Heaviness in the intestines: possible causes, symptoms and treatment features

A pathological state of heaviness in the intestines can bother every person. There are plenty of factors for the occurrence of this disease, some of them are not dangerous and lifestyle adjustments will help eliminate them. But there are diseases that are dangerous for humans, and if problems with the intestines are regular, you should consult a doctor to identify the disease and begin timely treatment.

Bloating and heaviness - what is it?

These signs are most often included in the symptom complex of flatulence - excessive accumulation of gases in the lumen of the small and large intestines. The volume of intestinal gas (it includes ammonia, meta, nitrogen, carbon dioxide) in the intestines of an adult with a body weight of 60 to 75 kg is about 1 liter. It is formed mainly as a result of the vital activity of microorganisms that inhabit the intestinal mucosa and make up its microflora. If the balance of beneficial and opportunistic bacteria is disturbed, in most cases the daily gas production increases to 1.2-1.5 liters, and the gases themselves have a pungent odor. During flatulence, the volume of gas released can reach up to 3-4 liters, and in overweight patients - up to 4.5 liters. About 60% of this volume is excreted from the intestines during bowel movements.

Bloating is the main manifestation of flatulence, but the clinical picture of the pathology is most often represented by other symptoms, including:

  • heaviness in the abdomen, accompanied by moderate bursting pain and impaired respiratory function (the “swollen” abdomen props up the diaphragm, as a result of which the patient experiences shortness of breath and mild pain during the inhalation phase);
  • involuntary release of a gas mixture from the intestines (flatus);
  • bowel disorder, characterized by alternating constipation and diarrhea;
  • cramping abdominal pain that goes away after passing gas or bowel movement;
  • belching (may appear between meals).

How does flatulence occur in the intestines?

The movement of gases can also cause vibrations in the distal (lower) parts of the diaphragm, so in some patients, bloating and heaviness are accompanied by painful hiccups.

Healthy diet

If an incorrect diet causes heaviness in the intestines, what should you do? It is best to recommend a program for switching to a healthy diet from a doctor. Ideally, a person should eat a balanced diet, consume a moderate amount of food in small portions, quite often throughout the day. A healthy diet involves fully satisfying the body's needs for protein structures, fat molecules and carbohydrates. Food must supply adequate amounts of essential microscopic elements and vitamins. Nutrition is a source of certain amounts of energy. They are usually measured in calories. A healthy diet provides a normal amount of energy, but does not put too much strain on the gastrointestinal tract.

By neglecting the described rules for preparing a diet, you can find out for yourself how unpleasant bloating and heaviness in the intestines are. You can understand what exactly needs to be adjusted in your nutrition program by visiting a nutritionist. The most common causes of disorders are eating excess amounts of food, unbalanced foods, or low nutritional value of the food consumed.

Influence of food factor

The leading role in the development of flatulence, manifested by bloating and heaviness in the abdomen, is played by the food factor. Even a healthy person can periodically suffer from flatulence if his diet contains a large number of products that cause fermentation processes and putrefaction or are a direct “supplier” of gas (carbonated drinks). Foods that can stimulate increased gas formation in the intestines include:

  • beans, beans, peas and other types of legumes (the same group includes peanuts, which many mistakenly consider a nut);
  • some vegetables (cabbage, spinach, turnip, radish, radish, artichoke, cucumbers);
  • anchovies;
  • mackerel;
  • beer and kvass;
  • yeast baked goods;
  • raw apples.

Gas-forming products

Bloating in the abdomen can also occur if a person often snacks on the run, does not chew food thoroughly enough, or is in a hurry while eating, which leads to swallowing a large amount of air (in medicine, this pathology is called aerophagia). To reduce the risk of digestive disorders and ensure comfortable functioning of the stomach and intestines, you need to eat in a calm environment, without rushing and without being distracted by external factors (for example, a TV or computer on). Those who like to chat while eating should give up this habit, as it not only increases the likelihood of flatulence, but also interferes with the normal absorption of food and the vitamins and minerals it contains.

Flatulence during pregnancy

During pregnancy, women suffer from discomfort caused by flatulence.

