Burning pain in the abdomen
introduction
Burning in the lower abdomen is a symptom that can have different causes.
The symptoms can originate from the organs of the small pelvis, for example the bladder, the genital organs or the pelvic floor. A burning sensation in the abdomen can be very uncomfortable and should definitely be clarified by a doctor if there is no improvement.
causes
The causes of burning pain in the lower abdomen are many.
A very common cause is a urinary tract infection. Both the bladder and the urethra can be affected. The cystitis is also called medically Cystitiswho have favourited Urethritis as Urethritis designated. It manifests itself as a burning pain in the abdomen that becomes worse from pressure and a burning sensation when urinating.
The monthly menstrual pain can also be perceived by some women as a burning sensation in the abdomen, but as a rule it is more of a cramp-like pain.
The same applies to the so-called middle pain, which announces ovulation towards the middle of the cycle.
The symptoms can also be caused by diseases of the genital organs, for example inflammation of the fallopian tubes or ovaries (adnexitis), infection of the vagina (vaginitis, colpitis) or, in men, inflammation of the prostate (Prostatitis). Pain in the right lower abdomen is often a suspicion of appendicitis (appendicitis), Pain in the lower left abdomen may indicate diverticulitis. The latter is more likely to occur in older people and is caused by the inflammation of small protuberances in the intestinal wall.
Last but not least, the abdomen is held in place by the strong pelvic floor, which consists mainly of muscles. A local irritation of nerves or tendons can cause burning and pulling pain in the abdomen. These then often radiate into the groin area or the hip / buttock area.
In the following we will go into more detail on the possible causes.
Read more about this: Burning in the genital area- causes and treatment
Burning sensation in the abdomen after urinating
The bladder is a common source of a burning sensation in the abdomen.
With a bladder infection, bacteria attach to the bladder walls and cause painful irritation there. Urination is usually very painful as well. The person concerned feels a constant urge to urinate, even without the bladder being filled at all.
The triggering bacteria are often intestinal bacteria that have been carried out of the anus into the urethra. They rise up through the urethra into the bladder and trigger the inflammatory reaction. Because of the anatomical proximity of the anus and urethra and the shortness of the female urethra, women in particular are often affected by this clinical picture. However, men can develop cystitis too.
Uncomplicated cystitis in women is treated either conservatively with plenty of fluids and possibly herbal supplements or with a single dose of antibiotic (Fosfomycin). If urinary tract infections recur, other antibiotics are given over a longer period of time (for example Ciprofloxacin or nitrofurantoin). Cystitis in men is classified as complicated cystitis and is usually always treated with antibiotics.
Read more on the subject at: Urinary tract infection
Burning in the abdomen before the period
Many women suffer from a variety of physical and psychological ailments in the days before their menstrual period, such as depression, mood swings, irritability, water retention and abdominal pain. These symptoms are grouped together as what is known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Burning abdominal pain, abdominal cramps and a strong pulling force in the uterus are also part of PMS and often occur a few days before your period.
The abdominal pain is due to the hormones. Above all, a certain hormone, prostaglandin, causes the smooth muscles of the uterus to contract and cramp. As a result, the uterine lining is no longer adequately supplied with blood and can be rejected in the form of menstrual bleeding. This process causes cramping abdominal pain and may also manifest as a burning sensation or a pulling sensation.
Find out more about the topic here: Abdominal pain before your period
Burning in the abdomen after sexual intercourse
A burning sensation in the abdomen after intercourse can have different causes. If it occurs immediately after intercourse, it can only have been caused by mechanical irritation of the lower abdominal tissue.
In women, microcracks in the vaginal lining can lead to burning pain, which, however, soon subside.
The muscles of the pelvic floor are heavily stressed during sexual intercourse and can also cause aching muscles afterwards.
If the symptoms only appear later after intercourse, it may also be an infection that was transmitted from one partner to the other through intercourse. Examples are fungal infections, chlamydia or herpesvirus infections in the genital area (see: Genital herpes).
In addition to a burning sensation in the genital organs, other symptoms often occur, such as characteristic skin symptoms or itching.
Read more on the topic: Sexually transmitted diseases
Burning sensation in the abdomen during pregnancy
A burning sensation in the abdomen during pregnancy can have various causes, which, however, should always be examined by a doctor as a precaution.
