Hungry pains. Hungry pains after eating

It is quite difficult to endure hungry pains in the stomach, since they are aching in nature and decrease only after eating. This symptom indicates the development of trophic changes, which eventually lead to organ dysfunction.

Causes of pain

Pathological processes that take place in the digestive tract cause tissue destruction, irritation of nerve receptors, and pain. Factors that affect the appearance of discomfort:

• Spasm of smooth muscles near an eroded or ulcer site.
• Reproduction of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori in the gastric mucosa.
• Change in the motor activity of the organ.
• An increase in the content of hydrochloric acid, as well as an increase in its production at night.
• Irritation of nerve receptors.

Why such pathologies arise:

• Deep inflamed epithelial defect.
• Erosion of the mucosa.
• Malignant tumor.
• Hormonal disbalance.

A common cause of hunger pain is a stomach ulcer, which leads to:

• Unbalanced diet.
• Stress.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol, hot spices, smoking.
• Long-term drug treatment with drugs that damage the stomach lining, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The symptom of hunger pains is also characteristic of duodenal ulcers. Only a doctor can differentiate between the two diseases.

Video: Pain in the pit of the stomach - three possible causes

How to recognize hunger pains

Discomfort occurs in the area under the spoon, increases with pressure and disappears if you drink a glass of water or eat. In this case, the patient, despite the feeling of hunger, has a decrease in appetite, which is caused by the psychogenic reaction of the body to the existing disorder.

If the pathological process has arisen in the stomach, discomfort appears half an hour after eating. Localization of the ulcer in the duodenal mucosa, leads to discomfort after a few hours. These diseases are characterized by hunger pains at night and in the morning.

Similar symptoms can be caused by some other pathologies (opisthorchiasis, trematodosis, fascioliasis), therefore, a doctor's consultation and a detailed examination of the body are necessary to make the correct diagnosis.

Patients describe pain in different ways:

• Pulsing.
• Shooting.
• Burning.
• Aching.

Its intensity depends on the degree of damage to the organ, individual sensitivity. Most patients experience worsening pain on an empty stomach.

Based only on the subjective feelings and complaints of the patient, it is difficult to make a correct diagnosis. However, a specialist can assume the nature of the pathology. For example, pulsating discomfort is caused by contraction of the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, and sucking - by erosive damage to the mucous membrane.

Hunger pains at night and in the morning

Pain in the morning indicates the presence of erosion or ulcers in the mucous layer of the duodenum. The peak of exacerbation occurs at 3-5 hours. In addition, duodenitis causes a strong feeling of hunger and weakness. Unpleasant sensations stop quite easily - they disappear if, when hungry, you drink a glass of water. Relief also occurs after vomiting, due to a decrease in the irritation effect on the nerve endings. However, this process is not normal for the human body and has its drawbacks.

Nighttime discomfort indicates trophic changes in the antrum of the stomach, since problems in the pyloric part are not associated with food intake. Additionally, it may vomit, rumbling in the abdomen, disturbed by dizziness or sleep disturbance. Poor digestion of food leads to increased gas production in the intestines or diarrhea.

Fibrogastroduodenoscopy will help to accurately identify the cause of pain and its localization, when a biopsy is taken to exclude oncological neoplasms.

Accurate diagnosis

The examination is carried out by a gastroenterologist. Before that, he listens to the patient's complaints, evaluates the time of pain manifestation, its nature and localization.

For the study, a special endoscope is used, which looks like a long narrow tube with an attached optical device. The patient swallows the device and the doctor pushes the tube further down the digestive tract.

Gastroscopy is performed on an empty stomach in a hospital setting. This method allows you to visually see and evaluate the state of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, as well as analyze the nature of erosion and take a biopsy.

The procedure is very informative, therefore it is always used for diagnostics, despite the patients' aversion to it. The technique is painless, takes no longer than 5 minutes, but provokes vomiting, which is quite difficult to contain.

If more information is needed, your doctor may order an ultrasound or x-ray exam.

Treatment of hunger pains

After identifying the cause of the painful sensations, the doctor determines the method of therapy. The drug regimen includes several areas:

• Normalization of the motility of the digestive tract. To do this, use drugs based on domperidone or metoclopramide.
• Relieve symptoms with pain relievers or antispasmodics (Buscopan, Baralgin, No-shpa). Antacids (Maalox, Almagel, Phosphalugel) are able to reduce irritation of the damaged mucous membrane. Self-medication with Analgin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be harmful.
• Fight against Helicobacter pylori. The bacteria's danger to stomach health has already been proven. If the pathogen is identified, its elimination is imperative for successful therapy. The doctor prescribes a special treatment regimen that includes an antibacterial drug and a proton pump inhibitor (it provides a gastroprotective effect).
• Acceleration of erosion healing and reduction of inflammation. Bismuth-based drugs - De-nol, Bismol will be effective.

In addition to drug treatment, folk remedies are beneficial. They are especially effective in the early stages of the disease. With gastritis and erosive processes of the duodenum, the following are used:

• Calamus rhizome. Any cause of pain in the stomach is accompanied by inflammation, which this plant successfully fights with, also exerting a choleretic effect and stimulating the production of pancreatic enzymes. The broth is prepared from the ratio of 200 ml of water per 10 g of raw materials. The liquid should be kept on low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and taken 50 ml 4 times a day.
• Pharmaceutical camomile. The decoction technology is the same. The tool helps to remove spasms of the gastrointestinal tract and accelerates tissue healing. Drink liquid in the morning and during the day on an empty stomach.
• Plantain. The plant is known for its enveloping and regenerating properties due to its high mucus content. For treatment, leaves or juice are used, which successfully relieve discomfort and protect the mucous membrane.

During the treatment of stomach pathologies, it is important to follow a diet. Proper nutrition will help reduce the stress on the digestive tract and restore the structure of the mucosa. If the stomach begins to ache, it is recommended to drink a glass of water, kefir, jelly, or eat. Since the feeling of hunger is constantly present in the patient, meals should be frequent and in small portions.

Forbidden for use:

• Fatty meals.
• Spice.
• Sauces.
• Alcohol.
• Coffee.
• Chocolate.
• Dough.
• Orange juice.
• Smoked products.
• Pickles.
• Fried food.

Carbonated drinks, eggs, sour berries activate the secretion of gastric secretions, so they must also be excluded from the diet.

With increased acidity and ulcers, are useful:

• Viscous porridge.
• Fruits (bananas, sweet pears, apples).
• Mashed boiled vegetables.
• Lean fish, steamed meat.
• Light soups.
• Dairy products.
• Kissel.
• Nuts.
• Durum wheat pasta.

It is important that the food is warm and preferably of a puree consistency.

Alkaline mineral water or baking soda solution, which neutralizes acidic gastric juice, can help reduce pain, rumbling in the stomach and nausea. Such funds can be used in acute conditions, however, their effect is short-lived. The constant use of medicinal fluids prevents an aggressive attack of the mucous membrane by secreted secretions.

Video: Hungry stomach pains reasons, how to get rid

Possible complications

Painful sensations in the stomach are always quite strong, so people do not delay a visit to the doctor. Complications are more likely to occur due to improper treatment and non-compliance with the recommended diet.

The danger of inflammatory and destructive processes in the gastrointestinal tract is the high probability of perforated organ damage. This causes severe pain, bleeding, inability to digest food. Development of pancreatitis or cholecystitis is also possible.

