Do you sometimes feel a sharp pain in the upper left part of your stomach? Like a knife stabbing you? Do you feel full and sometimes nauseous? Are you very uncomfortable with these things? If so, you may have a condition called Splenic Flexure Syndrome. Don't worry, this is not a dangerous disease. However, if not treated properly, the pain can become so severe that you can't do your daily activities. Let's talk about this in detail today.
What is this so-called splenic flexure syndrome?
Simply put, splenic flexure syndrome is a condition where air gets trapped in a specific spot in our stomach, in the large intestine (colon). Now you might be wondering what this "splenic flexure" is. It's a sharp bend in our large intestine, specifically in the upper left corner . Think of it like a water pipe that suddenly makes a sharp bend at one point, causing a small blockage in the flow of water.
This condition is actually considered a part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) group of symptoms . This means that it is not a very serious illness. However, as mentioned earlier, if left untreated, it can have an impact on daily life. Because the abdominal pain caused by this can sometimes be unbearable.
What symptoms can you see?
Now let's see what symptoms you might experience with splenic flexure syndrome:
- Bloating: The feeling of the stomach being very bloated and full.
- Fullness: A feeling of being very full even after eating a small amount.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience nausea, and rarely vomiting.
- Sharp pain in your upper left abdomen: This is the main symptom. It can feel like a stabbing pain or a squeezing pain. This pain can be constant or come and go.
Important: These symptoms can be similar to other stomach problems, so if you have these symptoms, it's best to seek medical advice.
Why does this situation occur? What are the reasons?
For many people, splenic flexure syndrome is caused by gas buildup in the stomach . Now let's look at how this gas buildup occurs.
Due to swallowing air (aerophagia)
When we eat or drink, we swallow air along with us. This is normal. However, if you eat or drink too quickly, or chew gum frequently, you may swallow more air. This excess air accumulates in the stomach.
Because of some foods and drinks
Some of the foods we eat contain carbohydrates that are not properly digested in our stomach and small intestine. These undigested carbohydrates then pass into our large intestine. When bacteria in the large intestine break down these carbohydrates, they produce gas.
Imagine, the air coming from the stomach has to travel through the large intestine and finally exit through our anus. Normally, this air can easily pass through the bend called the splenic flexure. However, if the amount of air increases too much, it can get stuck in this bend, just like a stream of water gets stuck when it takes a sharp bend in a river. That's when the symptoms like pain and bloating start to appear.
Due to a change in the position of the large intestine
Rarely, some people are born with a larger or sharper bend in their colon than normal. Such people may also experience this problem of air trapping.
How do doctors figure this out exactly?
When you go to see a doctor with these symptoms, he or she will first ask you about your symptoms. Then they will do a physical examination . This means things like palpating your abdomen.
In addition, certain tests may be performed to confirm the condition and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For example:
- Barium enema: This is an X-ray test. A special liquid is inserted through the anus to look at the shape and position of the large intestine.
- CT scan: This can also take a clear picture of the organs inside the abdomen.
Doctor, only after these tests can you tell exactly whether you have splenic flexure syndrome or not.
What are the treatments for this? How do I get better?
There is no single treatment for this. Because it falls under the category of ``Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS'', doctors usually recommend treatments for ``IBS''. The main thing among them is to change our diet.
Let's be careful about what we eat and drink.
- Reduce high-fiber foods that cause gas: Some vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, and lentils, can increase gas production. It's best to reduce these a little.
- Reduce carbonated beverages: Fizzy drinks like soda and sparkling water increase the accumulation of air in the stomach.
- Limit some sweet foods: Honey, corn syrup, and high-fructose fruits like apples and peaches are difficult for some people to digest and can cause gas.
- Eat slowly: When we eat quickly, we swallow more air. So, take your time and eat mindfully.
Low FODMAP diet
This is also something that doctors recommend. ``(FODMAP)`` is the name given to a group of short-chain carbohydrates that are difficult to digest. When following a low FODMAP diet , foods containing these difficult-to-digest carbohydrates are eliminated or reduced from the diet. This can be a bit complicated, so it is best to do it with the help of a dietitian.
The importance of keeping a food diary
Your doctor may ask you to keep a food diary . This means writing down everything you eat and drink throughout the day, as well as when you have symptoms and how they affect you. This can help both you and your doctor identify the foods that cause gas and pain. By identifying and avoiding those foods, you can control the condition, and possibly even cure it completely.
Can this situation be prevented?
Yes, it is possible. The main thing is to be careful about what we eat and drink. If we reduce the accumulation of air in the stomach, the likelihood of air getting trapped in the splenic flexure will also decrease. That is, as mentioned earlier:
- Reducing gas-producing foods.
- Eating food slowly and chewing it well.
- Reducing fizzy drinks.
Simple things like this can make a big difference.
When should I see a doctor?
If your symptoms persist or get worse after making dietary changes, be sure to see a doctor again. You may need a different treatment or to check for an underlying cause.
Splenic flexure syndrome is not a serious condition. However, it can cause severe abdominal pain and bloating, which can be very uncomfortable. Sometimes it can take a while for doctors to figure out what exactly is causing these symptoms. Because these symptoms can be seen in many other diseases. But the good news is that in most cases, this condition can be cured by changing your diet.
Finally, the most important thing to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so here are some of the most important things we've talked about to help you remember them:
- Splenic flexure syndrome is a condition in which air is trapped in the left bend of the large intestine.
- This is part of ``Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS'', not a serious illness.
- The main symptoms are sharp pain in the upper left part of the abdomen, bloating, and nausea.
- The most common cause is swallowing too much air or gas buildup in the stomach due to certain foods.
- Dietary changes are the main treatment. Reducing gas-producing foods, eating slowly, and following a low FODMAP diet can help.
- Keeping a food diary can help you find out what foods are bad for you.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to see a doctor.
So, if you have these symptoms, don't panic, talk to a doctor, and follow the necessary instructions. You will most likely be able to recover soon!
` Splenic Flexor Syndrome, Gas, Stomach Ache, Digestive System, IBS, Low FODMAP Diet, Health
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න