Stomach cramps are a common condition that may result from dietary mistakes or be a signal of serious medical conditions. Stomach cramps are described as an unpleasant feeling that usually affects the upper abdomen. If stomach cramps persist for a long time or occur frequently, see your doctor to find out the cause and treat accordingly.

Stomach crampsis a colloquial expression. From a medical point of view, they should be called stomach aches or pains in the stomach area.

The stomach is a muscular sac, the main function of which is to store food and the initial digestive processes. It is located in the upper part of the abdomen, between the esophagus and the duodenum.

Stomach cramps are not accidental. This organ contracts all the time, and its movements are needed to move food further down the digestive tract. This phenomenon is called peristalsis.

When we are he althy and there is nothing wrong with us, we do not feel that our stomach is working all the time. Only when something goes against the physiology do we begin to feel perist altic movements. Stomach cramps can be painful as it irritates the sensory nerve fibers throughout the digestive tract.

Stomach cramps - causes

Stomach cramps are classified as mild and painful.

Light stomach crampsare most often caused by dietary mistakes that lead to indigestion. These discomforts usually disappear after a few hours or after you have a bowel movement.

Painful stomach crampsmay be a consequence of stress. In women, ailments located in the abdominal and epigastric cavities may be related to the upcoming menstruation.

Any pain in this location is very difficult to diagnose, and requires additional tests.

The cause of acute, painful stomach cramps may be:

  • Gastritis and duodenitis

Gastritis and duodenitis that will be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug abuse, or chemical inflammation resulting from bile discharge or autoimmune reactions. Inflammation of the stomach can alsobe asymptomatic, but often accompanied by stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

  • Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is a very common disease in which, as a result of excess stomach acid, erosions in the gastric and / or duodenal mucosa occur. Symptoms may include stomach pains and cramps, especially on an empty stomach, but also serious complications such as gastrointestinal perforation and gastrointestinal bleeding. Both of the above conditions are life threatening and require urgent surgical intervention.

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is also a very common condition. Its essence is the reflux of stomach acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The symptoms are quite characteristic. There is heartburn and burning in the esophagus and chest, burning in the upper abdomen and behind the breastbone.

  • Gastrointestinal obstruction

Gastrointestinal obstruction develops when the gastrointestinal lumen is closed by a tumor or other obstruction (such as fecal stones). When this happens, the part of the intestine near the obstacle increases peristalsis to overcome it. The patient will experience severe stomach contractions. Vomiting vomiting may also appear.

  • Pancreatic diseases

Diseases of the pancreas - acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic tumors can manifest as strong stomach contractions. Acute pancreatitis quickly manifests itself with severe pain. Chronic symptoms are temporary. Pancreatic cancer does not give any symptoms for a long time, and when it occurs, it is often associated with numerous metastases. It is usually too late for effective treatment in such situations.

  • Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer shows symptoms very late. In the early stages, however, it can manifest itself as indigestion. If it is located at the end of the esophagus, it may cause symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction.

  • Pregnant

Stomach cramps may occur in women who are expecting a baby. They may be related to the causes already mentioned, or they may result from pressure related to the development of the fetus and the enlargement of the uterus. Painful stomach cramps may also occur as the fetus becomes larger and begins to move.

Stomach cramps not related to the digestive tract

Stomach cramps can also provoke causes that are not related to the functioning of the gastrointestinal tractalimentary. Pain arising from non-digestive causes is related to the joint innervation of these structures. Ailments may occur:

  • during menstruation
  • with inflammation of the reproductive organs
  • in severe stress, which is manifested by nagging pressure in the subcardial fossa, such ailments often appear at night, which is the reason for waking up
  • in functional abdominal pain that arises for no apparent organic cause
  • in acute myocardial infarction, in the elderly, diabetic patients, acute inferior wall infarction may proceed without chest pain, only manifest itself with stomach pain and cramps, it is worth remembering that this is a life-threatening condition, requiring immediate assistance medical

Stomach cramps - what to do?

Management always depends on the cause of the stomach cramps.

If you have repeated indigestion, pay attention to what you eat and discard those hard to digest, e.g. fried or very spicy. It is also worth analyzing what foods indigestion and abdominal pain appear, because it may turn out that, for example, our body does not tolerate lactose.

However, most stomach pains and repeated strong contractions should be consulted with your doctor.

It is also important to notice the so-called alarm symptoms that should prompt us to call an ambulance. The alarm symptoms include:

  • sharp stomach pain with stool retention and vomiting (this may indicate obstruction of the digestive tract);
  • acute gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting with grounds
  • chronic blood in the stool (may indicate the presence of bowel cancer)
  • night abdominal pain waking the sick person from sleep
  • palpable lump in the abdomen

In reflux disease and gastritis, drugs known as proton pump inhibitors are effective. These are drugs that inhibit the secretion of gastric juice, which, although you can buy over the counter, but the decision to take them for a long time should be made by a doctor. This is important because they are not indifferent to our body.

Pain and cramps caused by stress or the impending menstruation may subside after taking medications that relax the muscles of the digestive organs.

In more serious conditions, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease, where stomach cramps and pain are only one of the accompanying symptoms. In some cases, surgery or treatment in a hospital setting is necessary.

About the authorAnna Jarosz Journalist fromover 40 years involved in popularizing he alth education. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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