Intestinal colic: doctor clarifies main causes and symptoms

Many people have suffered from intestinal colic and may have been faced with the question: what does this pain mean exactly? What are your causes? Márcio Fontes, gastroenterologist at Hospital Santa Luzia, from Rede D’Or São Luiz, explains that intestinal colic is a type of intermittent pain, more characterized by contractions and relaxations of the intestine. “We can define it more as a symptom of some specific situation – sometimes it’s due to lifestyle habits like eating habits and lack of physical activity, or, in some cases, it’s a symptom of other intestinal diseases,” he says.

Understand better what are the characteristics and causes of intestinal colic and from when it is necessary to seek a medical appointment.

Causes

In general, intestinal colic can come from some pathology or bad habits. Check out the gastroenterologist’s explanations.

Bad habits

When it does not involve intestinal pathologies, colic arises from bad daily habits. “If the person does not practice physical activities, eats poorly and drinks little water, the chances of being affected by the problem are great”, says Fontes.

“This occurs since these practices favor constipation, constipation and gas production, forcing the intestines to contract and distend more often”, explains the doctor.

Certain pathologies

Fontes explains that, in the case of pathologies that hide behind intestinal cramps, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) – namely Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease – are common examples of causes. “In addition to colic, these can lead to ongoing diarrhea, sometimes with blood and weight loss,” he says.

diverticular diseases

Another problem that can lead to intestinal colic is diverticular disease. “They develop diverticula (small protruding pouches, usually resulting from the force that the intestine has to do to push dry stools) in the large intestine. In it, there is inflammation of the diverticulum”, says Fontes.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or gastroenteritis

As the gastroenterologist adds, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or gastroenteritis are also common behind colic.

IBS is defined as an intestinal disorder that has no fully defined causes and can cause stomach pain, gas, diarrhea and constipation.

Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, is an intestinal infection that has diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever as symptoms.

Although most people believe this, it is not correct to say that intestinal cramps are more common among women, as explained by Fontes, as it depends on the cause of them. “The sex affected varies depending on the pathology causing the problem,” she adds.

Symptoms

“The intestine is a muscular tube that contracts and stretches. In this process, depending on the frequency or power, pain can arise”, explains Fontes.

The gastroenterologist adds that the pain is usually in the lower part of the abdomen, due to the location of the intestine, but this can vary according to the cause of the problem.

“A classic example of intestinal colic is the sensation of having a bowel movement. We often feel pain in intermittent waves, as the intestines contract to push and eliminate stool,” adds Fontes.

Intestinal colic in pregnancy

Intestinal colic can be common in pregnancy because, as Fontes explains, usually, due to the hormonal ebullition of this phase, women have intestinal constipation (trapped intestine).

“And in this way, the gases are accumulated, as well as the dried feces, and the intestine is forced to perform more contractions to get rid of them”, explains the gastroenterologist.

How to relieve symptoms?

But what, then, are the precautions that the pregnant woman should take so that the symptoms are relieved and can also be avoided? Once more serious diseases are ruled out, Fontes cites the main guidelines to avoid intestinal colic during pregnancy:

Avoiding certain foods: it is essential that the woman avoids any food that can cause gas, constipation or diarrhea. “The FODMAP group (Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Fermentable Polyols) is found in a wide variety of foods (fruits, vegetables and dairy products) that are hardly absorbed by the small intestine. Some of the foods rich in FODMAPs are apples, avocados, cherries, onions, cabbage, broccoli, milk and yogurt. These poorly absorbed carbohydrates are, in turn, fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas. Thus, they should be avoided”, he explains.

Drink plenty of water: those who drink little water should also be aware of the danger of intestinal colic, says Fontes, as the liquid is responsible for softening the fecal cake, preventing feces from being trapped in the intestine.

Practice physical activity: the practice of physical activity is another essential issue, emphasizes Fontes, since it favors the functioning of the organ.

Intestinal colic is, therefore, a common nuisance among pregnant women and that, generally, does not have serious consequences, and can even be avoided. But in some cases, colic can indicate more serious complications, so it is essential to seek medical help and evaluate the case individually.

complications

Fontes highlights that it is extremely important to be aware of prolonged intestinal cramps, those that last a long time. “Eating something that didn’t do you any good can lead to cramping, but after a while, it passes and everything goes normally,” she says.

“However, medical advice should be sought immediately if it is accompanied by fever, weight loss, intestinal bleeding, diarrhea and/or weakness, pain or weakness in the body”, adds the gastroenterologist.

When colic is not the result of bad daily habits, it can be a sign of some pathologies, such as those highlighted by gastroenterologist Márcio Fontes:

• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease;
• Diverticular diseases;
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS);
• Gastroenteritis.

To understand what is the cause of intestinal colic, rule out possible diseases and follow the correct treatment, it is essential to seek medical help.

“The general practitioner can be sought at the first moment to assess the situation of the condition. However, the gastroenterologist is the most suitable specialist, since he can more accurately diagnose the possible problems behind intestinal cramps”, concludes Márcio Fontes.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.