Doctors identify the main causes of bloating:

  1. Changes in hormonal levels. The hormone progesterone produced has a beneficial effect on the course of pregnancy, but also affects the stomach and intestines. Progesterone reduces muscle excitability and intestinal motility. As a result, a woman experiences constipation and bloating.
  2. Gastrointestinal diseases.
  3. Disturbance of intestinal microflora.
  4. Poor nutrition.
  5. Intestinal compression. The pressure of the growing uterus on the intestines leads to disruption of its functionality.
  6. Taking medications. Some drugs cause flatulence as a side effect in pregnant women.

To get rid of unpleasant symptoms, you should adhere to general recommendations in diet and lifestyle. If the disorder does not go away for a long time, it is recommended to consult a doctor who can correctly select medications that can reduce bloating in pregnant women. You should not self-medicate; folk remedies and medicines can have an adverse effect on the health of the expectant mother and baby.

Possible causes of bloating in the abdomen

To get rid of heaviness in the abdomen caused by excessive accumulation and movement of gases, it is necessary to find out what exactly caused this pathology.

Neurosis (neurotic disorder)

Body signals about neurosis

Neurosis is a reversible mental disorder, manifested by hysteria, depression, asthenic syndrome (chronic fatigue), and a temporary decrease in intellectual and physical abilities. Various digestive disorders, which include heaviness in the abdomen, are detected in every third patient diagnosed with psychoneurosis. They belong to the physical symptoms of this group of pathologies and can also be manifested by the following signs:

  • appetite disorder;
  • abdominal pain;
  • tendency to overeat;
  • a quick feeling of fullness after eating even a small amount of food, which is replaced by a strong feeling of hunger 1-1.5 hours after eating.

For mild neurotic disorders, treatment usually includes sedatives of herbal and synthetic origin (“ Tenoten ”, “ Afobazol ”, “ Novo-Passit ”, “ Persen ”), sedatives (a mixture of valerian, hop cones and motherwort) and lifestyle correction ( normalization of the work and rest regime, increasing the duration of walking). If the neurosis has a protracted or severe course, the use of tranquilizers and antidepressants (“ Fluoxetine ”, “ Paroxetine ”) is indicated.

Methods for eliminating flatulence

Note! Treatment of flatulence associated with neurotic disorders should be under the supervision of a physician, since improper use of tranquilizers and antipsychotics can lead to depression of cardiac and respiratory function and sudden loss of consciousness.

Intestinal dysbiosis

This is one of the most common causes of increased accumulation of gases in the intestines. Pathology is an imbalance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal mucous membranes and is manifested not only by bloating and heaviness in the abdomen, but also by other symptoms, including:

  • cramping (less often dull) pain in the abdomen;
  • appetite disorder;
  • headache;
  • severe weakness and decreased performance;
  • flatus syndrome (“explosive” passage of gases with a sharp, unpleasant odor);
  • skin rashes (pimples, boils, acne);
  • reduction of the body's immunoresistance.

Causes of intestinal dysbiosis

Dysbacteriosis can develop due to poor nutrition (insufficient consumption of coarse plant fiber), taking antibiotics, and certain diseases of the digestive system.

For treatment, a diet containing a large amount of plant foods and fermented milk products (a source of beneficial lactobacilli) and drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora are prescribed: “ Normobakt ”, “ Linex ”, “ Bifidumbacterin ”.

Causes and signs of dysbiosis

Lactase deficiency (hypolactasia)

In adults, true lactase deficiency is quite rare (less than 5-7%). With this pathology, the human body produces insufficient amounts of enzymes of the β-galactosidase family, which are necessary for the breakdown of milk sugar into glucose and galactose molecules. Milk sugar (lactose) is contained in all products made from natural milk, therefore, if hypolactasia is diagnosed, milk and fermented milk products must be completely excluded from the diet. The exception is products and drinks made from soy, almond, rice, coconut and other types of milk of plant origin.

Symptoms of lactase deficiency

Symptoms of lactase deficiency may include:

  • severe bloating and heaviness in the abdomen (bacteria living in the intestines cannot metabolize milk sugar and release a mixture of methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide);
  • diarrhea caused by increased osmotic pressure in the intestines;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • delay in growth and development (in children of the first year of life).

Treatment consists of following a lactose-free diet (for infants - feeding with formulas that do not contain lactose) and taking lactose-containing drugs (Lactazar, Lactase-enzyme).

Important! Symptoms of hypolactasia can be associated with a lack of lactase and poor absorption of milk sugar only if they occur after consuming dairy products.

