Cramping pain: symptoms, possible causes, examination, medical diagnosis and treatment

The cause of cramping abdominal pain is spasms of the smooth muscles of the organs located in the abdominal cavity. A number of diseases can cause such symptoms – from pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract to disorders in the urinary and reproductive systems. Contractions also occur against the background of nervous disorders - paroxysmal pain in the abdominal area can be triggered by severe stress. In women, similar pain in the lower abdomen sometimes occurs during pregnancy or during menstruation. Frequent and prolonged spasms in the peritoneal area are a very alarming symptom, in which a visit to a doctor is mandatory.

The mechanism of spasms

The muscles of the internal organs are constantly in working order, due to which their functioning occurs. Normally, people do not feel the contractile activity of the muscles of the stomach, gall bladder and bile ducts, ureters and bladder, intestines, uterus and fallopian tubes. Everything happens rhythmically, without significant tension, and does not give the person any unpleasant sensations - he does not even notice it. But if the organ becomes inflamed, or an obstacle appears in the path of muscular movement, a spasm occurs, generating paroxysmal pain in the abdomen of varying degrees of intensity - from mild to severe.

The main symptom of spasmodic pain syndrome is its short duration, but when sharp contractions follow one after another, not stopping day or night, this causes considerable suffering. The danger of spasms is, first of all, that they may indicate disturbances in the body’s functioning, leading to the development of serious complications and sometimes death. Therefore, it is important to establish the cause of such symptoms as soon as possible and take measures to eliminate it.

Causes of cramping abdominal pain

Knowing the location of a person’s internal organs, it is possible to determine the approximate cause of paroxysmal spasms in the abdominal cavity based on their location. If they are concentrated in the upper abdomen, between the hypochondrium and the navel, we may be talking about gastric pathology.

Stomach

Experts divide the reasons why a person may experience severe cramping abdominal pain in the stomach area into two main groups: functional and organic. The first are associated with disturbances in the activity of this organ due to the influence of external factors: intoxication, trauma, stress. Spasms can be triggered by a blow to the stomach, an overdose of alcohol, or severe nervous tension.

The main place among the organic causes of spasmodic pain in the epigastric region belongs to gastritis - inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Depending on the etiology, the pathology is divided into the following forms:

• autoimmune - occurs against the background of atrophic damage to the mucous membrane, accompanied by a decrease in the acidity of gastric juice relative to the norm;
• bacterial - caused by the activity of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which destroys the epithelial cells of the stomach walls;
• stressful – provoked by prolonged nervous tension;
• eosinophilic – allergic.

Symptoms of the disease, in addition to pain, include heartburn, sour belching, nausea, vomiting, and severe thirst.

The consequence of advanced gastritis can be peptic ulcer – deep damage to the gastric epithelium. The disease is more severe than gastritis, and can progress to the state of perforation - the appearance of a through hole in the gastric wall.

Pathologies of other organs

Abdominal cramps can also be caused by:

• Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder and bile ducts, accompanied by a violation of the outflow of bile. In this case, the person experiences severe abdominal pain and develops diarrhea. Diarrhea can be so severe that the patient literally cannot leave the toilet. Fecal matter becomes discolored because bile does not flow from the inflamed bile duct into the intestines.
• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pain is localized in the left hypochondrium and radiates to the navel area - there is a feeling that a string is stretched between these two zones.
• Intestinal obstruction - due to impaired peristalsis caused by blockage of the intestinal cavity with feces or a tumor, bloating and asymmetry occur in the peritoneum. The stomach hurts, the temperature rises, nausea and vomiting occur.
• Appendicitis - in the acute form of the pathology, cramping pain spreads throughout the abdomen, without a clear localization. The attacks of nausea and vomiting do not stop.
• Renal colic.
• Kidney stones and urolithiasis.
• Dysentery.
• Rupture of an ovarian cyst.
• Inguinal hernia strangulation.

If during pregnancy there is pain in the lower abdomen, the consequences depend on the period in which these alarming symptoms appear. Up to the 25th week of gestation, it can precede a miscarriage; in the third trimester we are already talking about childbirth. When labor pains continue for several hours and the baby is not born, doctors perform a caesarean section on the woman.

Pain in adults

Pain in the navel area quite often bothers women - it can have various causes, including health hazards, so this condition should not be ignored.

Most often, pulling or cramping spasms in the navel area occur in women during menstruation.

This does not always indicate some kind of pathology in the functioning of the reproductive system - in many cases, painful periods cause hereditary metabolic disorders that increase the sensitivity of the muscular lining of the uterus and its nerve receptors.

This problem is more common in girls than in adult women. Such pain may be accompanied by intestinal upset, diarrhea, and fever.

In especially severe cases, a strong spasm radiates to the right and left and can cause loss of consciousness - the pain is so intense.

Although this problem occurs quite often in women, you should not completely ignore it, dulling the pain with pills, especially if it is very severe.

It is best to consult a doctor, as this syndrome is treatable. In addition, the doctor will be able to identify the reasons why menstruation is so painful and prescribe a medicine that can solve the problem.

Much more dangerous can be cramping pain in the navel area, which occurs suddenly and is very strong.

This condition in women can signal the development of an ectopic pregnancy and requires urgent medical attention.

