Stomach cramps

definition

Most people suffer at least once in a lifetime from abdominal cramps. In many cases they are harmless, but there can also be serious illnesses behind it. The Muscles in the abdomen, so either the smooth musculature of the organs or the striped skeletal muscles, contract strongly and cause pain in this way.
The contraction of the muscles can either be done directly annoy be controlled or it is a reaction to a previously set pain stimulus. At Biliary colic the muscles contract in order to actively remove a stone, for example. At a Pancreatitis on the other hand, the muscles involuntarily contract due to the pain.

causes

Abdominal cramps are caused by a convulsive contraction of the Musculature in the Digestive organs or the Abdominal muscles evoked. The causes of abdominal cramps are many. Each organ in the stomach can basically be the trigger for abdominal cramps.

An increasingly common cause of abdominal cramps are various intolerances, such as the Lactose intolerance. Here the lactase is missing, one for the breakdown of Dairy products required enzyme. Food containing lactose can no longer be broken down properly and the lactose gets into the Large intestine. There she is from bacteria degraded and there are gases, which in turn Flatulence, diarrhea and Stomach cramps trigger.
Since the Residual activity of lactase is different in every person, the symptoms show up in different degrees and intensity.

Also diseases that the Kidneys can cause cramps. Examples are here Kidney stones (Nephrolithiasis) and the Pelvic inflammation (Pyelonephritis) called. Similar to Gallstones The body tries to remove kidney stones even with contractions. The violent contractions are considered by the patient Cramps in the upper abdomen perceived. It is removed if conservative therapy fails operational.
The pelvic inflammation can besides Pain on either side and cramps cause a variety of other symptoms, among others fever, chills, Exhaustion and Weight loss.

Right abdominal cramps

The Gallbladder is located on the right side in the upper abdomen near the liver and can cause a whole Set of diseases be. These include the Inflammation of the gallbladder, in specialist circles Cholecystitis called, and Bile duct stones, Choledocholithiasis.
When the biliary tract becomes blocked, the body reacts by attempting to make violent contractions Bile ducts to clear the way. Patients report colicky cramps, increased pain in the right upper abdomen and a Improvement through exercise.
Additionally can fever and Jaundice occur. If a gallstone does not resolve itself, it has to operational removed.
A inflamed liver, as a disease hepatitis called, can also trigger abdominal cramps as well Water retention and jaundice have as a consequence.

Another major cause of abdominal cramps can be Inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis), often mistakenly as Appendicitis designated to be. In general, appendicitis is associated with Pain in the right lower abdomen associated.
At the beginning, however, the pain is often not localized at all in the right lower abdomen, but can even begin in the left upper abdomen be perceived. In the course of time, however, they migrate towards the right lower abdomen, where they finally settle focus. Typical signs of appendicitis are tenderness in the right lower abdomen and pain when moving the right Leg and a mutual pain in letting go.

Central abdominal pain

Another cause of abdominal cramps can be Ulcers in the stomach and Small intestine, so-called ulcers. Accompanying often occur nausea and Vomit on. Furthermore, patients report one Relief of symptoms after eating with ulcers of the Duodenum.

A reflux from the stomach in the esophagus, popularly known as heartburn, can also cause symptoms that feel like stomach cramps. The reason for gastric acid draining back is often one excessive production or one insufficient function the sphincter, which seals the stomach from the esophagus.

Abdominal cramps on the left

A Splenic infarction as well as a Ruptured spleen can in rare cases also be the cause of abdominal cramps. These are mainly localized on the left side, where the spleen is located in the upper abdomen.

Many people have it in the colon Bulging of the intestinal wall, so-called Diverticulum. If these diverticula become inflamed, one speaks of one Diverticulitis. This can Cramps in the lower abdomen trigger. In many cases these occur in the so-called S-gut (Sigma) on the left side on.
In addition, symptoms such as fever, nausea and Vomit.
A can also affect the large intestine tumor, So a Colon cancerto be responsible for stomach cramps. Depending on the location of the tumor, the pain can occur over the entire abdomen. Are common bloody stools, excessive night sweats such as unwanted weight loss Side effects of colon cancer.

Upper abdomen

Sometimes the pain is not necessarily perceived at the point where the organ is actually located, but as a so-called Projection pain on other parts of the body. An example of this is the atypical heart attackthat in women too Cramps in the upper abdomen can lead. In addition, a whole range of accompanying symptoms often occur.