Pathogenesis of lactase deficiency

Intestinal obstruction

Retention of gases in the intestines may be associated with a mechanical obstacle (tumor, polyps, dried feces) or a violation of the motor and evacuation function of the intestinal walls. Normal bowel movements can be hampered by insufficient consumption of plant foods, fermented milk products, and liquids. Tumor formations can also impede the passage of gases and feces, causing flatulence, severe bloating, heaviness and bursting and cramping pain. If the evacuation of a gas mixture and feces from the intestine is associated with impaired peristalsis, the patient is diagnosed with intestinal atony. In the absence of timely assistance, intestinal obstruction can develop into intestinal paresis, which is dangerous for the development of a systemic inflammatory reaction and acute intoxication of the body.

There are many reasons that can cause intestinal obstruction and associated dyspeptic symptoms.

Diagram of intestinal volvulus

It can be:

  • diverticulitis (Meckel's diverticulum);
  • peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum);
  • damage to the spinal nerve roots and posterior columns of the bone marrow, leading to spastic obstruction (tabes dorsalis);
  • poisoning with salts of heavy metals;
  • hernias and adhesions of the anterior abdominal wall;
  • congenital pathological elongation of the sigmoid colon (dolichosigma);
  • biliary and renal colic.

Provoking factors that increase the risk of intestinal obstruction and intestinal gas retention are overeating, abuse of high-calorie foods and large meals after prolonged fasting.

To normalize intestinal motor function, sufficient physical activity, normalization of the diet (increasing daily fiber intake, adequate water intake), and taking medications that normalize the intestinal microflora ( Bifiform , Yogulact ) are indicated.

Intestinal obstruction from the inside

Important! If intestinal obstruction is caused by intestinal volvulus or a mechanical obstruction (for example, a tumor), surgical treatment is performed.

Problem in pregnant women

During pregnancy, many women complain of heaviness and discomfort in the abdomen. In the first trimester, this sensation is caused by a hormonal surge, during which the body prepares for bearing a fetus. As pregnancy progresses, the uterus increases in size, putting pressure on the internal organs and the intestines too. This causes problems with digestion of food and causes constipation.

If heaviness and pain bother a pregnant woman in the last stages, then it is worth informing the doctor about poor health, because such symptoms indicate possible problems with the course of pregnancy. Therefore, the help of a qualified specialist is necessary here, this will help to avoid problems and complications in the future.

Bloating and heaviness as symptoms of digestive diseases

Most of the pathologies of organs (more than 85%) involved in the digestive processes are manifested by functional dyspepsia, which includes not only bloating and flatulence, but also heaviness, pain in the epigastric and abdominal area, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, problems with appetite . To find out what kind of disease caused indigestion and excessive accumulation of gases, it is necessary to undergo instrumental, hardware and laboratory diagnostics. The patient may be prescribed general blood and urine tests, coprogram, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, endoscopic and radiographic examination of the stomach and intestines and other diagnostic procedures.

Colitis in the cecum

Diseases in which the patient may complain of bloating and heaviness in the abdomen

Group of diseasesWhat diseases are included?Other possible symptoms
Stomach diseasesGastritis (including corrosive, fibrinous and phlegmonous forms). Achylia of the stomach (lack of hydrochloric acid and enzymes). Gastric polyposis. Hypotension of the gastric walls Pain in the upper abdomen, constipation, heartburn, bad breath, general weakness and drowsiness
Bowel diseasesDiverticulitis. Colitis. Enteritis. Duodenitis. Sigmoiditis. Crohn's disease. Irritable bowel syndrome Impaired defecation, changes in the consistency, color and smell of feces, spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen, increased basal temperature, nausea and vomiting
Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ductsCholecystitis. Cholangitis. Cholelithiasis (cholelithiasis). Hypotension of the gallbladder. Biliary sludge. Atresia of the bile ducts. Biliary dyskinesia Yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, pain in the right hypochondrium of a dull, stabbing or acute nature, severe nausea, belching, vomiting with bile acids
Liver diseasesCirrhosis. Hepatitis. Liver dystrophy. Parasitic liver cysts Pain in the right upper abdomen, deterioration of health, increased weakness, thirst, jaundice, alternating constipation and diarrhea

Bloating in the abdomen can also occur with infectious intestinal diseases (including parasitic infections - helminthiasis). Acute intestinal infections of viral and bacterial origin begin with profuse and repeated vomiting or an increase in temperature to 38° and above. Stool with intestinal infections is liquid, has a watery or foamy consistency, and an unpleasant odor. The color of the feces becomes light yellow, olive or green. Severe cramping pain is noted in the abdomen, the clinical picture is complemented by a febrile syndrome.