With an ectopic pregnancy, there is a high risk of rupture of the fallopian tube, which will lead to internal bleeding, which is life-threatening.

READ Bilateral or girdling abdominal pain

In this state, in addition to the spasm, the woman will also experience weakness, chills, often an increase in temperature and an acceleration of the pulse.

The pain is usually felt not only in the navel area, but also on the right and left, spreading to the entire abdominal area. In intensity, painful spasms can be compared to appendicitis.

Appendicitis can cause cramping abdominal pain not only in women, but also in men.

The spasm rather quickly radiates to other areas, radiates to the right and left, as a rule, a person cannot lie on his left side. This condition also requires prompt medical intervention.

In men, as in women, pain in the navel area can be associated with problems of the genitourinary system.

Unpleasant spasms can cause pathologies in the kidneys, inflammation of the bladder, prostate gland, etc.

If cramping spasms occur frequently and are also accompanied by other problems - difficulties with urination or menstrual irregularities in women, then you should definitely consult a doctor, since the problems can be quite serious.

If the pain in the stomach is caused by poor nutrition or poisoning, then it will manifest itself equally in both sexes: a person begins to have diarrhea, vomiting may appear, and the temperature may rise.

This condition is usually not dangerous and can be dealt with on your own.

First aid

If you experience persistent cramping pain in the abdominal area, you should immediately call an ambulance. Before the doctors arrive, the patient must be undressed, unbuttoning the restrictive parts of his clothing - the waistband of a dress, skirt or trousers, shirt collar - and put to bed in a position comfortable for him: on his back or on his side.

If the symptoms suggest an exacerbation of a chronic disease - gastritis, cholecystitis - you can give one or two tablets of No-Shpa. You should not give water, give painkillers or laxatives, give an enema, or apply a cold or hot heating pad to your stomach. During an attack of vomiting, the patient's head must be turned to the side and held in this position to prevent asphyxia due to vomit entering the respiratory tract.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostic procedures for cramping pain are carried out on an emergency basis and begin with palpation of the abdomen. Then, if necessary, an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, magnetic resonance and computed tomography are prescribed. If gastritis or a stomach ulcer is suspected, fibrogastroscopy is performed - an endoscope with a miniature camera at the end is inserted into the patient through the mouth, and the doctor can observe the condition of the stomach on the monitor screen. Blood and urine samples are taken at the same time. Therapeutic procedures depend entirely on the results of the examination.

In case of appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, blockage of the bile ducts and rupture of the cystic cavity, the patient is provided with emergency surgical care. In other cases, conservative therapy is carried out, consisting of anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics and other drugs that help relieve spasms.

A necessary condition for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases is dietary nutrition prescribed by a nutritionist. Fatty, spicy, salty and fried foods are excluded from the patient's menu. Preference is given to buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, turkey, rabbit, chicken, pureed soups with vegetable broth. Dietary nutrition is also necessary to prevent exacerbations of chronic pathologies.

Important! A remedy for heartburn, gastritis and ulcers, which has helped a huge number of our readers. Read more >>>

Paroxysmal stomach pain is a frequent reason to visit a gastroenterologist. They appear in patients of all age categories and are characterized not only by the appearance of spasms, but also by other negative symptoms. Cramping pain in the stomach can last for several minutes, or can continue for several hours; in most cases, it appears on an empty stomach.

Cramping pain caused by gastrointestinal diseases

an increase in temperature to 39°C or higher with diarrhea (especially with bloody discharge in the stool) - this may be dysentery; “acute abdomen”, in which the abdominal muscles are painfully tense and hard to the touch - this may be a sign of intestinal rupture or perforation of the stomach wall as a result of injury, internal bleeding and other dangerous phenomena;

Any pain in the abdominal area should not be ignored. Both men and women should monitor the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract in order to detect in time the onset of the development of various diseases and disorders.

Periodic pain in the stomach occurs against the background of chronic diseases of this organ and is often relieved after the use of medications. But there are other pathologies characterized by cramping pain. Diseases that provoke pain syndrome include:

• Gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa, accompanied by dyspeptic disorders. Gastritis is characterized by periods of exacerbation. In almost all cases, the spasms occur so strongly that the person is not even able to straighten up to his full height. Often, patients suffering from this disease experience a decrease in appetite and so-called “hunger” pains against this background. Characteristic symptoms in addition are sour belching, heartburn, and putrid odor from the mouth.

• At the initial stage, treatment of aggravated gastritis is a complex of hunger and rest. Only warm drinks in the form of water or tea are allowed. Coffee and carbonated drinks are prohibited for consumption, as they have an irritating, aggressive effect on the inflamed mucous membrane. Foods that cause the secretion of gastric juice are also excluded. These include spicy and salty foods, canned food, cereals consisting of coarse fiber, and fried meat.
• In the drug treatment of gastritis, it is advisable to prescribe sorbents, antispasmodics and antibiotics in the case of a bacterial form of the disease.
• Gastric ulcer is a local pathology of the gastric mucosa as a result of the harmful effects of hydrochloric acid. Cramping pain in this disease usually occurs after eating and subsides after 30-60 minutes. Stomach ulcers are characterized by seasonal exacerbations, usually occurring in spring and autumn. Spasms are always accompanied by belching and heartburn, nausea after eating food. The danger of this disease is represented by the possibility of perforation of the ulcer.

