Sometimes even completely healthy people begin to suffer from stomach cramps, the symptoms and causes of which can depend on a variety of factors. Regardless of why a similar ailment began to bother a person, it is important to start treatment in a timely manner.
It is especially worthwhile to be careful for those who have similar attacks recurring with a certain frequency.
What is a gastric spasm?
This symptomatology is observed with a sharp contraction of the muscle layer, which, in turn, consists of smooth muscle fibers. Stomach cramps are a standard reaction to diseases of the genitourinary system.
It is worth noting that the muscles of the stomach can not be controlled by the person himself, so they begin to contract only under the influence of the autonomic nervous system. When the stomach is working normally, people don’t feel it. However, in some situations, there is a malfunction in motor functions, which is why patients complain of pain and discomfort. Specialists often call stomach cramps gastrospasms.
If we talk about the location of an unpleasant symptom, such convulsive contractions can begin in absolutely any part of the human stomach. However, most often this phenomenon occurs in the area of the pylorus.
If we talk about the causes of stomach cramps, then in this case anything can provoke contractions (for example, smoking, unhealthy nutrition, abuse of strong drinks, gastritis and much more). A similar pathology is divided into two categories: functional and organic spasms. Let's consider them in more detail.
Functional
In this case, stomach cramps can occur both against the background of a particular pathology, and for no apparent reason. As a rule, representatives of the middle age group, students and schoolchildren face similar problems. This risk group is explained by the fact that this category of people is more prone to nervous breakdowns, emotional instability and the influence of poor environmental conditions. In addition, young people often do not eat the most healthy foods.
It is quite difficult to identify the exact causes of stomach cramps. This is due to too large a spread of factors affecting human health. However, most often, gastric contractions of the functional type occur due to prolonged stress and in the absence of a full and proper nutrition during the day.
In addition, a similar ailment may occur due to:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Parasitic infestation.
- Intoxication with pathogens.
- Long stay in the cold air.
- Allergic reactions to certain foods.
- Increased gas formation.
- Vascular disorders.
- Metabolic disorders in the body.
- Alcoholism and excessive consumption of coffee.
There are more interesting theories, because of which a person can suffer from stomach cramps. For example, in medical practice there is such a thing as aerophagy. This phenomenon means that too much air is swallowed during a meal or conversation. It can also lead to contractions in the stomach.
In addition, the so-called hungry pains also belong to the functional group. They can occur with prolonged abstinence from food. How to relieve stomach spasm in this case? Very simple: just eat something and stop practicing such fasting in the future.
Based on the foregoing, it becomes obvious that the causes of such spasms can be anything, from the emotional state of a person to an improperly selected diet.
Organic
Such cramps are more common in people of retirement age. This is due to the fact that during this period of life in the human body there are organic rearrangements that apply to tissues.
In addition, the causes of such stomach cramps may be more serious diseases. For example, sharp muscle contractions can begin against the background of:
- Gastritis In this case, cramping occurs during an exacerbation of pathology, due to the use of acidic or spicy foods. In severe form, it may also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Peptic ulcer disease. In this case, reductions are observed after eating, especially if at the table a person drank some alcohol. Additionally, heartburn and sour belching may occur.
- Exacerbations of pancreatitis. In this case, cramps can be caused by eating too fatty foods or too much alcohol. If during this period a person’s body temperature rises sharply, then immediate hospitalization is required.
- Gastroduodenitis.
- Violations in the process of production of hydrochloric acids.
Thus, if the stomach hurts, cramping is not always possible to get rid of. If we are talking about the organic form of the disease, then in this case a complete examination and identification of other pathologies is necessary.
To determine the causes of unpleasant symptoms, patients are often given intravenous drugs. After that, the doctor monitors the body's reaction to these drugs.
Stomach spasm: symptoms
Most often, with the appearance of this unpleasant ailment, a person begins to suffer from severe pain in the abdomen. In this case, pain can also be given to the back, navel or lower back. Spasms are often accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and general weakness.
The appearance of pain is due to the fact that the vessels located in the walls of the hollow organs are pinched, which blocks the flow of blood, and, accordingly, oxygen to the tissues. In this case, the person first begins to feel a slight tingling sensation, which later flows into intolerable pain.