Symptoms of worms in an adult

Treatment consists of rehydration therapy (salt solutions “ Hidrovit ”, “Regidron”), eradication of the infectious agent (antimicrobial or antiviral agents), drinking plenty of water, and taking sorbents (activated carbon, dioctahedral smectite). For vomiting and severe nausea, taking prokinetics (“ Domperidone ”, “ Motilak ”) is indicated.

If bloating and heaviness in the abdomen are caused by helminthic infestation, deworming is prescribed using antiparasitic drugs ( Pyrantel , Vermox , Levamisole ).

Types of gastrointestinal infections

Everything is interconnected

The causes of heaviness in the intestines listed above are closely interconnected and form a kind of vicious circle. For example, a person who eats foods with low nutritional value must constantly renew reserves of components and substances, which forces him to consume large amounts of food. This provokes overeating, while at the same time the body, quite possibly, will still suffer due to a lack of vitamins.

Even if a person can boast of good health, the digestive system is not able to process large volumes of food received in a short period of time. There is a feeling of heaviness in the intestines, because the body is unable to generate enough enzymes to break down all the products, and rapid digestion becomes impossible.

What to do if you have bloating in your stomach?

Treatment of bloating and flatulence is carried out taking into account the cause that caused the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms. If the pathological causes of increased accumulation of gases in the intestines are not identified, treatment is carried out using carminative drugs (defoamers), diet and traditional medicine recipes.

Drug treatment

Carminatives, which destroy intestinal gas bubbles, prevent their formation and facilitate the removal of the gas mixture from the intestines, are the main group of drugs used to treat flatulence and relieve heaviness in the abdomen. There are four groups of drugs with similar properties that exhibit antifoam properties, but contain different active ingredients.

Carminatives for bloating and heaviness in the abdomen

Active substanceDrugsEffectDosage
Simethicone"Espumizan" "Bobotik"Inhibits the formation and destroys gas bubbles in mucus and nutrient suspension of the gastrointestinal tract40-80 mg 3 to 5 times daily
Bromopride"Bimaral"Normalizes motility of the digestive tract, eliminates nausea, stops vomiting, relieves hiccups and flatulence5-10 drops/kg (divided into 2 doses)
Fennel fruitDill water "Plantex"Stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, normalize digestion, enhance intestinal motility, eliminate increased gas formationDilute 5-10 g in 50-100 ml of water and take 2-3 times a day
Dimethicone"Zeolate" "Gaskon Drop"Reduce the surface tension of the components of the gas mixture80-160 mg up to 3-4 times a day

If necessary, therapy can be supplemented by taking sorbent drugs (“ Smecta ”, “ Polifepan ”, “ Polysorb ”).

Treatment of flatulence

Diet

From the diet of patients suffering from bloating and heaviness in the abdomen, it is necessary to exclude any foods that can stimulate gas formation: radishes, confectionery, cabbage, cucumbers, carbonated drinks, fresh baked goods. The diet should contain a sufficient amount of fiber (cereals, fruits, herbs, berries, vegetables), fermented milk products and proteins. It is recommended to prepare dishes in a gentle way, using boiling, stewing and baking. Fruits and vegetables are best consumed fresh, if necessary, peeling them and grinding them into a paste or puree.

Sample menu for patients with bloating and heaviness in the stomach

EatingDishes
Since morningSteam omelette with cherry tomatoes, herbs and boiled chicken; Mint tea
Late breakfastCurd pudding with bananas; fruit juice
DinnerChicken broth with wheat croutons and chicken meatballs; buckwheat cutlets with beef; fig compote without sugar
Afternoon snack“Farmer” salad with boiled pollock; a sandwich made from whole grain bread with low-fat cheese; chamomile drink
Before bedtimeA glass of kefir (if you are very hungry - a little cottage cheese or a piece of boiled fish)

Nutrition for intestinal flatulence

Treatment of the disease

Diet and healthy lifestyle

Most often, problems with the intestines and stomach appear due to the fact that a person does not eat properly, violates the diet, or does not monitor the quality of food. Then the doctor prescribes a diet as a therapeutic therapy, in which all foods that irritate the digestive organs and have a detrimental effect on the body are excluded from the menu. These are spicy, fatty and fried foods, alcohol, cigarettes, beer, carbonated drinks, sweets, chocolate, black tea and coffee.