• Nutrition plays a key role in the treatment of stomach ulcers - in small portions 6 times a day. Creamy soups, lean boiled meat and fish, milk porridge, and boiled eggs are recommended for consumption.
• To treat stomach ulcers, antacids and other drugs that coat the gastric mucosa and vitamin B5 are used.
• Appendicitis is a disease of unknown etiology, which is an inflammation of the appendix. The primary symptom of the disease is cramping pain in the epigastric region about a day before the onset of other symptoms, which then moves lower. The cramping pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and a sharp increase in body temperature to 38 degrees.

• Treatment of appendicitis involves only surgical intervention, so any delay poses a huge danger to the patient.
• Dysentery is an infectious intestinal disease that causes cramping pain in the stomach. In the future, diarrhea, repeated vomiting, and rapid heartbeat are added to the painful sensations. It is impossible to cope with such a disease at home, since the condition can be aggravated by dehydration. Only inpatient treatment is required.

How does cramping pain in the stomach manifest?

Cramping pain occurs as a result of obstruction of a hollow organ, which is the stomach. This paroxysmal pain is sometimes called colic. Attacks of pain may alternate with painless intervals of varying duration and intensity. The nature of the pain does not depend on the position of the person experiencing it.

There are several types of stomach spasms:

• total (general) – accompanies a disease of the nervous system, occurs infrequently;
• regional (partial) – manifests itself in the form of a spasm of a separate area of ​​the gastric muscles, for example, in a bi-cavitated stomach, which occurs after the healing of an ulcer, tuberculosis scar, gumma;
• limited - diagnosed in case of a disorder of higher nervous activity, as well as after the administration of morphine, systematic smoking, violations of the work and rest regime.

Additionally, there is a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, bloating, a feeling of fullness, nausea, and discomfort in the pit of the stomach.

What causes symptoms such as: cramping abdominal pain

Below are diseases that match your symptoms.

1. Chronic gastritis

   Gastritis – this word refers to a number of diseases of the digestive tract.
   Their common feature is inflammation of the inner walls of the stomach. Gastritis can appear in a person completely unexpectedly (acute) or slowly worsen over time (chronic). If this disease is not treated, there is a risk of ulcers and an increased risk of developing malignant tumors of the stomach. Read more

   poor appetite
2. fever
3. stomach ache
4. smell from the mouth
5. dyspnea
6. bloating
7. abdominal pain
8. constipation
9. loss of consciousness
10. dizziness
11. vomit
12. vomiting blood
13. weight loss
14. belching
15. indigestion
16. irritability
17. lack of appetite
18. weakness
19. nausea
20. cardiopalmus
21. diarrhea
22. white coating on tongue
23. pain in the upper abdomen

24. Chronic pancreatitis

    Chronic pancreatitis is a disease of the pancreas, which is accompanied by recurrent or constant pain, endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, and pathological changes in the organ.
    Read more

    pale stool
25. fever
26. stomach ache
27. dyspnea
28. bloating
29. pop up chair
30. abdominal pain
31. constipation
32. vomit
33. fatigue
34. weight loss
35. back pain
36. chronic pain
37. cold sweat
38. fluid in the abdominal cavity
39. smelly stool
40. indigestion
41. fatigue
42. lower back pain
43. lack of appetite
44. pain
45. weakness
46. nausea
47. thirst
48. diarrhea
49. chronic fatigue
50. heartburn
51. abdominal discomfort
52. pain in the upper abdomen

53. Pancreas cancer

    Pancreatic cancer is a relatively rare disease, but the number of patients with this pathology is growing.
    A malignant neoplasm originates from the epithelium of an organ. Read more

    pale stool
54. poor appetite
55. stomach ache
56. itchy skin
57. swollen stomach
58. abdominal pain
59. dark urine
60. vomit
61. watery stool
62. fatigue
63. weight loss
64. yellow eyes
65. aversion to food or drink
66. back pain
67. depression
68. fluid in the abdominal cavity
69. indigestion
70. jaundice
71. fatigue
72. lump in the stomach area
73. lack of appetite
74. pain
75. thirst
76. diarrhea
77. frequent urination
78. trembling hands
79. heartburn
80. pain in the upper abdomen

81. Pelvic inflammatory disease

    Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs in women. It is characterized by abdominal pain, especially during urination or sex.

    fever
82. stomach ache
83. spots on the skin
84. fainting
85. abdominal pain
86. intermenstrual bleeding
87. vaginal discharge
88. vaginal pain
89. vomit
90. fatigue
91. abdominal tenderness
92. back pain
93. chills
94. hot skin
95. problems with conception
96. infertility
97. fatigue
98. lower back pain
99. menstrual irregularities
100. absence of menstruation
101. lack of appetite
102. pain
103. pain during intercourse
104. painful menstruation
105. painful urination
106. elevated temperature
107. lower abdominal pain
108. pain in the upper abdomen

