Intestinal pain can stem from various causes such as inflammation, blockages, indigestion, gas, and ulcers. It can be difficult to determine if the pain is originating from the intestines or other abdominal organs. Some conditions require medical attention, while others can be treated with medication or a change in diet.
Intestinal pain usually results from a disease, health condition, or injury affecting the organs in the abdomen. While the pain can come directly from the small or large intestine, it’s hard to tell whether the pain is truly intestinal or is coming from other abdominal organs or areas. The most common causes of intestinal pain are inflammation, intestinal blockage, indigestion, gas and ulcers.
When an organ or other tissue in the abdominal area becomes swollen due to disease or injury, it often causes pain near the intestines. Inflammatory pain often begins suddenly and can be constant or intermittent. Some inflammatory conditions, such as appendicitis, are serious and require emergency medical attention. Others, such as diverticulitis, a swelling of the tissue around the colon, usually cause only minor pain and require little or no medical treatment.
Intestinal blockages are one of the most common causes of intestinal pain that originates in the intestines. Gallstones can block the bile duct, which blocks the intestines and causes pain. Blockages in the small intestine or colon can prevent fluid from passing through the intestines, causing pain. These blockages are usually caused by hernias, impacted stools, or bands of fibrous tissue that form in the abdomen, although sometimes tumors are also responsible.
Some intestinal blockages resolve on their own with fluids and a low-fiber diet. More serious blockages may need to be surgically removed. Blockages that are left untreated can cause parts of the intestine to die, and any dead tissue can also be removed during surgery to clear the obstruction.
Indigestion and gas are some of the most common causes of abdominal pain and discomfort that occurs in the intestinal area. Indigestion is often a sign of an underlying condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or ulcers. Gas from swallowing excess air or bacteria in the large intestine working to digest food can also cause intestinal pain. Gas does not usually require medical attention, although persistent problems with gas can be a sign of an intestinal problem or disorder.
Ulcers are small sores in the stomach or small intestine. They can cause abdominal pain and pressure that can be felt in or near the intestines. Although anyone can develop ulcers that cause intestinal pain, people who smoke, drink alcohol regularly, are 50 or older, or take regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are more likely to get ulcers. Many ulcers go away on their own, and most heal with medications that reduce stomach acid levels.
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