Abdomen Inflamed Because of Physical Exercise

Abdominal inflammation can occur at any time — even during your daily exercise routine. It can become so extreme that it interferes with your workout, forcing you to stop early. Because of this, it is important to understand what can cause inflammation in the abdominal area and how it can be treated and prevented.

Symptoms

Exercise-related abdominal inflammation can range in intensity from mild to severe. It can be accompanied by pain, bruising, warmth, redness and swelling. In addition, you can notice gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

• belching
  
• nausea
  
• bloating
  
• intestinal cramps
  
• stomach pain
  
• vomiting
  
• diarrhea
  
• stomach cramps

Inflammation and pain can be so extreme that you become unstable or lose some or all mobility during physical activity and exercise.

Causes

The abdominal area can become inflamed when internal organs, such as the stomach and spleen, bump in to each other during exercise 2. This can cause stretching of the connective tissues, resulting in inflammation and pain. The diaphragm’s connective tissues can also stretch, causing an abdominal stitch. Abdominal inflammation and pain can also occur when you breathe vigorously during exercise, which robs the muscles of oxygen. Exercise can also trigger gastrointestinal intestinal disturbances. In addition, sprains, strains, and overuse exercise injuries can result in abdominal inflammation and pain.

Treatment Options

Treat exercise-related abdominal inflammation by breathing evenly during your workout. Force deep breaths by filling up your lungs and pushing your stomach outward with each inhalation. If inflammation and pain do not subside, take a break and rest. If you suspect a sprain or strain, wrap your waist with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling and pain. If you also experience gastrointestinal side effects, take an antacid or medication containing bismuth subsalicylate to help treat symptoms.

Prevention

To ensure that the abdominal muscles stay hydrated throughout your workout, drink a few cups of water about a half hour before you exercise. In addition, sip on a cup of water during your workout. Refrain from eating large meals two to four hours before your exercise routine. Warm up your abdominal muscles with side twists and bends. This will make your abdominal muscles more flexible, helping to prevent inflammation and injury during exercise.