109. Duodenal ulcer

     Duodenal ulcer is a chronic and recurrent disease, which is a defect in the intestinal mucosa, the healing processes of which are disrupted or significantly slowed down.
     Duodenal ulcers are 4 times more common than gastric ulcers. Read more

     stomach ache
110. bloating
111. abdominal pain
112. constipation
113. vomiting blood
114. fatigue
115. belching
116. weakness
117. nausea
118. aching pain in the stomach area
119. sharp pain in the stomach area
120. pain after eating
121. blood in stool
122. increased appetite
123. heartburn
124. pain in the upper abdomen
125. aching pain in the abdomen

126. Functional dyspepsia

     Functional dyspepsia is a condition when a patient experiences pain or discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract (most often in the stomach) in the absence of an immediate disease.
     Read more

     bloating
127. constipation
128. fast saturation
129. nausea
130. diarrhea
131. abdominal discomfort
132. cramping abdominal pain

133. Salmonellosis

     Salmonellosis is an acute intestinal infection of animals and humans caused by Salmonella; an acute infectious anthropozoonotic disease caused by Salmonella and characterized, in general, by the development of intoxication and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. The incubation period ranges from 6 hours to 3 days, averaging 12-24 hours.

     fever
134. stomach ache
135. abdominal pain
136. vomit
137. watery stool
138. abdominal tenderness
139. chills
140. hot skin
141. myalgia
142. pain
143. nausea
144. diarrhea
145. muscle pain

146. Hepatitis A

     Hepatitis A (better known as Botkin's disease) is an acute viral liver disease.
     The virus is stable and can survive for several weeks at room temperature, several months at 4ºC and for years at -20ºC. The disease is transmitted through the fecal-oral mechanism and is considered the most common intestinal infection. Every year, about 10 million people are infected with the virus. The disease is widespread in developing countries, where the level of hygiene is quite low, and is transmitted by the population in early childhood. Read more

     pale stool
147. poor appetite
148. fever
149. stomach ache
150. itchy skin
151. swollen stomach
152. abdominal pain
153. unusual color of urine
154. dark urine
155. vomit
156. fatigue
157. weight loss
158. yellow eyes
159. hot skin
160. headache
161. jaundice
162. joint pain
163. fatigue
164. liver enlargement
165. myalgia
166. bad feeling
167. lack of appetite
168. pain
169. weakness
170. nausea
171. elevated temperature
172. yellow skin
173. body aches
174. muscle pain

175. Hepatitis

     Hepatitis is the general name for diseases, significantly different from each other, in which inflammatory damage to the liver occurs.
     Read more

     Read also:  Health and healthy lifestyle Rash diarrhea fever in a child
     pale stool
176. poor appetite
177. fever
178. stomach ache
179. itchy skin
180. swollen stomach
181. abdominal pain
182. unusual color of urine
183. dark urine
184. vomit
185. fatigue
186. weight loss
187. yellow eyes
188. abdominal tenderness
189. hot skin
190. fluid in the abdominal cavity
191. breast hypertrophy in men
192. jaundice
193. joint pain
194. fatigue
195. liver enlargement
196. myalgia
197. bad feeling
198. lack of appetite
199. pain
200. weakness
201. nausea
202. elevated temperature
203. yellow skin
204. muscle pain

205. Acute Pancreatitis

     Acute pancreatitis is an acute demarcation inflammation of the pancreas, accompanied by necrosis of pancreatocytes followed by tissue necrosis, dystrophy and secondary purulent infection.
     Read more

     pale stool
206. fever
207. stomach ache
208. hiccups
209. itchy skin
210. bloating
211. rapid pulse
212. swollen stomach
213. tachycardia
214. abdominal pain
215. dark urine
216. vomit
217. yellow eyes
218. anxiety
219. aversion to food or drink
220. back pain
221. chills
222. dehydration
223. belching
224. hot skin
225. nervousness
226. headache
227. indigestion
228. heart rhythm disturbances
229. jaundice
230. low blood pressure
231. lack of appetite
232. pain
233. weakness
234. nausea
235. diarrhea
236. elevated temperature
237. sweating
238. body aches
239. heartburn

240. Ectopic pregnancy

     An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
     Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy may require emergency medical attention. Read more

     nausea in the morning
241. shoulder pain
242. stomach ache
243. drowsiness
244. spots on the skin
245. bloating
246. swollen stomach
247. fainting
248. abdominal pain
249. vaginal discharge
250. dizziness
251. vomit
252. woozy
253. back pain
254. lower back pain
255. lack of appetite
256. pain
257. breast pain
258. nausea
259. lower abdominal pain
260. uterine bleeding

261. Polio

     Poliomyelitis is infantile spinal paralysis, an acute, highly contagious infectious disease caused by damage to the gray matter of the spinal cord by poliovirus and characterized mainly by pathology of the nervous system.
     Mostly occurs in an asymptomatic or erased form. Sometimes it happens that poliovirus penetrates the central nervous system and multiplies in motor neurons, which leads to their death, irreversible paresis or paralysis of the muscles they innervate. Read more

     poor appetite
262. fever
263. shiver
264. scoliosis
265. stomach ache
266. rash
267. dyspnea
268. spasm
269. muscle spasm
270. muscle stiffness
271. bloating
272. a sore throat
273. abdominal pain
274. constipation
275. difficulty urinating
276. vomit
277. watery stool
278. weak muscles
279. fatigue
280. back pain
281. suffocation
282. cough
283. depression
284. salivation
285. hot skin
286. headache
287. irritability
288. joint pain
289. kyphosis
290. fatigue
291. lethargy
292. loss of muscle function
293. muscle atony
294. myalgia
295. bad feeling
296. pain
297. pain in the neck
298. leg pain
299. weakness
300. nausea
301. muscle weakness
302. elevated temperature
303. runny nose
304. muscle pain

