[What do we know about the exercise-related transient abdominal pain ?]
Mathieu Saubade1, Antoine Gabioud2, Christos Karatzios3
1Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Département de l'appareil locomoteur, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne.
Revue Medicale Suisse
|July 1, 2017
Summary
Exercise-related transient abdominal pain, or side stitch, is common in athletes. While usually benign and self-resolving, potential underlying conditions must be ruled out, and prevention strategies exist.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP), commonly known as a side stitch, affects athletes across all levels.
- ETAP presents as localized abdominal or shoulder pain, often described as cramping or stabbing.
- The exact cause of ETAP remains unclear, with various theories proposed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of exercise-related transient abdominal pain.
- To discuss the potential etiologies and differential diagnoses of ETAP.
- To highlight preventive measures and management strategies for athletes experiencing side stitches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies and theories on ETAP.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and athlete reported symptoms.
- Discussion of diagnostic considerations and exclusion of other pathologies.
Main Results:
- ETAP is a common, generally benign condition with diverse clinical presentations.
- Several etiological theories exist, but none are definitively proven.
- Simple preventive measures are often recommended, though scientific validation varies.
Conclusions:
- ETAP typically resolves quickly upon reducing or stopping exercise.
- It is crucial to differentiate ETAP from more severe abdominal pathologies, especially with atypical symptoms.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the pathophysiology and establish evidence-based treatments.
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