Stomach cramps: possible causes, diagnosis and treatment

When the stomach hurts with spasms, this is a signal that a malfunction of the digestive organ has occurred. Reductions in smooth gastric muscles are repeated at intervals of three minutes to several hours. In addition to pain, a disorder of the secretion of the gastrointestinal tract occurs. How does this happen and for what reasons? Let's talk about this in this article.

stomach ache

Stomach cramping: why?

The main causes of contractions are:

  • stressful situations for a long time;
  • poisoning by any product;
  • hypothermia, for example, with a long walk;
  • non-compliance with the diet: skipping dinner or lunch, eating large amounts of food in one sitting;
  • bad habits: smoking on an empty stomach;
  • individual intolerance to individual products;
  • the use of strong coffee in large quantities;
  • taking certain medications;
  • eating spicy foods;
  • the result of exposure to certain chemicals.

As a rule, the stomach hurts with spasms in people who are emotionally unstable, and in those who are prone in most cases to a depressive state. The main factor that provokes contractions is vegetovascular dystonia.

If a person is sick, for example with an ulcer or gastritis, then this is also the reason for the reduction of smooth gastric muscles.

Cramping in the stomach: what to do? Causes, symptoms of periodic pain

The main sign of muscle contraction is a rapidly developing soreness in the upper abdomen, and the general condition of a person worsens. Spastic contractions may also be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, weakness. With severe cramping and pain in the abdomen, a person usually takes a bent posture. Thus, a decrease in discomfort is observed.

stomach cramps headache

Other symptoms include increased flatulence and muscle tension in the abdomen.

Each person's gastrospasm can go away in different ways. Symptoms depend on the cause of the disease.

Usually, the majority of those suffering from this disease, the question arises: what to do with cramping in the stomach? First you need to figure out why and why this happened.

Characterization of some diseases of the stomach

Smooth muscles of the stomach after eating are less common than on an empty stomach. When this still happens, you can suspect the presence of diseases such as ulcers or pancreatitis.

At the first diagnosis, pain after eating lasts about an hour, but in a hungry state it does not.

People who are prone to frequent stressful situations suffer from pyloric contraction. Unpleasant sensations and even vomiting can last about 30 minutes.

stomach cramp hurts treatment

Pancreatitis is characterized by giving away pain to the liver after eating.

When the stomach hurts with cramping and diarrhea, then we are talking about a symptom of an irritated intestine. Unpleasant sensations appear within an hour after eating. Characteristic symptoms include increased flatulence and upset stools. The pain disappears when a person empty his intestines.

Acute poisoning is characterized by temperature and discomfort in the stomach. If you eat a spoiled product, then people have cramps in the stomach, a headache and a violation of the stool. With an infectious disease, intestinal bleeding is possible. Blood streaks in bowel movements usually appear. In this case, an urgent appeal to a specialist and, if necessary, hospitalization is necessary.

With inflammation of the gallbladder, there are pains in the right hypochondrium and nausea. The stomach hurts with cramping, seizures after eating a large amount of sweets or spicy, smoked food.

Periodic seizures in the stomach and belching sour testify to the inflammatory process of the duodenum 12. The disease is characterized by temporary attenuation, and then again exacerbation. Unpleasant sensations arise in the navel.

What is a nerve spasm?

It occurs in people who are constantly surrounded by stressful situations. The stomach hurts with spasms, as a rule, they have when an emotional reboot or experience occurs. For example, this can happen after the defense of the thesis or after a responsible concert. In addition to pain, there may be minor symptoms, such as an upset stool or intense flatulence.

A kind of treatment and the answer to the question: "The stomach hurts with spasms - what should I do?" - will be: "Take a sedative." Also at this moment, and bowel movement will save.

Why does the stomach ache in pregnant women?

As a rule, during the period when the girl is in position, she often has difficulties with the digestive system. Basically, these problems occur in the second and third trimester. This circumstance is explained by the fact that the growing uterus compresses the digestive organs, thereby pregnant stomachs with stomach cramps, attacks.

stomach cramps what causes symptoms

One of the most common troubles that befell women in position is flatulence and heartburn.

An increase not only in the weight of the fetus, but also in size leads to a shift in the digestive organs, which provokes constipation. In addition, bloating is joined to all this.