305. Hepatitis D

     Hepatitis D, also known as hepatitis delta virus, is an infection that causes inflammation of the liver.
     This disease can impair liver function and cause long-term liver problems, including liver scarring and cancer. Read more

     pale stool
306. poor appetite
307. fever
308. stomach ache
309. itchy skin
310. rash
311. swollen stomach
312. abdominal pain
313. unusual color of urine
314. dark urine
315. vomit
316. fatigue
317. yellow eyes
318. chills
319. belching
320. hot skin
321. fluid in the abdominal cavity
322. jaundice
323. joint pain
324. fatigue
325. liver enlargement
326. myalgia
327. bad feeling
328. lack of appetite
329. elevated temperature
330. yellow skin
331. muscle pain
332. heartburn
333. enlarged spleen

334. Toxic shock syndrome

     Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute, life-threatening condition that develops rapidly when exposed to a toxin produced by bacteria. The syndrome is based on the body’s reaction to bacterial toxins entering it. These superantigens are so powerful that they lead to the release of huge amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokines - this process has even been called a “cytokine storm.”

     photophobia
335. fever
336. Red eyes
337. seizures
338. shock
339. stomach ache
340. peeling skin
341. rash
342. dyspnea
343. fainting
344. abdominal pain
345. loss of consciousness
346. dizziness
347. vomit
348. watery stool
349. woozy
350. chills
351. cold sweat
352. hot skin
353. headache
354. joint pain
355. labored breathing
356. low blood pressure
357. confusion
358. spasm
359. myalgia
360. bad feeling
361. weakness
362. nausea
363. diarrhea
364. elevated temperature
365. yellow skin
366. skin rashes
367. muscle pain

368. Q-Fever (Q-Fever)

     Q Fever (Q Fever) is an infection caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. The bacteria are most often found in cattle, sheep and goats. It is characterized by general toxic phenomena, fever and often atypical pneumonia.

     fever
369. stomach ache
370. dyspnea
371. a sore throat
372. abdominal pain
373. watery stool
374. fatigue
375. weight loss
376. chest pain
377. chills
378. cough
379. headache
380. jaundice
381. myalgia
382. nausea
383. diarrhea
384. elevated temperature
385. sweating
386. muscle pain
387. chest pain when breathing

388. Colorado tick fever

     Colorado tick fever is an acute arboviral disease characterized by two-wave fever, general intoxication, and in some patients the central nervous system is affected. Transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.

     photophobia
389. poor appetite
390. fever
391. Strong headache
392. stomach ache
393. rash
394. abdominal pain
395. vomit
396. fatigue
397. chills
398. hot skin
399. headache
400. fatigue
401. myalgia
402. lack of appetite
403. weakness
404. nausea
405. diarrhea
406. elevated temperature
407. muscle pain
408. sensitivity to light

409. Chlamydia

     Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that may not cause any noticeable symptoms.
     Unprotected sex with different partners leads to a greater risk of infection. Read more

     fever
410. bloody sperm
411. stomach ache
412. swollen stomach
413. tenesmus
414. testicular pain
415. abdominal pain
416. urethral discharge
417. dark urine
418. vaginal discharge
419. vomit
420. fatigue
421. weight loss
422. yellow eyes
423. hot skin
424. problems with conception
425. infertility
426. jaundice
427. fatigue
428. lack of appetite
429. pain
430. pain during intercourse
431. painful urination
432. weakness
433. nausea
434. frequent urination
435. elevated temperature
436. lower abdominal pain
437. pain in the perineum
438. burning sensation in the vagina

439. Esophageal carcinoma

     Esophageal cancer is an oncological disease of the esophagus, making up a significant part of all diseases of this organ.
     The main symptoms of this disease are: progressive difficulty swallowing (first solid food, then liquid) and unintentional weight loss. Read more

     poor appetite
440. hoarse voice
441. stomach ache
442. hiccups
443. smell from the mouth
444. acidity in the stomach
445. swallowing disorder
446. tarry stool
447. a sore throat
448. abdominal pain
449. vomit
450. vomiting blood
451. dark vomit
452. fatigue
453. weight loss
454. aversion to food or drink
455. back pain
456. pale skin
457. chest pain
458. cough
459. belching
460. hemoptysis
461. gastrointestinal bleeding
462. indigestion
463. lack of appetite
464. pain when swallowing
465. weakness
466. elevated temperature
467. sweating
468. coating on the tongue
469. heartburn
470. dark chair
471. chronic cough

472. Acetone poisoning

     Acetone poisoning occurs when there is a large amount of acetone in your body, which can cause your liver to stop functioning. Acetone is a clear liquid that smells like nail polish remover.

     poor coordination of movements
473. Red eyes
474. stomach ache
475. dyspnea
476. drowsiness
477. stupor
478. fainting
479. irritation in the throat
480. abdominal pain
481. sudden urge to urinate
482. vomit
483. coma
484. hallucinations
485. headache
486. lethargy
487. low blood pressure
488. nausea
489. incoherent speech