Pain in the stomach (gastralgia) has many characteristics. One of them associates the beginning with the time of the meal: during the meal, immediately after (early), after a while (late). Depending on how many hours have passed since the beginning of digestion, "hungry stomach pains" are emitted. This means the absence of any products in the organ cavity.

Patients report pain cramps "on an empty stomach." The feeling of hunger accompanies gastralgia, but does not mean a sharp increase in appetite. This is not the constant hunger experienced by endocrine obesity patients or people trying to use low-calorie diets based on prolonged fasting in the treatment of diseases.

It's just that such pains are relieved well by a light snack. In any case, it must be borne in mind that a healthy person should not have. If they appear, then you should understand the reasons, as early as possible to identify the disease.

What processes occur in the stomach at the time of the onset of pain?

In order to understand the causes of hunger pains, we will try to establish what the organ is “busy with” 6-7 hours after eating, what deviations in activity contribute to the occurrence of pain in the stomach.

This is the average residence time of the food bolus in the stomach.

The organ has elastic folds that allow it to expand and hold up to 4 liters of food and liquid. For the specified time, all received products should be crushed, turn into a homogeneous mass. The stomach muscles stir the composition to improve the contact area with the enzymes.

Alcohol, salts, glucose, excess water are immediately absorbed and transferred into the blood. The remainder is exposed to gastric juice containing hydrochloric acid, mucus, enzymes (pepsin, gastrin). It is produced by the lining cells located between the epithelial cells. The largest amount is spent on the digestion of meat and spicy dishes. "Heavy" food lingers the longest.

As you know, juice in the stomach can be produced by sight, smell of food. The enzyme system of the stomach is designed so that it only works in a sufficiently acidic environment. The acidity decreases as it approaches the pyloric sphincter.

It is part of the small intestine, stands out for its importance. Having received the food mass through the gatekeeper, it continues to break down proteins and carbohydrates. It is here that the secretions of the gallbladder and pancreas are included in digestion, and the action of gastric juice ceases.

The synthesis of pancreatic enzymes depends on the secretory activity of the stomach:

• with an excess of acid, the synthesis of the necessary enzymes that break down proteins is disrupted, this leads to the entry of foreign antigens into the body, causes autoimmune reactions, food allergies;
• low acidity in the stomach - disrupts the production of biochemical substances responsible for the absorption of minerals and vitamins, contributes to the loss of iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B 12.

Why does the stomach hurt when it does not contain food?

So, we have established that at the time of hunger pains in the stomach there are no food debris. This means that they are caused by digestive disorders in the border regions. Practice shows that most often when examining patients, they find:

• bulbit (inflammation of the bulb);
• erosion or ulcer of the duodenum;
• duodenogastric reflux gastritis, caused by the throwing of intestinal contents with bile acids into the pyloric section of the stomach;
• disruption of the functioning of the pancreas, biliary tract.

A certain role is played by a decrease in the natural defense of glandular cells from the mucus-forming epithelium, this is facilitated by the entry into the stomach of too coarse food, toxic substances

The factors that contribute to pain are:

• an increase in the synthesis of hydrochloric acid by the parietal cells by 2–3 times in comparison with the required level, especially at night;
• lack of activity of the buffer system for alkalization;
• growth on the mucous membrane of Helicobacteria;
• spastic muscle contraction in the area of \u200b\u200ban erosive or ulcerative defect;
• impaired motor activity of the digestive system.

In the mechanism of change in acid formation, the main role is played by the disruption of adaptation of acid production to the quality and volume of incoming food. It has been established that people with fluctuations in blood sugar levels below normal may experience hunger pains in the stomach. The lack of the required amount of glucose in the body causes painful contractions of the muscle layer.

How do hunger pains manifest?

Hunger pains in the abdomen are most often localized in the upper part (epigastrium), but when the biliary tract is involved, it can be felt as pain in the right hypochondrium, radiating to the left. Patients note sensations that are different in nature and duration:

• rare, short-term attacks in the form of contractions or cramps on an empty stomach, which are relieved by drinking mineral water or milk - the initial state of disruption of the digestive function in the stomach, is usually well restored by proper treatment;
• prolonged spastic pain in the epigastric region with pulsation or burning - indicates an advanced stage of inflammation, possibly of an erosive type;
• if the pains take on a regular nature, necessarily appear at a certain time of the day (in the morning or at night), then you should think about a duodenal ulcer.

By the nature and intensity of pain on an empty stomach in 1/3 of patients, it can be described as strong, cutting, causing difficulties at work and in the rhythm of life, another option is "pulsating spasm" or aching sensations, discomfort

Additional symptoms aggravate the patient's condition: sour belching (patients feel "as if they ate something sharp and sour"), constant heartburn, nausea, stool disorders (tendency to constipation), rumbling in the abdomen, flatulence.

Usually, the appetite, despite the fact that the stomach hurts, does not suffer, sometimes even increased. Self-induction of vomiting helps to relieve pain. When examining a doctor, pain is noted during palpation in the epigastric zone, possibly in the right hypochondrium and along the intestines. The liver is not enlarged.

When hunger pains occur in patients after 40 years of age, it is necessary to exclude atypical localization of angina pectoris, to examine the intestines. In addition, it should be borne in mind that people with depressive conditions suffer from similar symptoms. For them, food acts as a sedative.

What provokes acid hypersecretion and what are the consequences of violations

The provoking factors of discomfort if the stomach hurts on an empty stomach are:

• improper nutrition with a predominance of spicy, meat and fatty foods, sweets, lack of a regimen in food intake, long breaks;
• impaired synthesis of the hormones lepton and melatonin, the reason is relevant for the occurrence of pain attacks at night;
• pregnancy in women, changing hormonal levels;
• smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages;
• transferred stresses;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• long-term medication intake;
• food and household poisoning.

Simultaneously with the hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid, the process of cell regeneration, the formation of protective mucus are disrupted, often insufficient blood supply is found against the background of hypertension, diabetes mellitus.

It is important to promptly eliminate the overstrain of the gastric lining cells, since they subsequently atrophy and die off. With fibrogastroscopy, a picture of atrophic gastritis is found.

Are there any differences in pain at night and in the early morning?

Patients, having felt pain from hunger, react to them in different ways. Pay attention to the fact that the main symptoms disappear after a light meal. Therefore, they adapt to snacking at night, drinking milk or mineral water. Others are afraid of food, refuse because of the expectation of increased pain. They develop irritability, insomnia.

A symptom such as eating at night raises suspicion of a duodenal or lower stomach ulcer.

The optimal time for a pain attack in the morning is 3-5 hours. This is a symptom of ulcerative lesions of the duodenum. Patients also relieve sensations with food or vomiting. There is no significant difference in pain syndrome depending on the time of onset.

What kind of examination do you need to undergo to identify the cause?

To accurately identify functional and structural abnormalities in the stomach help:

• the method of probing for the study of acidity, it can be replaced by a more modern pH-metry or determination of uropepsin by daily urine;
• clarification of infection with Helicobacter pylori infection by the respiratory method;
• fibrogastroduodenoscopy - a visual way to determine the type and degree of mucosal lesions, localization, take material for biopsy;
• the study of the morphology of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum helps to identify the defeat of the parietal cells, the initial signs of dystrophy.

If the pain "seizes" in case of depression and weight gain, patients will need a psychiatric consultation.

How to treat hunger pains?

Helping yourself with food or vomiting is only temporary. It is necessary to understand well that the ongoing process will continue and reveal itself at a more difficult level. Treatment of hungry pain in the stomach begins only after a full examination, otherwise it can be harmful.