Often, harmless causes are the reason for the complaints. As the child grows, more and more space is required in the mother's abdomen and the uterus is stretched.
It is suspended from various straps in the abdomen, which are also stretched by the growing baby.
Since many nerves run there, it can lead to burning and pulling pains.
However, severe pain in early pregnancy could also be an ectopic pregnancy, which can soon become dangerous for the woman.
A pregnancy that does not end soon could also herald a miscarriage.
For this reason, a medical examination is always recommended if the symptoms persist. This is the only way to rule out serious causes for the symptoms.
Read more on the topic: Lower abdominal pain during pregnancy
Burning in the abdomen just before giving birth
A few days before the birth starts, some pregnant women feel a burning sensation in the abdomen and vagina.
This can be a sign that delivery is imminent. The pain comes from the fact that shortly before the birth the cervix opens and the mucous plug that closed the cervix during pregnancy comes off. The first contractions become noticeable with a pulling in the abdomen.
Burning sensation in the abdomen during ovulation
When women ovulate monthly, so-called middle pain can occur.
Not all women feel this, but it can manifest itself in the middle of the cycle as a slight tugging or burning sensation in the abdomen.
The pain is caused either by the size of the cracked egg or by the bleeding it causes, which leads to local irritation of the peritoneum (Peritoneum) leads.
Read more on the topic: Pain during ovulation
Can that be a sign of pregnancy?
Some women report so-called implantation pain when the embryo implants in the lining of the uterus on day seven after fertilization. The implantation pain is described as a burning pain in the abdomen, which is why this pain can also be a sign of pregnancy. However, there is no reliable data on whether a woman can really feel the implantation of the embryo in the uterus. Burning abdominal pain can have many causes and is therefore not a sure sign of pregnancy.
For safe pregnancy signs, see: Signs of pregnancy
Can it be a bladder infection?
A burning sensation in the abdomen and especially a burning sensation when urinating are typical signs of a cystitis (Cystitis). In addition, there is the feeling of constant urge to urinate although it is hardly possible to urinate. Cystitis is caused by bacteria that enter the urinary bladder via the ureter and cause inflammation there.
Read more on the subject at: Cystitis
Can this be an indication of implantation?
A pulling or burning sensation in the abdomen may indicate that a fertilized egg has lodged in the lining of the uterus. During this process, the embryo docks onto the mucous membrane in the uterus and penetrates the uterine lining, known as implantation. At this point in time, however, the embryo only consists of a few cells and hardly larger than the head of a pin. During this process, the cells of the mucous membrane form the placenta (placenta), which will supply the embryo with nutrients and oxygen during pregnancy.
Many pregnant women report that they experienced the implantation process as a burning sensation in the abdomen. Descriptions for the pain range from a pain in the abdomen to a burning pain in the uterus. However, there is no scientific evidence for the presence of this implantation pain, which is why a burning sensation in the abdomen should not necessarily be seen as a sign of pregnancy.
Symptoms
Burning abdominal pain can be in different intensity occur.
You can also either permanent or just in the meantime present as well through certain movements or pressure be triggered or reinforced.
The complaints can also be accompanied by other symptoms, which then often provide clues to the cause, for example Burning sensation when urinating, which at Urinary tract infections occurs.
If in addition to abdominal pain there are other symptoms like fever, nausea, Vomit, general Exhaustion or other complaints should arise Consulted a doctor become.
The same applies to pain that lasts for a long time, is severe, shows no tendency to improve or even gets worse.
Pain in the back too
Burning in the abdomen and back can be due to different causes.
On the one hand, it can be an irritation of the muscles or nerves. Many nerves run through the pelvic floor and also run towards the back. In the case of tension or bruising of nerves or muscles, radiating pain can result.
On the other hand, the symptoms can also come from the internal organs. Cystitis, which is typically accompanied by a burning sensation in the abdomen and a burning sensation when urinating, if left untreated, can progress up to the kidneys.
The bacteria continue to spread through the ureters and lead to an infection of the renal pelvis. This is very painful for the affected patient and usually causes severe pain in the flanks. Kidney inflammation is a serious disease and must be treated as soon as possible.
However, completely different causes can also be hidden behind the symptoms. If the burning sensation does not improve within a short period of time or even worsens, a doctor should be consulted to rule out any serious causes for the symptoms.