Experts also note an individual reaction to such phenomena. For example, a patient may additionally complain of severe dizziness and bouts of diarrhea.
Since the abdominal muscles are involved during the attack, another symptom of stomach spasm is that the person is trying to take a horizontal position and pulls his knees to the chin. In this position, he experiences some relief.
Dangerous symptoms
It is worth paying attention to the fact that in some situations, exacerbation of spasms may occur. Therefore, you need to measure the body temperature of the patient. If it is elevated, then you must immediately call an ambulance. The same applies to situations if a person is very pale and his blood pressure drops sharply. Another dangerous symptom is blood in the vomit and unbearable pain that does not go away for several hours.
What measures to take
What to do with cramps in the stomach before the ambulance arrives? First of all, it is necessary to put the patient in the most convenient position for him, in which he feels relatively better. During this period, it is advisable not to give him water or food. This may further aggravate the situation.
Also, experts recommend that you do not self-medicate and in no case give the patient painkillers. This can cause a number of problems in the subsequent diagnosis and identification of the causes of severe pain.
During the attack and after it, you can not press on the patient's stomach.
Diagnostics
To prescribe the correct treatment for stomach cramps, doctors carry out a number of diagnostic measures, which include not only a complete examination of the digestive system, but also gastroenterology tests.
First of all, the doctor palpates the patient’s stomach and clarifies the anamnesis. After this, blood and feces are examined, ultrasound is performed. Additionally, the use of an endoscope may be required.
After this set of measures, the doctor receives a complete picture of the possible deformation of the stomach and other important information. Thanks to these data, he can prescribe an appropriate course of treatment.
Drug treatment
Based on the causes of stomach cramps, treatment and preventative measures may vary. However, most often, experts prescribe antispasmodic drugs. However, it must be borne in mind that, although they help relieve pain, they cannot save the cause of the pathology.
Such drugs, first of all, include No-shpa. This antispasmodic helps to relax smooth muscle tissue of both the digestive system itself and other muscles. Because of this, many patients complain of weakness after taking the pills.
Another drug that can alleviate the condition of the patient is called "Papaverine." This product is sold in the form of tablets or suppositories. Experts do not recommend getting carried away with its use. The fact is that this drug belongs to old drugs with a lot of side effects.
It is better to pay attention to more modern compositions. These include Duspatalin. This medicine selectively acts only on the digestive tract. Quickly getting rid of unpleasant cramps.
ethnoscience
It’s worth saying right away that it’s worth doing home treatment of such ailments only with the permission of a doctor. If the go-ahead is received, then several useful recommendations can be considered.
Since spasms are often caused by a nervous state, the patient must be protected from stressful situations. To help him relax, you can make chamomile tea. This herb is known for its soothing properties. In addition, she is an excellent antidepressant.
To prepare a healing solution, you need to brew 1 tablespoon of grass in a cup of boiling water. When the liquid has completely cooled down (after 20-30 minutes), it must be given to the patient. You need to drink half a mug several times a day.
Chamomile oil can also be prepared . To do this, fill a small container with the flowers of this plant and fill them with vegetable oil. After that, the bowl is tightly covered with a lid and removed in a dark place for 30 days. After a month, the liquid must be filtered. Ready oil should be drunk a teaspoon on an empty stomach several times a day.
Food
First of all, experts recommend reducing portions of food. It is better to eat more often, but do not overload the stomach. At the same time, it is necessary to chew food thoroughly and drink as much water as possible throughout the day.
It is not superfluous to periodically brew soothing herbs. But coffee, cigarettes and strong drinks will have to be completely abandoned.
If we talk about specialized diets, then in this case, doctors strongly recommend excluding from the diet spicy, pickled, salted, sour, smoked and fried foods.
Instead, it is worth consuming as much dairy products, vegetable salads, sweet fruits, boiled meat as possible. It is better to dry the bread a little.
Prevention
As a preventive measure, it is recommended to abandon bad habits and be less nervous. You need to try to spend more time outdoors.
Warm baths and therapeutic exercises have a positive effect on the muscles of the stomach. But strength exercises will have to be abandoned. They will only aggravate the situation and do even more harm.