It is imperative that you give up smoking and alcohol, normalize mental stress and organize adequate rest. Sports activities, increased physical activity, daily exercise in the morning help. A sparing diet aims to relieve digestion from the effects of biologically active substances that stimulate the secretion of gastric juice.

It is necessary to give up rich fish and meat broths, fried and fatty meat dishes, smoked sausages, sausages, canned food, hot sauces, mayonnaise, sweet culinary products. In food you need: milk porridges and soups, vegetable casseroles, fresh juices from fruits and vegetables, low-fat boiled meat and fish dishes.

It is important to eat small meals more often. With night pains, do not eat tightly for dinner, drink a glass of milk before bedtime. As for the possibility of eating fresh fruits, it is better to decide the issue individually with a doctor.

Almagel A has an analgesic and enveloping effect, taking the drug eliminates the feeling of hunger

The complex of therapy includes:

• antispasmodic drugs - if the pains have a pronounced cramping character (No-shpa, Drotaverin, Platifillin);
• to suppress the production of excess acid, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole are prescribed;
• when Helicobacterium is detected, a course of eradication with antibiotics and bismuth preparations is carried out;
• in order to normalize the regulation of acid production, courses of vitamin therapy (group B) are recommended, they restore neural connections between organs;
• some patients need choleretic drugs, enzymes.

Of the folk ways, it is most acceptable to drink a warm decoction of chamomile, flax seeds, add ground cinnamon to tea in the morning, eat cucumbers, peeled from the skin, include oatmeal products (porridge, jelly, decoction) in the diet.

You should be careful with the tincture and decoction of St. John's wort. You cannot take it without consulting a doctor. It should be remembered that the popular mint tea for calming and sleeping has the ability to increase acid production, in this case it is not suitable.

Self-medication of hungry stomach pains is categorically contraindicated. The mechanism of influence on the level of acidity is very complex, so one cannot do without diagnostics. The selection of drugs is a doctor's business. Some remedies, if used incorrectly, only intensify and provoke the problem.

A person can experience hunger pains in the stomach for several reasons: from a completely natural feeling caused by hunger, and ending with a peptic ulcer of the digestive system.

Usually, the pain subsides after eating, which significantly complicates the diagnosis of the disease. Also hungry pains appear with gastritis.
Often, in addition to pain in the stomach, a person may experience nausea, heartburn, intestinal upset, etc. In most cases, the reason lies in non-systemic nutrition, but at the first onset of symptoms, an urgent need to consult a specialist.

Modern medicine is able to accurately diagnose the disease and carry out medication treatment without resorting to operations.

Symptoms and causes of the disease

Hunger pains in the stomach differ significantly both in intensity and in the place of the painful focus. By nature, the pain can be sucking, pulling, sharp, burning, etc.
The appearance of pain means that gastritis, familiar to everyone, is progressing significantly and is already the cause of the inflammatory process.
You should be aware that pain in the stomach due to hunger may occur 6-7 hours after the last meal, which is not a deviation from the norm. However, when pain occurs, their intensity and nature should be taken into account:

• the onset of pain 1–1.5 hours after eating indicates a stomach ulcer;
• pain that occurs 2–2.5 hours after a meal often indicates the development of an intestinal ulcer.

Pain in the stomach area is often accompanied by the following symptoms:

• a significant decrease in appetite, up to its complete absence;
• diarrhea or severe constipation;
• vomiting and nausea;
• before and after eating, heartburn or belching may form;
• insomnia is possible;
• a feeling of discomfort in the chest, bloating, aching pain in the stomach.

Inflammation, which is the cause of pain in the stomach, as well as hunger pains, usually causes the symptoms described above, being in an exacerbation stage or in a state close to peptic ulcer disease. Depending on the focus of pain, the causes of pathological changes also differ. For example, pain that occurs on the left side of the stomach indicates damage to the cardiac region or the place where the stomach connects to the esophagus.
In some cases, the cause of pain in the stomach can be disturbances in the production of digestive secretions - while the symptoms are similar to hunger pains, and the reason for the deviations may lie in the stress or psychological disorders that have been suffered.
Frequent night hunger pains, prompting a person to eat at night, are a characteristic sign of an antrum ulcer. However, pain in the stomach, which occurs mainly at night, also indicates an imbalance in the body of the hormones leptin and melatonin. This is expressed in a lack of appetite during the daytime, and its strong manifestation at night, usually accompanied by hunger pains.
Painful sensations that appear in the morning indicate erosion of the duodenum. They occur, as a rule, in the interval from 3 to 6 am, and often to relieve pain it is enough to drink a glass of water.

Hunger pains, despite an increase in the patient's appetite, often lead to weight loss - this is due to a person's subconscious desire to limit the intake of heavy foods, and preferring lighter meals and taking them in small portions.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

When treating hungry pains, one should, first of all, focus on stopping pathological changes in the body.

They are the cause of pain.

The course of treatment is prescribed only after undergoing a series of diagnostic procedures.

All procedures are prescribed by the attending physician.

In some cases, hospitalization of the patient is required.
The main diagnostic procedures are as follows:

• fibrogastroduodenoscopy;
• Ultrasound of the stomach;
• MRI of the gastrointestinal tract;
• gastropanel;
• fluoroscopy.

Antibacterial drugs

Therapy consists in taking medications, divided into several groups:
The appointment of antibacterial drugs is aimed at destroying the intestinal bacteria, which is the cause of the pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, up to the appearance of an ulcer. A wide range of drugs of various price groups are used. Due to the negative effects of antibiotics on the body, medication should be taken under supervision and only as prescribed by a specialist. The following drugs are usually prescribed by specialists:

Available in tablets of simple and prolonged action, powders for suspension preparation.

Do not use during pregnancy and lactation, renal or hepatic failure, hypersensitivity and allergy to substances in the composition of the drug.

The average cost in pharmacies is from 425 rubles for powder, and from 531 rubles for tablets.

Clarithromycin

Produced in oblong white tablets, packaging - cardboard packs and blisters of 10-14 pcs.

The cost is 96 rubles

Omeprazole

Release form - tablets and capsules.

The cost in pharmacies is from 45 rubles.

Amoxicillin

Available in tablets and granules for the preparation of suspensions.

Use with caution during pregnancy, it is not recommended for renal and hepatic insufficiency, allergies to components in the composition.

The cost for granules is from 170 rubles, for tablets - from 85 rubles.

Amoxiclav

Available in the form of tablets, suspensions for solution preparation, intravenous injections.

It is forbidden to use if the liver, kidneys are impaired, during pregnancy and lactation.

The cost of tablets - from 190 rubles, powder - from 99 rubles, solutions - from 785 rubles.

Taking medications aimed at treating a specific disease, which leads to the normalization of the stomach.

Taking antispasmodic drugs

Eliminate pain symptoms. Most Popular:

Available in the form of tablets and ampoules for injection. It can be used during pregnancy, not recommended for renal and hepatic insufficiency, intolerance to the components.

The cost of tablets is from 67 rubles, ampoules - from 100 rubles.

Papaverine

Release form - tablets and solutions for injections.

The average price of tablets is from 37 rubles, solution - from 75 rubles.

Antisecretory drugs

Taking these drugs blocks the synthesis of hydrochloric acid, which prevents an increase in acidity. Usually appointed:

Famotidine

It is produced in the form of tablets in a film shell of 20 and 40 mg.

You should exclude the use of the drug in the case of the development of malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal tract.

The cost of the medicine is from 30 rubles.

Chewable tablets with mint or orange flavor, without sugar.