490. Diabetic ketoacidosis

     Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes, and it also sometimes occurs in people with type 2 diabetes.
     Read more

     polyuria
491. fast shallow breathing
492. shortness of breath when lying down
493. stomach ache
494. dyspnea
495. stupor
496. abdominal pain
497. loss of consciousness
498. vomit
499. fatigue
500. coma
501. decreased attention
502. headache
503. hyperventilation
504. labored breathing
505. fatigue
506. low blood pressure
507. confusion
508. spasm
509. myalgia
510. lack of appetite
511. pain
512. nausea
513. thirst
514. rapid breathing
515. frequent urination

Never rely solely on search results to make a diagnosis. Be sure to consult a board-certified physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Possible reasons

Diseases of the digestive system provoke the appearance of colic in the stomach. There are organic and functional disorders of this organ. Gastrointestinal pathologies causing spasms:

• gastritis;
• ulcerative lesions of the gastric mucosa;
• colitis;
• intestinal obstruction.

Additional functional reasons that provoke cramping pain in the stomach:

• side effects of medications;
• intoxications associated with food toxins or alcohol abuse;
• eating disorders;
• smoking;
• neuroses, stressful situations;
• coffee addiction
• allergic reactions to foods or other provoking factors, injuries to the stomach and intestines.

Intussusception

This is the name for the introduction of the overlying intestinal zone into the lumen of the underlying one. Most often, the pathology is observed in children and men. In this case, cramping pain will occur when the final part of the small intestine is inserted into the large intestine.

The reasons are different - helminthic infestation, ingestion of rough food, passage of gallstones, ingestion of a foreign body. The intensity of pain will depend on the degree of entrapment of the mesentery. If it is strong, then the patient quickly develops peritonitis and early necrosis of the intussusception. A person can die without medical assistance within 24 hours.

During contractions, the pain is unbearable, but between them, enlightenment is possible. After 6-12 hours from the onset of this syndrome, bloody discharge from the anus is possible.

What pathologies do stomach cramps indicate?

The nature of spasms differs in each specific case, as it depends on the course of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient.

• Stomach ulcer - attacks almost never appear on an empty stomach; they occur more often after eating, after half an hour to an hour, and subside with the end of digestion of food.
• Pylorospasm - occurs in patients with a weakened nervous system, is characterized by attacks of vomiting and the appearance of a pain symptom after eating; after emptying the stomach, spasms and pain are not felt;
• Pancreatitis - pain during spasm radiates to the right hypochondrium or lower back;
• Dyskinesia of the gallbladder, cholecystitis - the appearance of painful spasms in the epigastric region after errors in nutrition (smoked, salty, fatty, overly sweet foods);
• Gastritis - severe spasms are accompanied by weight loss, vomiting, and sour belching.
• Acute intestinal obstruction - can be caused by a tumor, helminthic infestation, fecal conglomerate after constipation, accumulation of fiber, volvulus of intestinal loops. It is manifested by the inability to excrete gases and feces, bloating, painful spasms of the stomach and intestines, severe vomiting with bile and intestinal contents that acquire a putrid odor.
• Erosion of the gastric mucosa is characterized by prolonged, regularly occurring powerful spasms. The pain appears at night, and may be accompanied by bleeding, which indicates that the process has worsened and become chronic.

Causes of colic in the stomach

Cramping pain can appear due to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, ulcers or erosion of the stomach, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the organ, inflammatory processes in the duodenum.

When these diseases worsen, the following factors can provoke pain:

• 
  Failure in the diet, when the time of eating has changed sharply, a person overeats or goes hungry for a long time. If the patient does not eat three times, as expected, but once or twice. Colic appears in the stomach if fatty, fried, spicy dishes, with a lot of salt, appear on the menu,

• Poisoning with stale food or surrogate alcohol can cause stomach spasms, so a person will begin to experience pain in the abdominal area,
• Pain and colic occur due to allergic reactions and uncontrolled use of medications. Also, the appearance of these symptoms in adults is a large amount of strong tea or coffee drunk during the day, tobacco smoke,
• Cramping pain appears if a person is overweight, in a state of neurosis or prolonged depression,
• In older people, pain appears for organic reasons, this is due to the fact that colic is a consequence of some disease of the digestive tract,
• Functional disorders occur not only in adults, but also in young patients, because they eat mostly snacks and dry foods.

In order to get rid of cramping abdominal pain, you need to identify the main reasons that cause them. After this, begin direct treatment of the disease, rather than eliminating its symptoms.

Cramping pain and diarrhea

The addition of diarrhea to stomach colic indicates the penetration of a viral infection into the body, called “intestinal flu” or infectious gastroenteritis. Its causative agents:

• adenovirus;
• rotavirus;
• astrovirus;
• coronavirus;
• calicivirus;
• norovirus.

Additionally, symptoms such as fever above 37.5⁰, nausea and vomiting, and general weakness may appear. Viruses invade the cells of the stomach and intestines, disrupting the processes of transport and absorption of food.

Viral gastroenteritis is transmitted by the fecal-oral route; most often it affects adults and children, who spend part of their time in large groups. The disease lasts no more than 10 days. Accurate diagnosis is carried out by analyzing the patient's stool and observing the nature of diarrhea.