A Inflammation of the pancreas (Pancreatitis) leads to Belt-shaped cramps in the upper abdomen, which up in the back can extend. Such inflammation can be caused by different triggers. Often lie Biliary tract disease or a excessive alcohol consumption underlying. Rapid and thorough treatment is required due to numerous side effects.

period

With women there are more specific causes in question. Many women have their onset period Pain in the abdomen. These often come from the contractions uterus as part of the rejection of the Mucous membrane conditions.

Another cause of cramps, also called spasms, can be Inflammation of the fallopian tubes, Ovary and surrounding tissues be (Adnexitis). This occurs especially younger women and can be caused by various germs. The complication is the Infertility to call.

pregnancy

Please also read: Abdominal pain pregnancy

During the pregnancy stomach cramps can occur again and again. As long as these occur without further symptoms, these are usually harmless and completely normal. The Tapes, Veins and organs stretch unnaturally during pregnancy, which manifests itself as abdominal cramps.
At the beginning, these are most likely due to the fact that the fertilized Egg cell in the uterus nests. Later in pregnancy, abdominal cramps are a result of the uterus having to stretch a lot as the child grows larger.

In addition, during pregnancy the Hormonal balance completely changed what is happening with many women constipation and can then also cause abdominal cramps. They are very uncomfortable for those affected, but fortunately mostly harmless.

However, if the pain gets worse or other symptoms like fever, chills, Bleeding, Abdominal pain or nausea, in addition, a doctor should be consulted. Abdominal cramps during pregnancy can also have causes have nothing to do with pregnancyTherefore, if you are unsure and if the symptoms do not improve, you should also consult a doctor.
A life-threatening situation, on the other hand, poses a Extrauterine pregnancy, that means the child outside of the womb grows up, dar.

At night

In general, abdominal cramps during the night can have the same causes as during the night Day. In most cases it will be "simple' Flatulence act that e.g. from certain foods can come. If the cramps and pain occur more often at night and in the morning when you not eaten in a while has a disease of the upper comes Gastrointestinal tract in question.
It could be a Inflammation of the stomach lining or even a Gastric ulcer act. If the abdominal cramps occur very frequently and do not improve, they should definitely be investigated.

Also read on this topic: Abdominal pain at night

diagnosis

Due to the multitude of different causes of abdominal cramps, the doctor will first try in one general conversation about the exact Type of complaint, the Occur, Concomitant and previous illnesses, Diseases in the family as well as the Habits limit the possible causes.
Then follows a physical examination. Besides the inspection, Auscultation, that means listening with the stethoscope, and the Palpation, that is, palpation of the abdomen, the Ultrasonic for use. First changes in the abdominal cavity can be detected with ultrasound.

Imaging methods are then often used for further clarification. This includes that roentgen, the Magnetic resonance imaging as well as the Computed Tomography. If necessary, there is also one Puncture required to collect tissue samples or fluid for further examination. A Scintigraphy may happen.

frequency

Abdominal cramps are generally among the twenty most common complaintsthat induce patients to see a doctor. The different causes for the occurrence of abdominal cramps are very different in their frequency.
While the causes are in the majority of cases as harmless classified and well treated can be, such as heartburn or one constipation, seldom have serious triggers such as a tumor, in front.

Symptoms

Abdominal cramps can present themselves very differently. Some patients report one dull pressure, others feel you sharp pain. Symptoms can vary depending on Pain perception Even if the cause is the same, it can be different in each patient. On the other hand, different causes can also occur different forms cause abdominal cramps. In many cases, abdominal cramps are accompanied by nausea and Vomit.

Found in vomit or during bowel movements bloody tracesa doctor should be consulted, as this can be an indication of a serious illness. A unwanted weight loss can for one thing lack of appetite with recurring abdominal cramps or the Loss of fluids and nutrients with vomiting and Diarrhea result. However, on the other hand, a malignant disease as a Tumor of the stomach or des Intestines behind it. A Clarification by a specialist is recommended.

Another accompanying symptomatology is fever. In specialist circles, a rectally measured temperature of above 38 ° C designated. The temperature range between 37 ° C and 37.9 ° C is understood as subfebrile temperatures.

Comes in during the examination for abdominal cramps as hard as a board is this as "Acute abdomen"Designated state emergency and needs one immediate clarification of the causes. A Peritonitis (Peritonitis), which can be life-threatening, is a possible explanation for massive immune tension.

Flatulence

Flatulence are a common side effect of abdominal cramps. These are mostly caused by naturally occurring Intestinal bacteriathat at difficult digestion produce more gases, which then over the nach escape. The flatulence may still be accompanied by Diarrhea or constipation.

nausea

nausea is a typical symptom of Gastrointestinal diseases, because of this it can often come with abdominal cramps. A infection (Abdominal influenza), for example, often begins with stomach pain and abdominal cramps and then leads to Nausea and vomiting.