Price from 143 rubles

Lozenges mint, cherry and unflavored.

Give with caution to children aged 6 to 12 years, do not take with allergy to lactose and individual tolerance to substances in the composition of the drug.

Price from 127 rubles

Ranitidine

Available in film-coated tablets. Dispensed by doctor's prescription, it is not recommended to use after the expiration date.

The price in pharmacies is from 16.5 rubles.

Strong pain relievers

To relieve pain:

Analgin

Available in white or yellowish tablets, it has a bitter taste.

Do not use in case of aspirin asthma, individual intolerance, during pregnancy and lactation.

Cost in pharmacies from 10 rubles per blister

Available in conventional and prolonged-release tablets, gel, suppositories, solution for intramuscular and intravenous injections, capsules and cream.

It is forbidden to use in childhood, during pregnancy and lactation, with individual intolerance.

The cost of tablets in pharmacies is from 184 rubles, prolonged action - from 216 rubles.

Hepatoprotectors

They restore liver function.

Methyluracil

Available in tablet form, topical ointment and rectal suppositories.

Limit children's access to the medicine, do not use after the expiration date.

Ointment price - from 59 rubles, tablets - 157 rubles, suppository - from 32 rubles.

Available in pill form, there are no contraindications for use.

You should limit the intake of the drug for children and during pregnancy.

The price in pharmacies is from 365 rubles.

Lipoic acid

Release form - film-coated tablets. No side effects or contraindications were found.

The cost in pharmacies is 218 to 49 rubles per pack.

Taking vitamin complexes

The complex is rich in vitamins and useful microelements, is available in several packaging options, the release form is tablets. There are no contraindications for use, but there is a possibility of allergic reactions.

Cost in pharmacies - from 438 rubles;

Supradin

Available in simple tablets, effervescent soluble tablets, gummies for children.

The cost of effervescent tablets is from 337 rubles, simple tablets - from 673 rubles.

Traditional methods of treatment

The most popular recipe is a decoction of chamomile, vegetable oils are also used, taken in the morning on an empty stomach (dosage - 1 teaspoon). Eating aura root will eliminate heartburn, and 2-3 grams of cinnamon will help reduce stomach acidity. It is not recommended to independently prescribe a course of treatment, even in the case of using traditional methods. Treatment of hungry stomach pains and the search for the cause of these symptoms should be carried out only under the supervision of a specialist.

Diet

The first step is to develop a food intake regimen - strict adherence to it to exclude the risk of self-destruction of the stomach due to hunger. You should also limit yourself from eating smoked, fried and spicy foods, as it causes irritation of the gastric mucosa, which is fraught with exacerbations in case of peptic ulcer disease.
In case of night pain, the regimen should be changed gradually, switching to daytime nutrition.
In severe cases, the food is taken grated, since coarse food will only irritate the ulcer more strongly, which can lead to the opening of bleeding. Treatment requires dividing meals into several small meals throughout the day.

You should limit your intake of salt and alcohol, smoking is contraindicated.

With hunger pains, the following foods are allowed:

• porridge on the water with sunflower or olive oil;
• boiled vegetables or fruits (optimally steamed);
• baby puree that does not contain various preservatives, sugar and salts;
• completely abandon diets aimed at losing weight.

It is forbidden to use:

• chips, fast foods, crackers, etc.;
• salted and smoked bacon and meat;
• fried foods;
• butter.

You should limit yourself to taking:

• fish and seafood;
• all kinds of spices;
• citrus fruits and sour fruits and berries;
• sunflower seeds.

A specialist can suggest the correct diet after completing a comprehensive examination.
Hunger pains are successfully treated with drugs, and it does not take much time to diagnose the causes of their occurrence. You should immediately consult a doctor if pain occurs, and the earlier the visit takes place, the lower the risk of complications.

Rejection of bad habits and a healthy lifestyle will relieve the manifestation of pain.

The presence of symptoms such as:

• stomach pain
• smell from the mouth
• heartburn
• diarrhea
• constipation
• belching
• increased gas production (flatulence)

If you have at least 2 of these symptoms, then this indicates a developing

gastritis or ulcers.

These diseases are dangerous for the development of serious complications (penetration, gastric bleeding, etc.), many of which can lead to

the outcome. Treatment should be started now.

Read the article on how a woman got rid of these symptoms by defeating their root cause in a natural way. Read the material ...

If hungry stomach pains disturb, the reasons are different. If this symptom occurs regularly, you do not need to ignore it. It may indicate the development of pathology. Hunger pain is a pain syndrome that occurs along with the feeling of hunger. The pain subsides immediately after eating, even if the hunger has not been completely satisfied. Eating foods does not cure the cause of the pain. Food only temporarily relieves a person's condition. If you do not find out the cause of the ailment and do not start treatment, over time, more formidable signs of the disease will appear.

Cause of hunger pains

Stomach pain (gastralgia) can be a symptom of developing acidic gastritis. They appear in the solar plexus a few hours after eating. The place of localization of pain is located at the junction of the lower ribs above the upper stomach.

Gastritis is a disease that is accompanied by inflammatory or inflammatory-dystrophic changes in the gastric mucosa. The cause of the disease is most often the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Gastritis develops in people who eat a lot of fatty animal products, as well as abuse fast food and convenience foods. Pain in the upper abdomen or in the right hypochondrium appears after drug treatment (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Eating large amounts of fruits rich in vitamin C can trigger the pathological process. Excess acid in food causes an increase in acidity in the stomach. A high level of acidity negatively affects the condition of the gastric mucosa.

The provoking factors are:

• very cold or hot food;
• overly spicy or salty foods;
• smoking;
• alcohol;
• stressful conditions.

When gastritis is at an early stage of development, hunger pains in the stomach are barely distinguishable. The patient may not notice them immediately. If you consult a doctor immediately after the appearance of the first alarm signal, you can stop the development of pathology and prevent the appearance of dangerous complications.

As the disease progresses, pulling pains intensify and occur more often. With chronic gastritis, the stomach hurts tolerably. During its exacerbation, gastralgia becomes painful.

A patient with gastritis suffers from frequent diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, sour belching and heartburn. Severe heartburn appears after eating acidic foods. If you press lightly on the epigastric region (upper abdomen in the middle under the ribs), discomfort is felt.

Gastritis is dangerous with possible consequences. If left untreated, ulcers, pancreatitis, internal bleeding, and malignant tumors may develop over time.

Due to stomach ulcers

Pain on an empty stomach is observed in people suffering from peptic ulcer disease. An ulcer develops in the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum due to an imbalance between aggressive factors (high acidity, hot food, drugs, Helicobacter pylori bacteria) and protective (gastric mucus, the ability of the mucous membrane to recover). When the defense mechanisms are weakened, an ulcer occurs. Insufficient blood circulation or hypoxia of the mucous membrane can provoke an ailment.

The nature of the pain depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. Patients complain of baking, pulling, twitching or shooting hungry pains in the stomach, arising with vomiting. Every third patient has a pain syndrome so severe that he is forced to take an unnatural position (bent torso with legs pulled to the stomach) in order to reduce his suffering.

When an ulcer forms in the lower stomach or in the duodenum, night pains appear. They force the patient to get out of bed to eat. If the stomach begins to ache early in the morning from 3 to 6 o'clock, this is a sign of the presence of pathology in the duodenum.

With a duodenal ulcer, pain is localized in the right hypochondrium. Sometimes the ailment can be accompanied by pain in the chest or in the region of the heart.

