What is Intractable Abdominal Pain?
Stomach pain which continues to persist even after different tests and treatments have been done is known as Intractable Abdominal Pain. This pain can come and go or can be constant. It is very frustrating for patients who experience Intractable Abdominal Pain.
What Causes Intractable Abdominal Pain?
The exact cause of Intractable Abdominal Pain is not clearly understood.
What Are the Symptoms of Intractable Abdominal Pain?
Common symptoms of intractable abdominal pain include diarrhea, constipation or both. Intractable abdominal pain can also be related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Other Interrelated Symptoms of Intractable Abdominal Pain
Patient can also have different interrelated problems/symptoms such as:
- Fatigue.
- Sleep disorders.
- Increased sensitivity to sound, light or diet.
- Depression and anxiety.
- Nausea.
- Headaches.
- Pain in the joints.
How is Intractable Abdominal Pain Diagnosed?
It is difficult to diagnose Intractable Abdominal Pain as this does not occur as a result of another medical condition or disease. Intractable Abdominal Pain is the primary medical condition bothering the patient. Some of the tests which are done to diagnose Intractable Abdominal Pain are:
- Abdominal x-rays.
- Blood tests.
- Urine and stool tests.
- Ultrasound of the abdomen.
- Endoscopy/colonoscopy where the doctor inserts a thin and lighted tube through the mouth or nose into the esophagus to take a look inside the esophagus.
- CT scan is a non-invasive procedure, which uses computer and x-rays to generate detailed cross-sectional images.
How is Intractable Abdominal Pain Treated?
Treatment options for Intractable Abdominal Pain include:
- Cognitive behavioral treatments.
- Multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
- Pain control.
- Nutrition advice.
- Physical therapy.
Cannabis as Treatment for Intractable Abdominal Pain
It is thought that Intractable Abdominal Pain can be treated or relieved with Cannabis where other treatments have failed. It is thought that small fiber neuropathy in the nerves present in and around the gut can be a cause for Intractable Abdominal Pain. However, irrespective of the cause of Intractable Abdominal Pain, cannabis is thought to be useful in treating Intractable Abdominal Pain
Cannabis has also been in use for treating different gastrointestinal conditions, such as motility disorders and inflammatory conditions.
