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Stomach cramps can be defined as a sudden, uncontrolled tight feeling in your tummy. They can be quite uncomfortable and can hurt severely at times.
These cramps are not always serious and can often go away on their own in a few minutes. If they happen often or at regular intervals or at any particular time of the day, it is best to consult a doctor as they may hint at a severe or underlying problem.
Abdominal discomfort similar to cramping can be caused by a number of other issues. Menstruation, miscarriage, or reproductive difficulties may be linked to it in females. This pain is also often intermittent (related to the menstrual cycle) and might go away without any medical intervention.
Significant abdominal pain may also be caused by infections with viruses, bacteria, or parasites that affect the digestive tract.
What Are the Organs in the Your Abdominal Region?
Your abdominal region (the area between your chest and your pelvis) is home to a variety of organs. Your stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and both your intestines are present here. In the case of females, their entire reproductive system (the uterus, ovaries, and other parts) is housed in this area. Therefore, pain in the abdomen can hint at several possible points of origin.
Stomach cramps are just one form of abdominal pain. The other types include:
- Mild or severe pain
- Dull or sharp pain
- Burning or achy pain
- Crampy or colicky pain
- Constant or intermittent pain
- Localized (in one spot) or generalized (all over) pain
Abdominal pain is ultimately a symptom that can only be described by you. Since your doctor has no way of knowing, your pain means whatever you say it is. Abdominal pain should always be taken seriously by your doctor.
What Causes Stomach Cramps?
Stomach cramps may be due to one or more of the following causes:
1) Food Poisoning
When this occurs, it's because you've consumed food that contains harmful bacteria. Among the possible side effects of food poisoning are stomach cramps. Signs and symptoms can appear immediately or take several hours or days to develop. It's possible that you'll also be experiencing:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fever
- Diarrhea
Those at a higher risk of food poisoning include the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. In most cases, people don't even need to see a doctor to feel better.
2) Stomach Flu / Virus
What's the difference between food poisoning and stomach flu? The medical term for this is viral gastroenteritis, which your doctor may use to describe your discomfort. It is also known as stomach flu, but this condition is not caused by the flu virus.
Multiple classes of gastrointestinal viruses exist. In America, norovirus is by far the most prevalent illness.
It's easy to confuse stomach cramps and food poisoning because of the similarities between the two conditions. Stomach viruses are spread through close contact, such as when one person eats from the same plate as another or when one person uses the same fork or knife.
Additionally, the virus can be contracted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. The virus, in contrast to food poisoning, is easily transmitted to others, at least during the initial stages of infection.
3) Food Allergy
Having a reaction to foods you are allergic to can also include painful stomach cramps. If you suspect that your cramps are due to an allergy (you will also notice other symptoms on your skin like swelling or rashes), then you need to visit a doctor immediately. These are some common proteins that cause food allergies:
- Shellfish
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Milk
To avoid an allergic reaction, stay away from foods that trigger it. Shock, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shocks can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Stomach ulcers are a common cause of pain in the abdominal or tummy area. Apart from these major causes, you may also experience cramp-like pain from causes like flatulence, bloating, constipation, and trouble digesting food. In females, cramps also occur at different stages of their menstrual cycle, most commonly when they are bleeding.
How to Get Rid of Stomach Cramps?
You can find relief from abdominal pain with a variety of home health remedies if you and your doctor have already ruled out more serious medical causes.
If you are wondering what to take for stomach cramps, the following home remedies can help:
- BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast)
- Bitters and soda
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ginger
- Peppermint
- Chamomile tea
- Heating pad
- Warm bath
If you have severe or repeated cramps, like pain in your stomach, it is best that you consult a doctor on how to stop stomach cramps. In general, eating a healthy diet, drinking lots of water, exercising regularly, and eating smaller meals can be helpful in preventing issues related to gas, bloating, indigestion, and constipation.
Keep an open mind if you're experiencing abdominal pain. While it's usually nothing to worry about, if the pain persists or worsens, consult your physician. Call your doctor if you're experiencing severe, sudden abdominal pain, so you can get to the bottom of what's causing it and start treatment immediately.