Heartburn is a characteristic symptom of peptic ulcer disease. It can occur simultaneously with pain syndrome or precede it. Other companions of pathology are nausea and vomiting. Vomiting can occur even with an empty stomach. Sometimes after her hungry gastralgia subsides. Half of patients with peptic ulcer suffer from persistent constipation.

If a peptic ulcer is left untreated, it can lead to perforation (appearance of a through hole) of the stomach or duodenum. A hole in the digestive organ can open into a nearby organ (penetration). Ulcers cause bleeding and obstruction of the lower stomach.

Hungry night pains with duodenitis

Hunger pains in the right hypochondrium often indicate duodenitis. Duodenitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the duodenum. The disease develops rapidly against the background of poisoning or ingestion of spicy food. The inflammatory process is accompanied by the appearance of ulcers and erosion. Sometimes with duodenitis, phlegmon (cavities filled with pus) are found.

Most often, patients with chronic duodenitis complain of dull and aching pain in the solar plexus. Acute gastralgia occurs if the patient has concomitant pathologies (pancreatitis or cholecystitis) in the acute stage. With acute duodenitis, a diffuse pain first appears, covering the entire upper abdomen. Later, the pain syndrome is localized in one place. Sometimes pain in the left side persists, but more often patients complain of pain on the right side. Therefore, the symptoms of duodenitis are mistaken for signs of liver or gallbladder disease.

Patients with duodenitis suffer from heartburn, nausea, vomiting and constipation. During nausea, weakness, dizziness and headache appear. The disease can lead to the appearance of deep erosion and thinning (atrophy) of the upper layer of the duodenum.

Helminthic invasions

Hunger pains in the solar plexus often torment people infected with worms. Symptoms of helminthic infestation are often disguised as diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, or gallbladder.

If helminths settle in the intestines, the sick person suffers from constant diarrhea, chronic constipation, flatulence (bloating), and nausea. He periodically has vomiting and gastralgia. It is localized in the navel and in the right hypochondrium.

Other causes of hunger pains

Soreness in the solar plexus with an empty stomach sometimes occurs in women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Its cause is toxicosis.

Nocturnal pain in the navel can be a sign of salmonellosis. Salmonella pathogens enter the body with food. An intestinal infection is found in underprocessed meat, dairy products, sausages, and eggs. After the onset of abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea begins. The body temperature rises, weakness, dizziness and headache appear.

Hunger pains in the stomach are observed in patients with myocardial infarction, complicated by pericarditis and atrial fibrillation. When making a diagnosis, importance is attached to the combination of gastralgia with pain in the region of the heart. With a heart attack, there is an intense squeezing-pressing pain behind the sternum. It can give to the hand, back or neck. The patient turns pale and covered with cold sweat. However, he sometimes experiences mild chest pain or heart problems. Therefore, a heart attack is mistaken for a manifestation of a disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastralgia with an empty stomach occurs during an attack of appendicitis. It usually starts late at night or early in the morning. At first, pain occurs under the ribs in the middle or is felt throughout the abdomen. Later, it is localized in the right hypochondrium, then in the right iliac region. The soreness increases when walking and lying on the left side.

Gastralgias can be triggered by stressful situations. During times of fear and intense anxiety, soreness in the upper abdomen may appear.

Abdominal pain that worsens at night is a sign of hormonal imbalance. With this pathology, the ratio of the hormones melatonin and leptin changes. The patient has no appetite during the daytime. At night, there is a hungry, aching gastralgia. As a rule, the disease is accompanied by insomnia. Even if the patient manages to fall asleep in the evening, at night he wakes up from an unpleasant sensation in the stomach.

The painful condition can be a direct consequence of prolonged hunger. Preparing for food intake, the body begins to secrete enzymes for its digestion. If a person does not satisfy hunger for a long time, the digestive system sends a painful impulse about strong fasting.

General rules

Stomach pain ( gastralgia) can indicate both the presence of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and be a concomitant manifestation in neurological conditions, stress, protracted depression.

A kind of pain syndrome are "hungry" pains, the regular appearance of which indicates the presence of a pathological process in the stomach (more often in the antrum and pyloric regions) or in the duodenum. Let us consider directly what hunger pains in the stomach are - causes, symptoms, treatment.

As a rule, pain on an empty stomach is a manifestation of a defect in the mucous membrane of the digestive system and can be a symptom of a simple / erosive gastritis, gastroduodenitis/duodenitis, peptic ulcer, the presence of polyps in the stomach.

Hunger pain is pain in the epigastric region with a feeling of hunger that appears after a break in food intake of various durations and is relieved by a small snack. They can appear at any time of the day, but in most cases they occur at night from 22:00 to 5:00, when the patient wakes up with a feeling that the stomach hurts in the stomach and a pronounced desire to mutter something to eat. The main causes of hungry stomach pains:

• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• violation of gastric motility;
• irritation of recipes and local spasms in the area of \u200b\u200bthe erosive-ulcerative area of \u200b\u200bthe mucous membrane.

Hunger pains differ in nature, duration, intensity, however, their presence in itself does not allow for an unambiguous diagnosis, since they are only part of the clinical symptom complex characteristic of a particular disease. In this regard, all painful manifestations in the stomach must be considered in conjunction with other symptoms (the time when an empty stomach hurts, the presence of discomfort, belching, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stool disturbances, swelling), as well as the data of an objective examination (data of fibrogastroduodenoxia, an indicator of gastric acidity). And only after all the symptoms have been identified and the cause of the pain syndrome has been established, treatment can be prescribed, including a diet for hungry pain in the stomach.

It should be noted that with pains in the stomach and pancreas and with periodic or constant feeling of hunger, these manifestations cannot be ignored, since the process accompanied by "hungry" pains progresses and the mucosal defect transforms from minor erosion to an ulcer, which can be complicated by bleeding, perforation and degeneration into a malignant tumor. And only timely started treatment can achieve a good result and avoid chronicity of the process.

The diet for stomach pain is determined by the specific disease, its form (acute / chronic), the stage of the disease (exacerbation / persistent remission) and the patient's condition. So, when the stomach hurts with gastritis, gastroduodenitis, peptic ulcerif the acidity is normal / increased, dietary Table number 1 or its varieties, depending on the form of the disease.

The basic principle is the sparing of the gastric mucosa from adverse factors of influence. To reduce the intake of extractives in the body, the meat should be cooked as much as possible. Food is served at room temperature in a semi-liquid consistency, steamed or boiled, which avoids stimulation of the enzymatic secretion of the stomach.

At the beginning of the acute period, a therapeutic Table 1A, severely limiting the diet, and after a few days - relatively gentle Diet 1B... The diet is limited to salt (up to 5-7 g / day) and there are only slimy vegetable soups, meat and low-fat fish ground in a meat grinder, well-boiled cereals (except for corn, wheat, barley), boiled vegetables, dried white bread / crackers, soft-boiled eggs, milk, cottage cheese, fats in the form of vegetable oils and unsalted butter, which are added to ready-made dishes. After the process subsides, Table number 1 with a more extended diet.

In fact, this is a physiologically complete diet that provides the body's energy needs without mechanical sparing. Dishes are cooked undisturbed with varying degrees of grinding and heat treatment with a slight restriction of table salt. The food is fractional, portions of reduced volume. As the symptoms subside, the diet expands. Yesterday's white bread, salads from boiled vegetables, diet sausage, mild types of cheese are allowed. Meat is used only of dietary varieties. Chicken eggs - in the form of a steamed omelet. From cereals in the diet there are buckwheat (chopped), oatmeal and white rice.

