Stomach cramps

Depending on the cause, abdominal cramps can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• exhaustion
• nausea
• Vomit
• Diarrhea
• constipation
• gas
• Fieber u. v. m.

If the pain occurs after a trauma or fall, or if you feel pressure or pain in your chest area, you should see a doctor as soon as possible as this could be a life-threatening situation.

Causes of abdominal cramps

The causes of abdominal cramps are varied and depend on various factors:

Localization and radiation (e.g. upper or lower abdomen)
Pain character and duration (e.g. burning, stabbing)
Accompanying symptoms

Common causes of abdominal cramps:

• food poisoning
• Food intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance)
• Abdominal influenza
• menstrual cramps
• Kidney stones
• constipation etc

Menstrual abdominal cramps

Women of childbearing potential experience abdominal cramps 1–2 days before the start of the menstrual cycle, which can last for several hours or even days. It can help, among other things, to put a hot-water bottle or heat pad on your stomach to relieve the cramps. If the pain increases in intensity or duration, a doctor should be consulted to rule out serious causes.

Diagnosis of abdominal cramps

Depending on the underlying cause of the abdominal cramps, different diagnostic tools are used. The following questions can provide the doctor treating you with valuable information:

• When and how did the pain start?
• Has the pain intensified over time?
• Does the pain radiate to other parts of the body?
• Are there any additional symptoms such as fever, nausea or diarrhea?
• Are there any medications that are taken regularly?

In some cases, gynecological, urine, laboratory or ultrasound tests may be necessary.

When to seek help for abdominal cramps

If the abdominal cramps persist, occur during pregnancy, or if you also have fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stool changes (constipation, blood in the stool ) and/or a tight abdominal wall, you should consult a doctor.

Treatment options for abdominal cramps

Abdominal cramps usually go away on their own. Bed rest, a hot water bottle on the stomach, a warm stomach wrap or stomach-soothing teas (chamomile, fennel, sage, peppermint) relax the intestines and alleviate the pain. If abdominal cramps persist, you should see a doctor. No effective therapeutic measures can be recommended without further clarification.

This is how Med-Healths can help with abdominal cramps

What diseases cause abdominal cramps? Can a food intolerance also cause abdominal cramps or is it more like food poisoning? What types of food intolerance are there? Which foods and eating habits help against stomach cramps? Should you have a colonoscopy? A video consultation with a doctor will help you to answer these questions and others. If necessary, our doctors can also issue you with a referral to a gastroenterologist.