Experts in this situation advise observing the diet and diet, not consuming too much food in one sitting, drink sour-milk drinks more. Taking medications, such as laxatives, is not recommended. Since their use can lead to hypertonicity. This phenomenon is considered unfavorable to the fetus.

What can be the complications?

Usually, cramping and pain in the stomach do not always indicate the presence of a disease. In order to be more confident that there are no pathologies, you should still conduct an examination of the body.

If everything with a stomach spasm hurts, treatment is not undertaken, then serious consequences are possible. Therefore, unpleasant sensations can not be ignored.

People who have stomach aches with spasms need to be warned against diseases such as cancer and stomach erosion, duodenal ulcer.

When a person has problems with the digestive organs, weight begins to decrease or increase, hair falls out, and the condition of nails worsens.

Complicated are not only people aged, but also the younger generation, who often do not follow the correct diet. In order for you not to suffer these diseases, you should lead a healthy lifestyle, less get into stressful situations. A visit to a specialist at the right time is a guarantee that the consequences of stomach cramps will not be so deplorable.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

When the stomach hurts with spasms and diarrhea, the gastroenterologist in most cases begins the diagnosis with palpation. In this case, the specialist determines the disease and prescribes appropriate treatment.

More than half of paroxysmal pains in the stomach are diagnosed in this way. Other examination methods are necessary when a person has other diseases of the digestive system. In this case, resort to the use of special devices, instruments and analyzes.

What is instrumental diagnostics?

It includes an ultrasound examination of the abdominal region, endoscopy and x-ray. Of course, you do not need to go through all of them. The specialist himself determines what to assign.

what to do with stomach cramps

An endoscopic method is usually prescribed, since it is considered the most reliable and useful. During this procedure, the patient swallows a special tube on which there is a backlight and a camera. With the help of endoscopy, you can see not only the internal organs of the digestive system, but also take an analysis of the tissues.

Why prescribe tests for cramping?

As with other diseases, people who suffer from stomach pain take a complete blood count. It is he who allows you to recognize the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. As a rule, if it is, then the number of leukocytes will be increased. A general urinalysis is also prescribed. It can also determine the presence of inflammation.

A gastroenterologist can also prescribe an analysis for taking gastric juice. From it you can see the acidity index of the digestive organ. The results will provide an explanation of the occurring periodic attacks in the patient.

How is the treatment?

A prerequisite for the elimination of pain in the stomach is to follow a diet prescribed by a specialist.

Of course, you should in no case eat fried, spicy and salty foods. In addition, you can not drink coffee and carbonated drinks. Such a diet should be adhered not only to the disappearance of symptoms, but also after a month.

stomach cramping bouts

Medicines are prescribed by a gastroenterologist. Any medication should be taken depending on what diagnosis was made by a specialist.

To relieve unpleasant sensations in the stomach, prescribe antispasmodics like "No-shpa" and "Baralgin." What kind of medicine should be used should be determined by the doctor. Also, do not get involved in taking these medicines on your own. Remember that they only eliminate pain, but do not relieve their cause.

If bacteria are found in the stomach, then, respectively, antimicrobials and antibiotics are prescribed.

Together with these medicines, the doctor prescribes probiotics. They are prescribed to restore intestinal microflora. If you do not take them, there may be dysbiosis, which is very difficult to treat.

Homeopathic medicines in modern medicine are not completely trusted. But if you are sure that they help, then you can also apply them.

What does prevention include?

Activities of this nature include refusal to drink alcohol and smoke. In addition, you must follow the correct diet. Sharp and smoked foods should not be consumed in large quantities.

You should not expose yourself to all kinds of weight loss diets, which also cause some harm to humans. No need to starve. Your body needs energy. But do not overeat. This is also not good. It should be eaten in small portions and several times a day. Make a saucer for yourself. It is from him that you eat. Then you will not feel any discomfort. You need to eat on time. Breakfast, lunch and dinner - at strictly certain hours.

Chew it thoroughly while eating. In this case, there will be no burden on the digestive organs. Strongly not recommended to eat on the go.

stomachache cramping and diarrhea

Pain in the stomach with seizures can be treated, but this process is very long-term. Cramping can lead to complications. All this suggests that you need a more careful attitude to your body. Do not forget to take care of your health. Prevention is one of the best ways to protect a person from diseases of the digestive system. Therefore, do not worry, and, of course, do not forget to eat healthy food. Do not be sick and be healthy!


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