The diet should minimize fat intake.

Instead, the patient is recommended to switch to six meals a day. Products should be steamed or boiled, with a minimum amount of fat and spices. The diet includes porridge with water, fresh and cooked vegetables and fruits, eggs, lean meat and fish, light meat and vegetarian broths. Among the drinks, mineral water without carbon, herbal infusions, decoctions and teas, compotes and jelly from dried fruits, and you can make natural juice have beneficial properties.

Medicines

If necessary, the doctor prescribes medication; it consists of taking special medications that help eliminate the cause of the discomfort. If intestinal problems are caused by stomach diseases, medications are taken to help improve the functioning of the organ. These are antacids, proton pump blockers, enzyme medications. Which medications to take is determined only by the attending physician.

Traditional methods

You can cope with heaviness in the abdomen using traditional methods, but before using them it is advisable to consult a doctor and rule out allergies to the components used.

Fennel

Pour 1 teaspoon of fennel into a glass of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave for 2 hours. Take half a glass 4 times a day (15-30 minutes before meals) for 2-3 weeks.

Rosemary and saffron

Chop 100 g of a mixture of rosemary and saffron (dried herbs can be used), pour 600 ml of boiling water and put on low heat. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, then strain and put in a cool place. Divide the resulting amount into 4 doses and drink throughout the day between meals. Duration of treatment is 7-10 days.

Prevention of flatulence

The disorder can be cured, but there is still a possibility of relapse.

To avoid the recurrence of symptoms, you should listen to simple advice:

  • Adhere to healthy eating rules.
  • Exercise regularly and perform exercises aimed at training the abdominal muscles.
  • Do not sit in one place for a long time; if possible, it is recommended to walk more.
  • Follow a daily routine and give your body proper rest.

Etiology

Heaviness in the lower abdomen may be due to the following etiological factors:

  • unhealthy diet - frequent snacking, fast food, abuse of fatty, spicy, too salty foods;
  • binge eating;
  • eating before bed;
  • eating too much food at one time;
  • alcohol abuse and smoking;
  • long-term treatment with “heavy” medications - antibiotics, hormonal drugs;
  • irritable bowel syndrome;
  • frequent stressful situations, nervous tension;
  • chronic gastroenterological pathologies.

Heaviness in the abdomen is also common during pregnancy. In this case, if there are no other symptoms or general poor health, this symptom should not be considered as a sign of pathology. If the heaviness in the lower abdomen is prolonged, you should consult a gastroenterologist for advice.

As for gastroenterological pathologies, heaviness in the lower abdomen can be caused by the following ailments:

Constant heaviness in the abdomen requires consultation with a gastroenterologist, since in this case the symptom is a manifestation of a certain pathological process. It should be understood that any gastrointestinal ailment can cause the development of serious complications, including adenocarcinoma.

What's happening?

Under the influence of the above factors, a change in the sensitivity of receptors in the intestinal wall occurs, and as a result, its functioning is disrupted. The cause of pain is intestinal spasms or excessive gas formation with overstretching of its walls.

You can guess if you have irritable bowel syndrome by the following signs:

  • pain in the abdomen around the navel or lower abdomen after eating, it usually disappears after bowel movements or passing gas;
  • diarrhea after eating, usually in the morning and early afternoon;
  • constipation;
  • flatulence;
  • feeling of incomplete bowel movement after visiting the restroom;
  • sometimes - belching of air, nausea, a feeling of heaviness and fullness in the stomach.

It is characteristic that all these unpleasant symptoms arise from excitement or after it, as a result of prolonged physical and nervous stress. Often, intestinal disorders are accompanied by headache, a feeling of a lump in the throat, insomnia, a feeling of lack of air, frequent urination, tinnitus, a feeling of weakness, and dry mouth.

Warning symptoms that require you to see a doctor

Short-term heaviness in the epigastrium and bloating are not dangerous and do not require special treatment. Such symptoms disappear after the provoking factor is eliminated. If the condition worsens or accompanying complaints appear, you should consult a doctor.

  • pain in the epigastrium, around the navel, in the hypochondrium or lateral abdomen;
  • prolonged heartburn;
  • difficulty swallowing food;
  • long-term bowel disorders: persistent diarrhea or constipation;
  • increased body temperature;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • weight loss;
  • the appearance of impurities in the stool (pus, blood, food debris).