Fats are mainly of vegetable origin, refined oils are better. A small amount of fresh cottage cheese is allowed, whole milk and cream are not recommended to be consumed. You must refrain from pasta, raw fruits and berries. Vegetable juices may be present in the diet. Foods containing easily digestible carbohydrates (honey, sweets, sugar, jam), as well as difficult to digest / lingering in the stomach for a long time are subject to restriction.

Within 2-3 months, the diet continues to gradually expand, portions increase and, in the absence of complaints, the patient is transferred to a general Table number 15... In the future, to prevent the appearance of hunger pains in the autumn-spring periods, anti-relapse treatment is carried out, which consists in the patient's transition to sparing nutrition for 2-4 weeks ( Tables number 1B, № 1 ).

If the constant feeling of hunger and pain in the patient proceeds against a background of low acidity, then the main diet outside the period of exacerbation is a therapeutic Table number 2 according to Pevzner. Unlike the previous diet, its goal is moderate stimulation of the secretory function of the gastric glands and the normalization of gastrointestinal motility. Physiologically complete diet, energy value of the daily diet - 2800-3000 Kcal.

Provides for the mandatory inclusion of meat / fish broths, dietary meat of varying degrees of grinding and heat treatment. All people rich in fiber / connective tissue should be rubbed. Animal and culinary fats, fresh bread, canned food, smoked meats, fatty varieties of red meat, smoked, fatty and salted fish, duck, goose, legumes, pearl barley, barley groats, eggs, hard-boiled, hard raw vegetables are excluded from the diet. Be sure to include in the diet of vitamin and mineral preparations.

Indications

• 1A and 1B - hunger pains with normal / high acidity in acute / chronic gastritis, gastroduodenitis, gastric ulcer in the acute stage;
• Table number 1 - hunger pains in acute / chronic gastritis, gastroduodenitis, gastric ulcer against a background of normal / increased acidity in remission;
• Table number 2 - hunger pains in acute / chronic gastritis, gastroduodenitis, gastric ulcer in remission with low acidity.

Allowed Products

Diet food for hunger pains allows the inclusion in the diet:

• white crackers, yesterday's / dried white bread, biscuit biscuits;
• dietary meats (chicken, lean beef, turkey, rabbit), unsalted ham, lean fish (pike, carp, pike perch);
• soft-boiled eggs, steamed omelet;
• cereals (buckwheat, semolina), vermicelli, white rice;
• boiled vegetables (potatoes, cauliflower, pumpkin, beets, zucchini, carrots;
• vegetable oil / unsalted butter (added to dishes on the table);
• sweet berries and fruits (jelly, jelly, compotes, marshmallows) and drinks - fruit jelly, compote, mineral water, weak tea with milk.

Approved Products Table

	Proteins, g	Fat, g	Carbohydrates, g	Calories, kcal
Vegetables and greens
zucchini	0,6	0,3	4,6	24
boiled cauliflower	1,8	0,3	4,0	29
boiled potatoes	2,0	0,4	16,7	82
boiled carrots	0,8	0,3	5,0	25
boiled beets	1,8	0,0	10,8	49
pumpkin	1,3	0,3	7,7	28
Fruits
watermelon	0,6	0,1	5,8	25
melon	0,6	0,3	7,4	33
Cereals and cereals
buckwheat porridge with milk	4,2	2,3	21,6	118
buckwheat (unground)	12,6	3,3	62,1	313
semolina porridge with milk	3,0	3,2	15,3	98
oatmeal on the water	3,0	1,7	15,0	88
oat flakes	11,9	7,2	69,3	366
boiled white rice	2,2	0,5	24,9	116
Flour and pasta
noodles	12,0	3,7	60,1	322
Bakery products
white bread crackers	11,2	1,4	72,2	331
Confectionery
marshmallow	0,8	0,0	78,5	304
Dairy
milk 3.2%	2,9	3,2	4,7	59
condensed milk	7,2	8,5	56,0	320
kefir	3,4	2,0	4,7	51
cream 15% (low fat)	2,3	15,0	3,6	161
curdled milk	2,9	2,5	4,1	53
Cheese and curd
cottage cheese	17,2	5,0	1,8	121
Meat products
boiled beef	25,8	16,8	0,0	254
beef stew	16,8	18,3	0,0	232
beef liver	17,4	3,1	0,0	98
boiled veal	30,7	0,9	0,0	131
Bird
boiled chicken breast	29,8	1,8	0,5	137
boiled chicken drumstick	27,0	5,6	0,0	158
boiled turkey fillet	25,0	1,0	-	130
Eggs
omelet	9,6	15,4	1,9	184
soft-boiled chicken eggs	12,8	11,6	0,8	159
Fish and seafood
boiled fish	17,3	5,0	0,0	116
Oils and fats
vegetable oil	0,0	99,0	0,0	899
unsalted peasant butter	1,0	72,5	1,4	662
Non-alcoholic drinks
mineral water	0,0	0,0	0,0	-
black tea with milk and sugar	0,7	0,8	8,2	43
Juices and compotes
compote	0,5	0,0	19,5	81
the juice	0,3	0,1	9,2	40
apricot juice	0,9	0,1	9,0	38
jelly	0,2	0,0	16,7	68

Fully or partially limited products

The diet for hunger pains provides for a prohibition:

• Highly extractive and saturated broths and soups based on them, including borsch, okroshka, cabbage soup.
• Fatty varieties of red meat, canned meat, sausages, duck, goose, smoked meats, fatty fish and canned fish.
• Vegetables containing large quantities of fiber - peas, rutabagas, radishes, turnips, white cabbage, beans and foods rich in connective tissue, as well as sorrel, raw onions, dill, spinach, parsley, since they contain a lot of essential oils and organic acids. Mushrooms are not allowed, as they are difficult to digest in the body.
• Canned vegetables, pickled and pickled vegetables that stimulate secretion, as well as difficult-to-digest cereals - barley, millet, pearl barley and corn grits.
• Animal and cooking fats, fried eggs, tomato sauce, pepper, horseradish, mustard.
• Fresh white bread, dough, chocolate, dried fruit and ice cream. It is forbidden to eat sour fruits and berries, fermented milk products with high acidity, sour cream.