Read more on the topic: Pelvic inflammation
Burning in the abdomen and stomach pain
If stomach pain occurs in addition to the burning sensation in the abdomen, this can be an indication of a disease of the gastrointestinal tract.
In the case of appendicitis, for example, the pain can spread to the abdomen. You may also sometimes experience stomach pain and nausea. But the pain associated with stomach problems (e.g. stomach ulcers and inflammation of the gastric mucosa) or diseases of the gallbladder can also radiate into the abdomen.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing a burning sensation in the abdomen, a medical consultation is very important.
The patient describes the exact symptoms and the course of the pain to the doctor and provides information on possible triggers. Often the most probable cause can be found out just by taking this anamnesis.
This is followed by a physical examination of the patient, during which the doctor will listen, tap and palpate the patient's stomach and look for, for example, organ enlargements, tenderness or other abnormalities.
In addition, if a urinary tract infection is suspected, a urine sample is examined for signs of inflammation and bacterial metabolic products.
If there is a suspicion of a cause in the musculoskeletal system, the doctor will examine the joints and muscles in the patient's pelvic area.
If these measures do not provide any more precise information, an ultrasound examination of the abdomen, a gynecological or urological presentation can follow. The cause of the complaints can then usually be found.
therapy
Therapy for burning abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause of the discomfort.
Muscular tension or tendon irritations usually do not require any further therapy because they will subside by themselves. If necessary, pain medication can be prescribed to bridge the gap, as well as physiotherapy if the findings are pronounced.
A urinary tract infection is either treated with herbal remedies and bladder tea and sufficient amounts of water to drink, or (for example, if there is blood in the urine or severe and recurring infections) with antibiotics.
Suitable preparations are, for example, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin and ciprofloxacin.
In the case of a vaginal infection, for example by fungi or bacteria, this is also treated with suitable drugs (antimycotics or antibiotics).
In the case of appendicitis, the surgical removal of the appendix is usually the focus of therapy. Depending on the cause, the attending physician will suggest the appropriate therapy for the respective patient.
forecast
The prognosis for a burning sensation in the abdomen is good overall, as the symptoms are usually harmless.
In the case of bacterial inflammation of the urinary tract or genital organs, antibiotic therapy for about five days is usually indicated. Normally there is a quick improvement and healing without consequences. Muscular causes can also be managed well with sufficient exercise and temporary pain therapy, massages or the application of heat.
prophylaxis
The prophylaxis for burning in the abdomen is different. The causal symptoms cannot always be avoided through prophylaxis.
Muscular tension can be prevented through adequate and correctly performed physical activity. Urinary tract infections, which are more common in women due to the shorter urethra, cannot always be prevented.
Women who are prone to urinary tract infections should ensure good, but not excessive, intimate hygiene and urinate after sexual intercourse to flush any bacteria out of the bladder. You should also not sit on cold surfaces.
To avoid sexually transmitted infections, a condom should be used during sexual intercourse. Regular examinations by the gynecologist ensure that infections can be detected and treated at an early stage. Otherwise, no general prophylaxis can be recommended to avoid burning in the abdomen.
Illustration of a woman's abdomen pain
Abdominal pain - woman
- Gallbladder - Vesica biliaris
- Kidney - Ren
- Ureter - Ureter
- Small intestine -
Intestine tenue - Rectum - Rectum
- Appendix - Caecum
with appendix
Appendix vermiformis - Uterus - uterus
- Urinary bladder - Vesica urinaria
- Urethra - urethra
- Sheath - vagina
- Large intestine, descending part -
Descending colon - Fallopian tubes - Tuba uterina
- Ovary - Ovary
A. - Kidney stones (nephrolites), ureter stones, bladder stones (uroliths) and urethral stones
B. Inflammation of the appendix of the appendix (appendicitis)
is also known as appendicitis
C. - Diverticulum (protrusions of the mucous membrane) - preliminary stage of diverticulitis
D. - Diverticulitis (disease of the large intestine and rectum)
Inflammation of intestinal protuberances
E. - Ovarian cyst (ovarian cyst) - fluid-filled cavity
F. - Endometriosis - a growth of tissue in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) outside the uterus
G - Fibroids - Benign adhesions of the uterine muscles
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
