Stomach cramps
Stomach cramps often come suddenly and are also very painful. Many people know stomach cramps or stomach pain from their own experience. Doctors speak of gastralgia and it is pain or cramps that emanate from the stomach . Indigestion, gastrointestinal infections or stomach ulcers are often the reason for the pain in the upper abdomen.
What are stomach cramps?
Stomach problems can appear in different ways. A common form is the intermittent stomach cramps. These usually occur suddenly and are very painful.
Stomach pain can not only cause short-term symptoms, but also last for a longer period of time. In addition, stomach cramps can also be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea , belching , diarrhea and vomiting.
Most people associate stomach cramps with the upper left to middle part of the stomach. These symptoms, which are perceived as stomach cramps, do not always occur in the stomach. They can also come from other organs, such as the intestines or the pancreas or the heart.
causes
Stomach cramps can have a variety of causes. Oftentimes, stomach cramps are the result of a harmless and mild upset stomach. However, they can also be a symptom of more serious medical conditions.Possible causes of stomach cramps can be, for example , inflammation of the gastric mucosa , heartburn or an irritable stomach . Psychological problems such as stress and nervousness can also cause stomach cramps. Smoking, frequent alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet can also lead to stomach cramps.
If the stomach cramps occur over a longer period of time, it is advisable to have these symptoms clarified by a doctor. Especially if there are other symptoms, such as fever . Diseases to think about here are stomach ulcers or, in the worst case, stomach cancer.
Since stomach cramps are difficult to distinguish from general abdominal pain, kidney stones , biliary colic or intestinal obstruction must also be considered in the case of recurring and severe pain . This absolutely requires a medical examination.
When to the doctor?
Occasional stomach cramps that occur after high-fat meals or excessive alcohol consumption do not require a doctor’s visit, just a change in behavior. However, a doctor should always be consulted if stomach cramps occur regularly and apparently without reason, since the causes must then be clarified.
Stomach cramps that occur after a meal in conjunction with nausea and vomiting indicate food poisoning . It is best to go to the nearest hospital immediately. Stomach cramps associated with blood in the stool are also of concern . These symptoms can hide a serious stomach disease up to and including stomach cancer. The same applies to stomach cramps that occur together with other unspecific symptoms such as a feeling of fullness, nausea, upper abdominal pain or loss of appetite.
Supposed stomach cramps, which are accompanied by pain that occurs mainly on the left side and radiates into the upper body or arm, are often a misdiagnosed heart attack. If chest pain and anxiety also occur, an ambulance should be called immediately. Women who regularly experience severe stomach cramps during menstruation should consult a gynecologist. Endometriosis is suspected here.
diagnosis and course
Stomach cramps are mainly characterized by sudden swelling and fading pain that can radiate to the back and chest. There is pressure in the stomach, heaviness in the stomach and a great and unpleasant feeling of anxiety. Those affected often report pain in the stomach that feels sharp or burning. In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. In the case of long-lasting and recurring stomach cramps, a doctor should be consulted in good time to clarify the cause and take appropriate measures to alleviate the symptoms.
Stomach cramps can have many causes. The correct diagnosis often results from the patient’s medical history. The doctor will also examine the patient physically.
In addition to palpating the abdomen and listening with a stethoscope, further examinations may be necessary. An ultrasound examination , a blood test and a gastroscopy are often carried out for this purpose .
complications
Stomach cramps can result from an infection in the gastrointestinal tract. These are often associated with diarrhea. Prolonged diarrhea leads to a severe loss of fluids and electrolytes. This can lead to dehydration of the affected person (exsiccosis). Shock can occur due to the high volume deficiency. This leads to a sharp drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. As a result, several important organs are no longer supplied with sufficient blood, so that they can fail. In addition, there are disturbances of consciousness and cardiac arrhythmias , especially older people are affected.
Other consequences of an acute gastrointestinal infection are low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can turn into a coma, perforation of the intestine and thus infection of other abdominal organs, and blood poisoning ( sepsis ) if the pathogen spreads systemically. This can also turn into a life-threatening shock. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis), which also leads to severe stomach cramps, can lead to the formation of ulcers in the stomach (ulcus ventriculi). This can bleed profusely and vomiting of blood and stomach acid can occur, which can be aspirated. In addition, this leads to severe irritation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, which can become inflamed. In addition, chronic gastritis increases the risk of developing gastric carcinoma.
treatment and therapy
Depending on the cause of the stomach cramps, various medications, such as antispasmodics or painkillers , can be used. In addition, medication can also be given to reduce and bind the acidity of the stomach. In the case of psychological causes, psychotherapeutic support can be useful.
In addition, simple measures such as heat and appropriate herbal teas can provide relief. If too much stomach acid is the cause of the stomach cramps, appropriate acid-binding medication can be useful.In addition, a double amount of magnesium can also help against stomach cramps. However, the dose should not be too high here, as an overdose can cause diarrhea .
Eating habits should also be changed. Fatty or spicy food should be avoided here.
If the stomach cramps are related to stress and psychological problems, it makes sense to practice relaxation exercises, such as autogenic training , on a regular basis .
outlook and prognosis
Stomach cramps are a typical sign of an infection. As with food poisoning or allergies, these are only temporary. One to three days is enough for the symptoms to subside. The oncoming diarrhea usually ensures a rapid improvement. Medical help is usually not necessary. However, there are exceptions if the cramps are of high intensity and cause severe pain. In the event of serious complications, it is essential to seek medical advice again.
Bacterial infections of the stomach or intestines can usually be fought well with antibiotics. A short time after taking it, there is a significant improvement in the general condition of the affected people. Depending on the pathogen, the duration and course of the disease are defined. Noroviruses cause severe nausea and diarrhea, but the symptoms disappear after three days at the latest. Cambylobacter, on the other hand, extends the suffering from a few days to several weeks.
In this phase, affected people usually have to contend with blatant limitations and have problems going about their normal everyday life in a conventional way. Electrolyte and water deficiencies can occur and accordingly require a balanced diet with an adequate intake of liquid and salts. If the chosen therapy does not work, an operation can be considered in extreme cases. However, an exact determination of the cause and localization of the pain is required first. A gastroscopy helps the doctor treating you to identify possible injuries or ulcers in the stomach lining. Their prognosis, in turn, depends heavily on the case at hand and is therefore difficult to predict.
prevention
Stomach cramps are very difficult to prevent. As a rule, care must be taken to ensure that one eats non-stimulating food. This includes avoiding greasy and spicy food and meals or drinks that are too cold or too hot. Coffee , alcohol and smoking should also be avoided . Don’t strain your stomach unnecessarily.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.