Prohibited Products Table

	Proteins, g	Fat, g	Carbohydrates, g	Calories, kcal
Vegetables and greens
canned vegetables	1,5	0,2	5,5	30
peas	6,0	0,0	9,0	60
sauerkraut	1,8	0,1	4,4	19
bulb onions	1,4	0,0	10,4	41
cucumbers	0,8	0,1	2,8	15
white radish	1,4	0,0	4,1	21
celery (root)	1,3	0,3	6,5	32
beans	7,8	0,5	21,5	123
horseradish	3,2	0,4	10,5	56
Mushrooms
mushrooms	3,5	2,0	2,5	30
Nuts and dried fruits
nuts	15,0	40,0	20,0	500
dried fruits	2,3	0,6	68,2	286
Cereals and cereals
corn grits	8,3	1,2	75,0	337
millet groats	11,5	3,3	69,3	348
barley grits	10,4	1,3	66,3	324
Flour and pasta
pasta	10,4	1,1	69,7	337
pancakes	6,1	12,3	26,0	233
vareniki	7,6	2,3	18,7	155
dumplings	11,9	12,4	29,0	275
Bakery products
wheat bread	8,1	1,0	48,8	242
Confectionery
biscuits	7,5	11,8	74,9	417
Cakes
cake	4,4	23,4	45,2	407
Chocolate
chocolate	5,4	35,3	56,5	544
Raw materials and seasonings
condiments	7,0	1,9	26,0	149
mustard	5,7	6,4	22,0	162
ginger	1,8	0,8	15,8	80
ketchup	1,8	1,0	22,2	93
mayonnaise	2,4	67,0	3,9	627
ground black pepper	10,4	3,3	38,7	251
Dairy
dairy products	3,2	6,5	4,1	117
cream 35% (fat)	2,5	35,0	3,0	337
Cheese and curd
cheese	24,1	29,5	0,3	363
Meat products
pork	16,0	21,6	0,0	259
fat	2,4	89,0	0,0	797
bacon	23,0	45,0	0,0	500
Sausages
sausage with / dried	24,1	38,3	1,0	455
smoked sausage	9,9	63,2	0,3	608
sausages	10,1	31,6	1,9	332
sausages	12,3	25,3	0,0	277
Bird
fried chicken	26,0	12,0	0,0	210
duck	16,5	61,2	0,0	346
goose	16,1	33,3	0,0	364
Fish and seafood
dried fish	17,5	4,6	0,0	139
smoked fish	26,8	9,9	0,0	196
canned fish	17,5	2,0	0,0	88
Oils and fats
animal fat	0,0	99,7	0,0	897
Alcoholic beverages
dry white wine	0,1	0,0	0,6	66
dry red wine	0,2	0,0	0,3	68
vodka	0,0	0,0	0,1	235
cognac	0,0	0,0	0,1	239
beer	0,3	0,0	4,6	42
Non-alcoholic drinks
bread kvass	0,2	0,0	5,2	27

* data are indicated for 100 g of product

Menu (Power Mode)

The menu for hunger pains is formed from a list of allowed foods based on the medicinal Table number 1 and its varieties, which can be changed taking into account the form and stage of the disease, the patient's well-being. It is important to follow the recommended principles of thermal processing of foods and the diet option (with mashed / uncleaned) dishes.

Pros and cons

Results and reviews

As evidenced by numerous reviews of patients, dietary food with regular hungry pains gives a good effect - drooling, heaviness in the epigastric region and hunger pains, nausea, belching disappear, the patient's general condition improves, and appetite normalizes.

• “... Hunger pains appear at least 2-3 times a year during exacerbation of stomach ulcers. When they appear, I immediately go on Diet # 1 (fortunately, for 15 years I have studied everything related to dietary nutrition for peptic ulcer disease) and sit on it for about a month. During this time, the exacerbation subsides, and I very carefully and gradually expand my diet. I learned to cook on my own, because my wife cooks for the whole large family. Diet helps a lot ”;
• “… I have had chronic gastritis for 8 years now and hunger pains are a frequent occurrence, especially after severe errors in food - alcohol intake, with severe overeating. I have a positive attitude to the diet, since it allows you to relatively quickly normalize the state of the gastrointestinal tract. I cook almost all the time in a double boiler, it makes life easier, since no special knowledge of cooking is required. I have already got used to it, I have adapted and I recommend it to everyone. "

Diet price

The diet of medical food for hunger pains includes year-round accessible and inexpensive foods. The average cost estimate is 1400-1600 rubles per week.

NOTE! The information on diets on the site is a general reference, collected from publicly available sources and cannot serve as a basis for making a decision on their use. Be sure to consult a dietitian doctor before using the diet.

Hunger pain in the abdomen - the onset of an attack of pain when feeling hungry or after a long break in eating (more than 5-6 hours). Quite often, this symptom may indicate the development of any pathology in the gastrointestinal tract. Such a manifestation of the clinical picture requires immediate consultation with a gastroenterologist.

Causes of fasting pain

The pain arising from hunger appears due to damage to the stomach wall. It is the irritation of a wound defect or an inflamed mucous membrane that gives pain. The causes of hunger pain are few. These include:

• with increased sensitivity of pain receptors in the ulcer area;
• spastic contractions of the stomach wall, which reflexively arise around the resulting ulcer;
• an increase in the specific gravity of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice, which leads to an increase in its acidity;
• the so-called hypermotor dyskinesia of the stomach (the peristaltic movements of the organ intensify and accelerate);
• or ;
• rarely, the appearance of hungry pain in the stomach area may be preceded by mental illness. For this reason, as a rule, no organic reasons for the onset of pain are found and it is believed that they are purely psychological in nature;
• frequent stressful situations;
• changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy, occurs as a relatively rare cause of pain;
• as a diagnosis of exclusion (this means that the causes of the disease, as a substrate for pain, have not been identified), may sound "irritable bowel syndrome, an ulcer-like variant." In this case, the pains will mimic those of an ulcer, but their appearance on an empty stomach, especially with a persistent and prolonged course, is not typical.

It should be emphasized that pain arising on an empty stomach for any of the above reasons is a signal indicating that there are any errors in the daily regimen or nutrition, or there is a pathology of the stomach and duodenum.

Symptoms

As a rule, in addition to the fact that the patient is worried about hungry pains in the stomach, you can definitely identify the accompanying symptoms. Most often, these people will complain about:

• absent or decreased appetite (in case of mental disorders, on the contrary, bulimia may be observed);
• diarrhea or frequent constipation;
• feeling of nausea and vomiting (constant and mild nausea; vomiting will have a "sour" taste);
• the occurrence of heartburn or belching;
• flatulence.

Also, patients may note that first there is a feeling of discomfort in the epigastric region, often on the left, and only then there is pain in the stomach.

The very nature, time of onset and duration of the pain syndrome can lead the doctor to think about the likelihood of any particular disease.

• if the pains in the stomach are inconsistent (that is, paroxysmal hunger pains), then this indicates a probable hypermotor dyskinesia of the stomach;
• pulling pain 1.5–2.5 hours after a meal indicates pyloric stenosis (cicatricial deformity of the pyloric sphincter, as a chronic complication of duodenal ulcer);
• if the pain is burning, a peptic ulcer is likely (the pH of the gastric juice is increased). Sometimes the pain is sucking. Patients often describe her as "sucking in the spoon";
• late, nocturnal pains are characteristic of stomach ulcers and often patients can stop them by eating something or drinking a glass of milk;
• nighttime hunger pains can also occur with stomach cancer.

Diagnostics

If your stomach hurts, do not delay the visit to the doctor. To identify the cause, the following tests will be prescribed:

• clinical blood test;
• clinical analysis of urine;
• liver function tests (for differential diagnosis with liver pathology);
• fecal elastase (to exclude chronic pancreatitis).

Instrumental studies include:

• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
• x-ray contrast study of the stomach with a barium suspension (in case of an ulcer - uneven contours of the organ with a "niche symptom"). This study has no advantages over fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) and is performed when it is impossible to do the latter;
• EGD with taking a biopsy of the mucous membrane in the area of \u200b\u200bthe ulcer.

When an ulcer is detected, it must be remembered that this is a lesion that most often occurs when there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, analyzes are also carried out to detect it:

• respiratory urease test;
• Feces PCR to detect its antigens;
• serological blood test to detect antibodies to Helicobacter.

Treatment can be prescribed only after a set of studies and clarification of the etiology of this symptom.

Treatment

Pain treatment is two-stage: at the first stage, it is customary for the patient to be treated with medications, at the second stage, an individual further therapy plan is drawn up.

From medicines are prescribed:

• antispasmodics for hypermotor dyskinesia;
• antisecretory drugs for increased acidity of gastric juice: PPI, H2-histamine blockers, anticholinergics;
• antibacterial treatment with proven presence of Helicobacter;
• if there is a stomach ulcer, antacids are prescribed;
• it is possible to prescribe sedatives if the pain is of a stressful origin;
• prokinetics (Motilium, Domperidone).