The necessary assistance can be provided by a physician, general practitioner, gastroenterologist or abdominal surgeon.

Approach to therapy

Currently, etiotropic treatment is practiced - first, the causes that provoked the pathology are established and corrected, while the symptoms are considered secondary. In some cases, it is not possible to eliminate the root cause, and for some diseases there are no cures. In this case, relief of the patient's condition is achieved by relieving symptoms.

It so happens that many people do not perceive heaviness in the intestines as a serious problem, and pharmacies have many products to improve their general condition. It is worth remembering: constant use of such drugs has a negative effect on the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. In addition, the root cause, the original pathology, whose symptoms are suppressed, gradually develops and becomes more complicated.

Diseases and their manifestations

Treatment of heaviness in the intestines, provoked by the factors described above, involves normalizing the diet and stabilizing everyday life, eliminating worries and stress factors. The task will be somewhat more difficult if the cause of the phenomenon is pathology, a disease affecting the organs of the digestive system. Clarification of a specific somatic disorder is the responsibility of the doctor. It makes sense to understand what diseases the symptom indicates in order to have sufficient motivation to visit the clinic.

Most often, heaviness in the intestines accompanies gastritis. This disease is extremely widespread among residents of various countries of the world. The term usually refers to the presence of foci of inflammation on the mucous membranes covering the stomach. The cause of gastritis is bacterial invasion. The pathology is expressed by slow digestion. Unpleasant sensations come immediately after a meal and bother you for some time. Gastritis is manifested by pain in the abdomen above, nausea, and weight loss. Some people have bowel movements.

Heaviness in the stomach as a sign of pathology

The crazy pace of the modern world causes people to often forget about the need for proper nutrition. Lack of time provokes snacking on the go and eating unhealthy foods. The result of this lifestyle is stomach problems, discomfort, pain and other unpleasant sensations.

Heaviness in the stomach can be perceived as the very first hint that there are problems with the digestive system. In this case, it is possible that nausea and belching with an unpleasant aftertaste may occur. The factors causing this condition may be completely harmless, but it is possible that the cause lies in diseases of the intestines, stomach, pancreas or liver.

Factors causing discomfort

A feeling of a full stomach can occur both after eating and on an empty stomach, and the reasons for the feeling of fullness may have nothing to do with food. If we talk about the presence of discomfort after the stomach is “fed and watered,” then heaviness occurs in cases where:

  • There are errors in the menu or diet; spicy, fatty, fried and generously seasoned dishes are constantly consumed.
  • Overeating is observed against the background of a disrupted diet; instead of five or six times a day, a person eats once or twice in huge portions, while eating in front of the TV or while reading.
  • Preference is given to fast food over homemade healthy food.
  • Excessive eating, especially before bedtime.

If heaviness occurs on an empty stomach, in between meals, it may include:

  • About the negative effects of certain pharmaceuticals, for example, antibiotics.
  • About irritation of the gastric mucosa, which may be caused by excessive drinking, smoking, and carbonated drinks.
  • About irritable bowel syndrome, while disruption of its functioning is often accompanied by nausea, problems with stool, and painful attacks in addition to a feeling of heaviness.
  • About the excessive amount of hydrochloric acid produced, which is facilitated by stress and nervous tension. As a result, the mucous layer of the stomach suffers.
  • Pregnancy is a completely normal condition for a woman, when the developing uterus begins to put pressure on neighboring organs, causing some discomfort.

Heaviness in the stomach as a symptom

The feeling of fullness in the stomach itself indicates errors in eating. However, there are often cases when this symptom is accompanied by other manifestations, which often indicates the development of a certain pathology:

