Tummy Pain Symptoms and Diet Tips

The cause of stomachache It can be very diverse and depending on the cause, it can be temporary or chronic problems. Transient problems can be caused, for example, by a viral or bacterial infection, eating too quickly, etc., while chronic functional problems are multifactorial and it is often difficult to determine the causes of the disorder.

Rome criteria

For 26 years, a group of experts in functional digestive disorders has met periodically in Rome to discuss and review the diagnostic criteria for these types of problems. The last revision took place in May 2016 and gave rise to what is known as the “Rome IV criteria”, which is the updated version that makes it possible to determine the characteristics and symptoms of each of these disorders. Among all digestive problems, a general classification is made, and within this the peculiarities that different types of disorders have and what premises we must consider are specified. The current classification comprises eight categories, although we will focus on the first four and especially on intestinal disorders, due to their frequency and the implication of diet as part of their treatment, the classification is as follows:

Classification of tummy pain

• Esophageal disorders: in this group we find problems such as reflux and heartburn, and even functional chest pain, which is not associated with heart problems or reflux.
• Gastroduodenal disorders: postprandial distress, functional dyspepsia and epigastric pain.
• Bowel Disorders: Here's irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, and functional diarrhea, as well as functional bloating or bloating.
• gastrointestinal pain of centrally mediated disorders: In this case we are talking about centrally mediated abdominal pain.
• Sphincter of Oddi and Gallbladder Disorders.
• Anorectal disorders.
• Childhood gastrointestinal Functional Disorders.
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders of adolescence.

Let's see in a little more detail the most common problems of tummy pain, their symptoms and the dietary advice in each case:

Bloating or functional abdominal distention

The main symptom is recurrent bloating or bloating, with a sensation of trapped gas, and / or a measurable increase in abdominal circumference, at least one day a week, generally. And its diagnosis is differential since it is determined when there are not enough criteria to determine irritable bowel syndrome, functional, functional constipation or postprandial distress syndrome. Symptoms of stomachache They must have started at least six months before diagnosis and recur in the last three months.

Treatment and advice Treatment of this condition is always difficult and acceptable results have only been achieved in some cases. Pharmacological treatment should be evaluated together with cognitive behavioral therapy and the evaluation of the effect of the ingestion on the observed symptoms. It is important to differentiate functional bloating or bloating from bloating or bloating that can be felt in a timely manner, or during a short season and that can respond to different causes such as: too fast or copious ingestions, the fact of swallowing air when eating, etc. We must also bear in mind that the ingestion of flatulent foods such as some and vegetables of the cabbage family, in some people can generate an excess of gases that will cause discomfort of this type.

Functional constipation

The person suffering from functional may suffer pain and / or swelling, but the main problem is difficult, infrequent or incomplete defecation. To determine the diagnosis, two or more of the following criteria must be present:

• Excessive strain in at least 25% of stools.
• Hard stools in at least 25% of stools.
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation in at least 25% of stools.
• Anorectal obstruction or blockage sensation in at least 25% of stools.
• Manual maneuvers are performed to facilitate defecation in at least 25% of bowel movements.
• Less than three complete spontaneous bowel movements a week.
• Furthermore, the presence of liquid stools is rare without the use of laxatives and there should not be sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

Treatment and advice The dietary treatment involves ensuring a sufficient consumption of fiber and water, which is supplemented with supplements if necessary. When fiber is not enough, different types of drugs are chosen that promote defecation by different methods. On the other hand, it is also advisable to establish defecation routines and strengthen or maintain the toning of the abdominal area and other muscles involved.

Functional diarrhea

Functional diarrhea is characterized by recurrent defecation of loose or watery stools. This type of stool is present in more than 25% of the stools and pain or annoying abdominal swelling are not the predominant symptoms. To diagnose functional diarrhea, this fact must have started at least 6 months before diagnosis and the symptoms will be present during the last three months. On the other hand, the criteria for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome should not be met.

Treatment and advice The treatment goes through the administration of the appropriate drugs in each case. Probiotics, antibiotics can improve diarrhea, empirically, but have not been specifically tested in these patients. Regarding dietary treatment, it should include sufficient intake of water or fluids since persistent diarrhea involves a greater loss of water and electrolytes. On the other hand, the intake of fiber and astringent foods will be adjusted to the person's bowel rhythm.

Another frequent reason for consultation is del syndrome, which is characterized by causing recurrent abdominal pain that is also associated with the moment of defecation. It is related to changes in bowel habits, being common that in the same week there are notable changes in the frequency of defecations and also in the consistency and / or appearance of the stool. It is also linked to bloating or bloating.

• For 26 years, a group of experts in functional digestive disorders has met periodically in Rome to discuss and review the diagnostic criteria for these types of problems.
• Functional abdominal bloating, diarrhea and constipation are the most frequently consulted disorders.
• Another common reason for consultation is irritable bowel syndrome.

Mercè Gonzalo Bachelor of Food Science and Technology Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics Advance Medical Consultant Nutritionist