Another cause could be that Irritable bowel syndrome be. Here the patients suffer from abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhea, especially after eating, but sometimes also constipation. This is a Exclusion diagnosis, that is, irritable bowel syndrome is only diagnosed when all other possible causes have already been ruled out.

However, nausea is a frequent companion of abdominal cramps and therefore does not necessarily indicate a more serious illness of the gastrointestinal tract.

diarrhea

It is similar with diarrhea. It is also often associated with abdominal cramps and can also occur with many of the causes mentioned above. Diarrhea is also a typical symptom of gastrointestinal flu, and it also occurs with irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, food intolerances such as lactose intolerance, conceivable.
Here, too, the following applies: If the diarrhea gets worse or does not improve, it should be clarified by a doctor, but usually there is no serious illness.

All further information on this topic can also be found under: Abdominal cramps and diarrhea

therapy

The therapy of abdominal cramps depends on the cause. So should therapeutic measures not only reduce painbut it should mostly die Found the cause and fought become. In general, abdominal cramps are harmless and do not require any special therapy.

The patients take it different methodsto relieve stomach cramps. So can relaxed lying and warmth bring about relief from cramps. Also many teas such as Chamomile, caraway or mint tea can relieve cramps.
Proper nutrition will Constipation prevented, as a result of which abdominal cramps can occur. It should focus on a sufficient amount of water to drink, that is ideally 2-3 liters a day, as well as a high fiber diet be respected. Sufficient exercise is also important in preventing and relieving constipation-related abdominal pain.

If such measures do not improve the symptoms, come drug treatment methods for use. If the abdominal cramps are caused by constipation (Constipation) come laxative for use. However, one should note that the laxatives have different mechanisms of action and therefore different degrees are. If used incorrectly, Loss of fluids and nutrients such as Irritation of the intestines further complaints occur.
Laxatives can be used as Suppositories and Enemas can be used rectally or as Tablets be taken orally. Laxatives (Laxatives) are divided into lubricant, Swelling agent, osmotic and saline laxatives such as antiresorptive and secretative laxatives.
In addition, the movement of the intestine can be caused by so-called Prokinetics can be increased.

Paraffin oil and GlycerolBoth of which are usually given as suppositories, act as lubricants by creating a lubricating film on the Intestinal lining and in this way facilitate stool elimination.
The swelling agents include Wheat bran and linseed. They work by absorbing water in the intestine and thereby swelling.
Osmotic and saline laxatives such as Lactulose, Sorbitol or Epsom salt work by pulling water from the tissue into the intestines, so to speak. This makes the stool more fluid and easier to pass. The application can either oral or rectal the effect of oral administration only sets in after a few hours.
The opposite effect have anti-resorptive and secretagogic laxatives. They do not pull the water out of the tissue, but they ensure that the water is not absorbed by the tissue and remains in the intestinal lumen. The ultimate effect is the same as that of the osmotic laxatives. The chair will more fluid and is through it easier to exit.

Are the stomach cramps through Spasms or colic of Gastrointestinal tract triggered, the application of Butylscopolamine (Buscopan®) help. This acts as a so-called Parasympatholytic agent or Muscarinic receptor antagonist. In this way it relaxes them smooth musculature of Stomach and des Intestines. Also Mebeverine is used for abdominal cramps.

The Naturopathy has other substances ready that can be used for abdominal cramps and have a pain-relieving effect. These phytopharmaceuticals include means in which, for example chamomile, fennel, Caraway seed, anise or peppermint are included.

At bacterial infections come adapted to the respective germs Antibiotics for use.

If the abdominal cramps are triggered by irritable bowel syndrome and are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea, these symptoms can only be treated symptomatically with medication.

If necessary, must also operative therapy methods be applied. This is how stones are removed from bile and ureter as well as removing the Gallbladder and des Appendix in a minimally invasive procedure. If possible, tumors are also removed surgically.

Read more about: Irritable Bowel Drugs.

prophylaxis

Having a healthy lifestyle balanced diet and lots of movement As with many diseases, it is the basis of good prevention. Otherwise, there is not much that can be done prophylactically against many triggers of abdominal cramps.

forecast

The prognosis is great depending on the type of triggering factor and therefore cannot be generalized. Many abdominal cramps resolve afterwards a few hours to days by itself or with the help of light measures such as Teas again. Of the other triggers, some can be treated well with adequate therapy. In case of Tumors However, the prognosis is rather bad.