Another cause of diarrhea along with cramping abdominal pain may be dysentery, an infectious disease caused by Shigella. In this case, the following symptoms will additionally be felt:

• pale skin;
• hyperthermia;
• false urge to defecate;
• the appearance of blood streaks in the stool.

Significance of the symptom

Let's start with the main thing. What is this - cramping pain in the abdomen? Strong contractions of the smooth muscle muscles of a number of hollow organs that are located in the lower part of the peritoneum, the pelvis. This is the uterus (in women), intestinal tract, bladder, ureters, etc. Their smooth muscle muscles contract constantly, helping to propel the contents. However, under normal conditions this process is painless. We do not somehow feel intestinal peristalsis, contraction of the bladder muscles, etc.

Hence, cramping pain will be a rather alarming symptom. He can talk about a lot of things:

• Impaired movement of contents inside a hollow organ.
• Functional dysfunctions in the body.
• Acute stage of the disease, which requires immediate medical attention.

Note that this symptom is also quite subjective. The reason is that people will each have their own degree of sensitivity.

Help with stomach cramps

Any ailment, if it is accompanied by pain and is noted regularly, and not occasionally, requires a thorough examination. In most cases, according to the results of the examination, there is no reason for concern, and a small adjustment of the diet and compliance with the doctor’s recommendations is enough to regain your previous health.

If it is not possible to consult a doctor in the near future, to relieve paroxysmal pain, you need to drink a glass of water at room temperature or another neutral liquid. It is advisable not to eat for 3-4 hours, and if vomiting occurs, abstaining from food lasts up to 6 hours. After the cramping pain stops, it is recommended to limit the following foods in your diet:

• dishes containing coarse fiber;
• freshly baked bread;
• spices, spicy dishes;
• refractory animal fats;
• strong coffee or tea;
• fatty, fried, smoked foods.

It is imperative to follow a diet; you need to eat often, but in small portions, using light, low-fat foods. It is not recommended to eat too cold or too hot food. At night, you can drink a glass of warm low-fat milk.

Antispasmodic drugs will help relieve the intensity of stomach colic: No-Shpa, Drotaverine hydrochloride, Spazmalgon. The drug Iberogast selectively relaxes the muscles of the bottom and body of the stomach and tones the muscles of its bottom, which helps to quickly evacuate the food bolus into the duodenum. It is possible to use traditional methods:

1. Mint leaf tea;
2. Motherwort juice solution;
3. An infusion of a mixture of nettle, St. John's wort, and meadowsweet flowers.

In occasional cases of spasmodic pain in the stomach, massage of the epigastric region helps relieve it.

Reason for urgent hospitalization and prognosis for the development of the disease

In case of an “acute abdomen” that threatens the patient’s life, the prognosis for the development of the situation depends on how quickly the patient is taken to the hospital. Hospitalization is necessary for the following symptoms:

• Cramping pain changes its character and becomes diffuse and constant - suspicion of intestinal obstruction;
• An admixture of blood appears in the stool - suspicion of dysentery;
• The pain lasts for several days, constantly increasing, and is not relieved by antispasmodics;
• Vomiting appears mixed with blood, similar to coffee grounds;
• The stool turns black (“melena”), which indicates gastric or intestinal bleeding;
• Colic is accompanied by severe night pain, from which the patient wakes up;
• Paroxysmal pain occurs in a child, an elderly person, or a patient with a history of chronic diseases;
• Symptoms of colic in the stomach include dizziness, the appearance of delirium, and rapid pulse;
• After an abdominal injury, attacks of stomach cramps periodically appear;
• The patient shows signs of dehydration: the skin is dry and not elastic, the nose is pointed, the eyes are sunken, the urine is dark and there is little of it.

For most conditions that cause paroxysmal stomach pain, the prognosis is favorable. If the diet and nutrition regimen are followed, the health of such patients quickly returns to normal. Untimely diagnosed and treated diseases of the stomach and intestines can affect the condition of hair, nails, skin and teeth.

The consequences of stomach cramps can be the appearance of stomach erosion, atrophy of the gastric walls, ulcerative and oncological lesions of the stomach and intestines. To eliminate the possibility of developing severe pathologies, they should be examined in a timely manner and treated at an early stage.

Cramping pain in the stomach usually does not last long: it appears suddenly and disappears on its own. Cramps spread to the stomach and entire abdominal cavity if intestinal irritation is observed. The symptom may be supplemented by problems with stool and signs of intoxication of the body. Stomach pain with cramps is regularly reported by more than ½ of the world’s population.

Causes

The intensity of cramping pain depends on the characteristics of the human body. The causes of their occurrence are divided into organic and functional. In the first case, the provoking factors of the disease are dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, which affect older people. Functional disorders are associated with metabolic disorders and neurological problems that are common in young people.

The main causes of stomach cramps are diseases of the digestive system. These include:

• peptic ulcer;
• erosive damage to the walls of the stomach;
• intestinal inflammation;
• disturbance of intestinal microflora;
• insufficient production of enzymes.

Factors predisposing to the problem are:

• poor nutrition – irregular meals, consumption of fried and fatty foods, sudden changes in diet;
• intoxication of the body of various etiologies - food, alcohol, toxic;
• excessive consumption of strong drinks - coffee, tea;
• uncontrolled use of medications;
• neurological abnormalities;
• smoking;
• overweight;
• abdominal trauma.