  • With gastritis, in addition to the indicated symptom, nausea, sometimes vomiting, belching and pain occur.
  • A stomach ulcer is formed under the influence of the same factors as gastritis, and accordingly has similar symptoms. The particular danger of the disease lies in complications that may lead to the need for surgical intervention. In addition to the symptoms characteristic of gastritis, night pain and seasonal exacerbations may occur.
  • The bacterium Helicobacter Pylori is usually to blame for duodenal ulcers; the feeling of fullness is accompanied by aching “hunger” pains that appear several hours after eating.
  • Pain syndrome is not typical for gastric cancer, but nausea, occasionally vomiting and problems with stool are added to the heaviness of the stomach. The pain comes in the later stages, and vomiting becomes more frequent. The development of cancer can be suspected when, against the background of heaviness in the stomach, there is a sharp loss of weight, increased weakness and rapid fatigue, lack of appetite, anemia and a slightly elevated temperature.
  • In chronic pancreatitis, the feeling of fullness is accompanied by bloating, vomiting and nausea, pain under the left rib, girdle pain, and problems with stool.
  • In addition to discomfort, cholecystitis and cholelithiasis are characterized by nausea and vomiting of bile, a yellowish tint of the skin and whites of the eyes, bitter belching, pain under the right rib and broken stool.
  • A feeling of fullness that occurs together with a feeling of fullness, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and increased thirst, indicates acute gastric dilation, which develops with paralysis of the neuromuscular system of the stomach.

The list is far from complete; in order to accurately determine the existing pathology and begin treatment, a visit to a gastroenterologist and a thorough diagnosis are required. The main thing is not to take such a manifestation as a feeling of heaviness in the stomach calmly, to take measures if this is not a one-time occurrence.

  • Alarming symptoms after eating: heaviness in the stomach and belching
  • Pathologies accompanied by stool disorders
  • Pathologies of the pylorus of the stomach and their treatment

How to quickly get rid of bloating

Abdominal bloating brings discomfort and for quick relief, special exercises and medications come to the rescue.

"Smecta"

If there is gas formation in the intestines, you should take special medications that absorb and remove harmful substances and gases.

Such medications include Smecta, which must be taken after meals, 10-15 g.

Activated carbon

The well-known sorbent is one of the most effective medicines for flatulence.

You will need 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight. You need to take the tablets with enough water.

"Mezim" and "Espumizan"

In addition to drugs that absorb toxic substances, it is necessary to use drugs that push out and destroy gases from the body . These include “Mezim” and “Espumizan”.

It is necessary to take 1 tablet 2-3 times a day after meals with water.

Gymnastics and abdominal massage

Special gymnastics includes a number of exercises that help get rid of bloating naturally.

Such exercises include: bending forward, lifting two legs at the same time from a lying position, the so-called “bicycle” exercise.

Exercises with a bend in the lower back while lying on your stomach help to cope with excessive gas formation.

also recommend placing a heating pad or a compress from a warm diaper on your stomach. Self-massage of the abdomen in a clockwise direction also helps.

Diagnoses and pathologies

Sometimes heaviness in the intestines indicates the presence of inflammatory processes in the gallbladder. Perhaps, in terms of prevalence, this pathology is second only to gastritis. A distinctive feature of cholecystitis is severe pain on the right under the ribs. The sensations come in fits and starts, and are especially strong if you eat something fatty, alcoholic, or salty. Often the period of exacerbation is accompanied by fever.

Colitis and enteritis are pathological conditions that also manifest themselves, among other things, as heaviness in the intestines. The terms refer to inflammatory processes localized in the large and small intestinal tract. The problem is accompanied by bloating, increased gas formation, and pain in the area suffering from pathological processes. The stool is broken.

Nuances and processes

If food is retained in the gastric cavity or intestinal tract, fermentation processes begin in these masses, causing bloating. A person suffers from gas formation and heaviness in the intestines. Often the sensations are accompanied by constant hunger, it is almost impossible to get enough, and every now and then you are tempted to have a snack again. Since it is easiest to get instant food, this is what people use to “dilate the worm”, without even realizing that they are only aggravating their condition.

An incorrect diet is not only an unsuccessful selection of foods, but also the culture of eating them. Currently, many people are characterized by aerophagia, that is, ingestion of air masses that enter the intestinal tract with nutritional components. To prevent this from happening, you must remain silent while eating, absorb food in small pieces, chewing carefully.

Diagnostics

If you have the above symptoms, you should contact a gastroenterologist. Initially, a physical examination of the patient is performed, with palpation of the abdomen and clarification of the general history. During the conversation, the doctor must find out how the patient eats, whether he took any medications, and whether he has chronic gastrointestinal pathologies. To make an accurate diagnosis, the following laboratory and instrumental examination methods are prescribed:

  • general and biochemical blood test;
  • general urine analysis;
  • ultrasound and x-ray examination of the abdominal organs;
  • urease breath test;
  • FEGDS;
  • MRI of the abdominal organs.

Additional gastroenterological studies are prescribed by the doctor, depending on the current clinical picture and medical history.

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