Simultaneously with medication, non-drug treatment is also performed. It includes:

• normalization of the daily routine: adequate sleep, regular meals, stay in the fresh air for the required amount of time;
• rejection of bad habits;
• special dietary food.

The diet is necessary even when the stomach stops hurting, in order to maintain long-term remission. It provides:

• fractional frequent meals;
• long breaks (more than 3 hours) between meals are unacceptable;
• the temperature of the food should be optimal: warm dishes are required, and not too hot or cold;
• refusal of snacks on the go, because even if such a snack eliminates the pain, then in the future it will lead to the development or aggravation of gastritis and entail attacks of new pain sensations;
• exclusion of fatty, salty, smoked, spicy foods;
• carbonated drinks, alcohol, coffee are prohibited;
• sweets are not recommended;
• it is necessary to eat dairy products with a low percentage of fat.

As a rule, when all medical recommendations are followed, treatment gives a positive effect and allows you to get rid of bouts of hunger pains.

Pain on an empty stomach is common. They indicate the existence of pathologies of the organs of the digestive system.

It is more correct not to endure these pains, but to visit a specialist. Coming to the doctor, it is better to say: "My stomach hurts until we eat."

There are a lot of factors provoking the onset of hunger pains. The leading ones are presented below:

• inflammation of sensitive receptors;
• improper functioning of the motor function of the digestive organ;
• excess acidity of gastric juice;
• loss of motor function of the stomach;
• food poisoning;

The need for food is governed by the balance of leptin and melatonin. These hormones contribute to hunger and satiety. A hormonal disorder leads to the fact that a person has a stomach ache from hunger, even when he does not want to eat.

You may also experience nausea and feeling unwell. A person thinks "let's eat and everything will pass by itself." And yet, this is a delusion.

Not only the presence of pathologies of the digestive system can provoke hunger pains. They can occur with trematodes of the liver.

This helminthiasis is accompanied by periodic pains in the hypochondrium on the right, which radiate to the shoulder. The pain syndrome is aggravated by physical exertion.

Hunger pain appears when there is inflammation of the gastric mucosa or with erosive duodenitis. The pain syndrome usually manifests itself under the spoon or slightly below, it becomes intense when the abdomen is squeezed with the fingers.

Often, a state of soreness and a feeling of wanting to eat appears 3-6 hours after eating.

Sometimes a person feels hunger throughout the day. In this case, the intensity of pain increases, and the period of onset of clinical symptoms decreases.

Soreness in the stomach while a person is not eating can coexist with other symptoms.

Among them are:

• the appearance of heartburn and belching;
• slight nausea;
• discomfort in the sternum;
• painful attacks of a cramping character;
• pulling pains on the left side of the hypochondrium;
• vomiting;
• decreased appetite (mainly due to a psychological problem).

Symptoms alone may not accurately indicate a specific disease. It is necessary to visit a doctor and find out why this symptom appears. The sooner the patient turns to a gastroenterologist, the higher the likelihood of getting rid of the pathology that torments him.

Hunger pains by time of occurrence

When the stomach hurts at night, a thorough examination is necessary. This soreness may indicate a stomach ulcer.

Often, ulcerative erosion is concentrated in the duodenum or antrum of the stomach. Diagnosis of pathology is carried out using the FGDS method.

This method helps not only to distinguish the disease, but also to view the state of the gastric mucosa.

To exclude the possibility of a malignant tumor, it is necessary to make a biopsy of cells and tissues of the inflamed section.

Pain syndrome in the morning indicates the possible formation of an ulcer in the duodenum. The stomach begins to ache early, at about 4-5 o'clock in the morning ("hungry" pains).

Soreness may be less severe after vomiting. This is facilitated by a decrease in irritation of the nerve endings due to a weakening of the concentration of hydrochloric acid.

Pain can be reduced or completely relieved by drinking a glass of milk or clean water. If the soreness becomes regular, it is necessary to undergo an examination, since this may indicate not only an ulcer, but also oncology.

There may be a slight pain in the stomach within 7 hours after eating. But this is also a pathology and requires referral to a specialist.

Types of hunger pains

If there is a feeling of hunger and pain, in some cases a small portion of food is enough to eliminate unpleasant signs of the disease. A hungry person is doomed to stomach pains.

The following hunger pains are distinguished:

• burning character. Caused by excess acidity in ulcers, hypersecretory gastritis;
• of a pulsating character. Indicate violations of smooth muscle contraction. The stimulating factor is considered to be an aggravated nervous activity, a violation of peristalsis when a malignant neoplasm appears;
• pulling character. Stomach hurts after 2-3 hours after eating. Such pains signal a violation of the evacuation of food, typical of fibrous growths, pyloric stenosis.
• sucking character. Appear in the presence of erosive conditions. This happens under the influence of hydrochloric acid, which irritates the pain receptors of the stomach walls.

Fundamentals of therapy

Therapy for hunger pains is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease or at changes that appear as a result of a pathological process.

The attending physician prescribes gastroduodenoscopy or other examination methods to determine the main therapeutic measures. In exceptional cases, hospitalization may be required.

There are the main methods of therapy in the presence of hunger pains:

• the use of pain medications. They are prescribed to quickly eliminate pain;
• the appointment of antispasmodics. They eliminate pain syndrome;
• the use of anti-secretory drugs. They reduce the production of hydrochloric acid, which increases gastric acidity.
• drugs that improve gastric motility.

A special diet is essential in therapy. A well-chosen menu will help in eliminating gastralgia.

A certain diet implies the correct diet according to the capabilities of the sick person.

Eating food by the hour teaches the stomach to produce gastric juice at the same time. This will prevent pain and the stomach will not hurt.

You cannot eat fried, spicy, salted foods, smoked meats and marinades. This type of food provokes inflammation of the stomach walls and leads to exacerbations. You also need to reduce your salt intake.

If you have hunger pains, you can not follow a diet for weight loss. It can aggravate the course of the disease.

If the feeling of hunger at night is manifested together with mild pain, you should reconsider your daily routine. You should not go to bed early, hunger pains may disturb you at night. But you shouldn't eat at night either.

Stomach hurts in people with a shattered nervous system. Due to stress or overexertion, they experience abdominal discomfort. Seeing a psychologist or psychotherapist can improve the condition of these patients.

However, food should not be mistaken for a sedative. Many people say: "Until I eat, I will not rest." This is fundamentally wrong and can cause obesity.

When hunger pains appear, it is better to eat more often and in small portions. In the absence of any serious illness, the pain will disappear spontaneously.

The main thing is that the person is not hungry for a long time. Gastralgia is largely dependent on the timing of the meal.

It does not interfere with drinking a course of vitamins and minerals. They will help regulate the balance and metabolism in the body.

It is necessary to seek medical help from a specialist for regular hunger pains before the situation worsens.

You cannot diagnose yourself and self-medicate yourself. This can lead to exacerbations and irreparable consequences.

Only a doctor should make a diagnosis. He should be told about the nature of the pain, the time of onset and other symptoms.

After collecting an anamnesis and conducting a series of examinations, the specialist will determine why the pain syndrome occurs and will prescribe a suitable therapy.

The main thing is not to start the disease and start appropriate treatment in a timely manner. Otherwise, the pathology can become chronic. This will require more time and more complex therapy in the future, and can also lead to complications.

Useful video