Symptoms of pathology

Stomach pain comes and goes due to obstruction. Such sensations are otherwise called colic, which is characterized by a periodic course. Attacks of spasms alternate with painless periods. Spasms do not change intensity when a person takes a different position.

There are several types of paroxysmal pain in the stomach:

• total – associated with neurological abnormalities and diagnosed in rare cases;
• regional - manifested by spasm of individual muscles of the digestive organ and is detected after peptic ulcers, tuberculosis or gumma;
• limited - manifests itself after the introduction of narcotic drugs (morphine) into the body or with systematic violation of the work and rest regime.

Symptoms requiring hospitalization

If there is severe pain in the stomach area, the patient requires medical attention. The prognosis for recovery will depend on the timeliness of the therapeutic measures provided.

Hospitalization for pathology is required if:

• paroxysmal pain changes its intensity and appears constantly - this may indicate the development of intestinal obstruction;
• mucus and bloody streaks were found in the stool (signs of dysentery);
• the pain is increasing in nature and does not disappear after taking painkillers;
• spasms are complemented by nausea and vomiting mixed with black blood;
• stool becomes black (signs of internal bleeding);
• colic prevents normal rest and affects appetite;
• sharp pain in attacks occurs in children or an elderly person suffering from chronic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
• The patient exhibits symptoms of dehydration: dry skin, pale skin. Reducing the amount of urine excreted, etc.

After professional help is provided, the person will need to self-administer medications, follow a diet, and undergo physical therapy. Untimely elimination of stomach pain negatively affects the condition of the patient’s skin, hair and nails. Among the consequences of the problem are:

• atrophy of the stomach walls;
• oncological formations in the gastrointestinal tract;
• ulcerative lesions of the intestinal walls.

To avoid complications, it is necessary to treat stomach pain when the first alarming symptoms appear.

First aid

If there is a problem, it is important to know what to do: periodic stomach pain can be treated according to different schemes, depending on the causes of their occurrence. To provide first aid you need:

1. Provide the patient with rest.
2. Ask the victim about the causes of unpleasant symptoms, their intensity and duration.
3. In case of strong contractions, give the patient an antispasmodic tablet - Drotaverine or No-Shpa.
4. Place the person on their side if they lose consciousness. This will prevent vomit from entering the respiratory tract.
5. Perform direct cardiac massage if the patient has no pulse.

In case of severe symptoms of the disease, it is prohibited:

• leave the patient unattended;
• give the victim food;
• put warm compresses on the abdominal area;
• do an enema.

Diet for cramping pain

Important! What to do if you have periodic attacks of abdominal pain? First of all, you need to properly organize your nutrition. It is advisable that the menu be drawn up by a gastroenterologist after studying the test results.

If it is not possible to contact a specialist, then adhere to the following rules:

• drink 200 ml of water;
• refuse to eat for 3-4 hours (if there are signs of nausea and vomiting - for 6-8 hours).

After the cramps begin to subside, you can eat small portions. Exclude from the diet:

• coarse fiber;
• fresh baked goods;
• strong alcohol;
• fatty foods;
• fried foods;
• conservation;
• pickles;
• rich soups;
• spices.

It is advisable that all food eaten be at room temperature. Hot or too cold foods can cause the problem to recur. Before going to bed, you are allowed to drink 200 ml of milk with a fat content of up to 1.5%.

Cramping pain due to abdominal diseases

Organic causes include various diseases of organs located in the abdominal cavity. The most common of them include gastritis and peptic ulcers. Often people neglect to go to the doctor, as a result of which the disease becomes chronic.

Types of gastritis

Gastritis is one of the diseases that is accompanied by cramping pain in the left side of the abdomen. This process is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa.

The main symptoms include:

• heaviness in the stomach;
• heartburn;
• belching with sour contents;
• nausea.

In medicine, there are several types of gastritis:

1. Autoimmune type. Occurs due to atrophy of the mucous membrane. Against the background of this process, the acidity of gastric juice decreases.
2. Bacterial type. Caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.
3. Fungal or viral type. The cause is thought to be decreased immune function.
4. Erosive type. Occurs with regular consumption of alcohol, spicy foods and medications.
5. Stress type. Manifests itself as a result of prolonged stress.
6. Eosinophilic type. The cause of the pathology is an allergic reaction from the digestive system.

Treatment of gastritis involves following a strict diet, taking plenty of fluids, and using antibacterial and sedatives.

Peptic ulcer disease

Another illness that causes severe and sharp pain in the abdomen is a peptic ulcer of the stomach or intestines. This disease refers to damage to the mucous membrane that occurs as a result of exposure to hydrochloric acid in gastric juice.

Painful sensations usually appear after eating. In case of cramping pain, the patient is hospitalized in a hospital. Therapeutic measures include the use of antibacterial agents, antacids, and pantothenic acid. This group of medications allows you to suppress the activity of bacteria, normalize the composition of gastric juice and heal the mucous membrane.

The patient is also advised to follow a strict diet. Spices and spices, fatty and fried foods are excluded from the diet. Products must be steam and heat treated. Particular attention should be paid to the drinking regime.