor -can provoke abdominal pain at any time, as well as premature satiety during eating;
• Lactose intolerance or intolerance to other foods.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Pain

One should talk to the doctor if the following symptoms occur:

• bloody diarrhea
• rectal bleeding
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Anorexia
• Chills and fever
• very severe abdominal pain

Treatment of pain in the colon

Therapy for pain in the colon after defecation depends on the underlying disease.
In addition to prescribing necessary painkillers, the doctor also treats the underlying infection or condition responsible for the pain.
If there is an infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Nutrition and regular physical activity are among the most important, useful and effective therapeutic measures.
Medications have a temporary effect and can cause side effects.

Natural remedy for colon pain

Flaxseed is a good source of fiber, which is necessary for rapid intestinal transit.
In addition, flaxseeds are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids that support the immune and digestive systems.
This remedy can be used to treat both constipation and diarrhea.

Preparation of a tea for bowel regulation:

1. Add 1 tbsp flaxseed to a cup of boiling water.
2. Let it brew for 5 minutes.
3. Drink in the evening before bedtime.

Ginger Ginger
can relieve meteorism and intestinal flatulence, so it is an excellent remedy for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
In addition, ginger has a supportive effect on:

1. relief of intestinal inflammation,
2. Muscle relaxation (antispasmodic effect).

Ginger should be eaten raw:

• Cut off 5-10 g of raw ginger.
• Peel.
• Cut into fine pieces.
• At lunch, add legumes to a plate (peas, chickpeas, lentils, etc.).

Do not use this remedy for hypertension.

Chamomile tea
Chamomile is often used to treat intestinal problems, such as diarrhea. The antispasmodic effect and the high amount of tannins contained in chamomile can be very effective for diarrhea.

1. Bring a cup of water to a boil.
2. Add a teaspoon of chamomile flowers.
3. Add a teaspoon of mint leaves.
4. Let it brew for about 15 minutes.
5. Drink this herbal tea at least three times a day.

Nutrition for colon pain

Foods rich in fiber should be eaten at meals to improve excretion, unless the following diseases become acute:

• Crohn’s disease,
• Ulcerative colitis.

The diet differs if the patient suffers from constipation or diarrhea.

• With diarrhea, fasting is usually prescribed for 2-4 days, after which the first foods should be carrots, centrifuges, lemons and bananas.
• In case of constipation, a lot of vegetables should be eaten, especially artichokes, dandelions, cauliflower, broccoli, chicory and zucchini; recommended fruits are kiwi, persimmon, melon, prunes and apricots.

Always choose seasonal fruits and vegetables.
As a rule, legumes are well tolerated, therefore they can be consumed in abundant quantities; they contain proteins and iron, so they are also excellent for athletes.
Legumes should not be eaten with cereals (for example, rice and beans), as this combination provokes intestinal flatulence.
The following should be avoided:

• all dairy products,
• foods containing gluten,
• red meat and pork,
• Coffee
• Tomatoes.

In the morning, it is recommended to consume fruit, dried fruit and nuts, legumes or potatoes can be prepared for breakfast or lunch, along with nuts.

The ideal dinner consists of legumes or pseudocereals (quinoa and amaranth), fish and vegetables.
You should not drink more than half a liter of water a day, the food already contains enough water.

Colon pain in children

Diarrhoea
Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive problems in children, who then defecate more than 3 times a day.
However, this is the result of a viral infection and there is no need to worry. The child has several bowel movements, but this should improve after 2-3 days.
It is important to drink enough water to avoid dehydration, and if the condition worsens, the doctor may prescribe medication.

Constipation
That’s another problem that can be normal or severe, depending on the cause. If constipation occurs due to a low-fiber diet, it can be treated by:

• Drinking more water,
• a high-fiber diet.

Avoid fried foods, dairy products, pork and alcohol.
If the constipation is caused by external factors, the reason may be a tumor or pressure from another organ inside the body.
If the person has severe pain, he should talk to the doctor immediately, because this can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome.

What should you eat?
To have more frequent bowel movements, it is recommended to consume walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, cashews and almonds.
Fruits and vegetables should never be missing from the table.

Meckel’s diverticulum
Meckel’s diverticulum is a congenital protrusion in the intestine (ileum, part of the small intestine), less than 100 cm from the appendix.
This sac can also consist of a tissue similar to the pancreas and stomach.
Like the gastric tissue, it also produces acid.
The acid leads to the formation of ulcers in the adjacent section of the intestine.

Intestinal torsion or volvulus
It is a congenital defect that arises during the formation of the gastrointestinal system.
This causes a rotation of the intestine called volvulus, which means that the intestine rotates around itself.

Possible consequences:

1. Intestinal obstruction by reducing the inner diameter (lumen).
2. Blockage of blood supply.

Symptoms include:

1. vomiting (green color, bile),
2. abdominal bloating,
3. rectal bleeding,
4. Shock.

Intussusception or intussusception
This is one of the most common intestinal problems in children.
It occurs as an invagination of an intestinal segment into the interior of the following segment. This blocks the passage of intestinal contents and blood circulation in this area. Symptoms such as:

• Stomach ache
• Vomit
• Blood in the stool.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The main forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Ulcers may form in the intestinal mucosa.
The main symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea and weakness.
If the symptoms are not severe, oral medication can be taken.

Intestinal cramps
Intestinal cramps can be extremely painful and uncomfortable.
The movement of food and excretory products is carried out by rhythmic contractions of the intestinal muscles (peristalsis).
If, for some reason, the intestine does not function normally or muscle movement is hindered, the affected person feels intestinal cramps.

Causes of intestinal cramps:

• Infection by a tapeworm
• Constipation
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Green Chair
• Crohn’s disease
• Flatulence

• Pain and burning sensation in the area
• Pain in the abdomen
• Mucus in the stool