Does Constipation Cause Stomach Cramps

What Should I Do If I Am Constipated

Take these steps:

• Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day, unless your doctor told you to limit fluids for another reason.
• Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.
• Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
• Eat prunes and bran cereal.
• Exercise most days of the week. When you move your body, the muscles in your intestines are more active, too.
• Donât ignore the urge to poop.

You can try taking a laxative, too. There are several types of laxatives, and you can buy many of them over the counter. Each of them works in a different way to ease constipation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which kind might work for you and how long you should take it.

Constipation Produces The Following Symptomswhich Can Cause Stomach Pain

Cramps

This cause of stomach pain that is annoying and irritating. These arent usually too much trouble unless:

• A fever is present
• Cramping lasts more than 24 hours

Stomach cramps usually come from constipation, gas, indigestion, and bloating.

Nausea

This results from backed up stool in the colon.

This backed up stool causes problems with the whole gastrointestinal tract. The regular function of moving food into the digestion processes is slowed down, which can result in nausea.

The following can also cause nausea:

• Distension of the colon
• A bowel obstruction

A full feeling

When constipated, have you experienced a bloated, distended stomach? Then in a few hours perhaps it gets worse, as your stomach starts feeling even tighter and starts to hurt.

This tight sensation makes you feel heavy and full. Sometimes you might skip a meal because you feel so full and by skipping a meal can cause a hunger headache and dehydration.

Intestinal blockages

This can cause severe stomach pain. Constipation can cause intestinal blockages at any point in the colon.

These can block the intestinal track from passing waste material, fluids or gas along the digestion pathway, producing sharp stomach pains.

Gas build up

This can be caused by constipation. Yeast in the colon ferments the stool, and a byproduct of fermentation is gas. When this gas cant be expelled, it produces pressure and pain.

Indigestion

Written byBel Marra HealthPublished onMay 31, 2017

Symptoms: How To Know If Ibs Is Causing Your Stomach Cramps And Gas:

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by 30048-8/fulltext?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F rel=nofollow> reference):

• Abdominal pain that occurs at least one day per week in the past 3 months :
• The onset stomach cramps have to be associated with at least 2 of:
• Defecation: defecation may improve your abdominal pain .
• Change in your stool form: the stool becomes harder or softer.
• Change in stool frequency: onset of stomach cramps is associated with diarrhea, constipation or a mix of both.

Although Gas is not in the ROME IV of diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, it is one of the most frequent features of irritable bowel syndrome. Gas and bloating are more common in people of IBS with constipation or mixed type.

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Q: So How Do I Know If I Am Constipated Whats Normal

A: While the nursery school book Everyone Poops still rings true, how often they do so is another story.

Theres no real normal. Men are different from women. Age changes things. Pregnancy changes things, adds Dr. Zutshi. As long as you have a bowel movement that occurs regularly not too few in a week and has a regular consistency, youre fine.

But whats not too few, you ask? Constipation is defined as lessthan three in a week. Uh-oh. So now what?

Drink Warm Lemon Water To Relieve Stomach Pain

Since pregnant women should avoid fennel, they can try warm lemon water instead. The high acidity of the lemon will trigger extra production of your stomachs hydrochloric acid to further break down food and keep things moving smoothly.

• Squeeze the juice from one-half of a lemon into one cup of warm water.
• Mix well and drink while warm.

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When To See A Healthcare Provider

There are some symptoms that take constipation from the occasional nuisance to a get-to-a-doctor emergency.

If you haven’t pooped in more than two weeks, even after you’ve tried over-the-counter options like stool softeners and laxatives, you might want to make an appointment with a specialist like a gastroenterologist, Dr. Sonpal recommended.

“Pain isn’t a defining feature of severity,” Elana Maser, MD, assistant professor of gastroenterology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and gastroenterologist at the Feinstein IBD Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told Health. “Someone might be more constipated but in less pain, or vice versa. But the fact that it’s extremely painful is absolutely a reason to get help from a healthcare provider.”

If you’re in terrible pain that’s affecting your ability to live your life, see a healthcare provider. “Severe abdominal pain is one of the number one drivers of emergency room visits, and people are often surprised that the cause of this painwhich can sometimes feel worse than labor painsis actually due to constipation,” Dr. Maser said.

What Causes Sudden And Severe Abdominal Pain

Sudden and severe abdominal pain should never be ignored. Steadily worsening abdominal pain may also be a sign of a serious condition.

If you have these symptoms, go immediately to your nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero and ask for an ambulance.

Some of the causes of serious abdominal pain include:

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What Are Treatments For The Causes Of Constipation

There are several principles in approaching the evaluation and treatment of constipation. The first principle is to differentiate between acute and chronic constipation. Thus, with acute constipation or constipation that is worsening, it is necessary to assess for the cause early so as not to overlook a serious illness that should be treated urgently. 2) start treatment early of constipation and use the treatments that have the least potential for harm, which will prevent constipation from worsening, and it will prevent potential damage to the colon that can be caused by the frequent use of stimulant products. 3) know when it is time to evaluate the cause of chronic constipation. Evaluation for the cause of chronic constipation needs to be done if there is no response to the simple treatments.

Can Constipation Cause Pain

Sometimes constipation is just plain frustrating. Other times, it can be painful, particularly if youre having to strain. So, where does constipation hurt?

Stomachache Constipation can be accompanied by gas and bloating, so your belly might be the focus of your discomfort. Drinking lots of water can actually help lessen bloating and hydrate stools, making them easier to pass.

Cramping You might also feel cramping in your bowels. It can be uncomfortable as hard or dry stools slowly make their way through your colon.

Back Pain Back pain might be caused by a piece of a hard or dry stool that gets stuck in the colon or rectum, adding pressure that can radiate to your lower back. This feels unpleasant, to say the least. Get fast relief with a variety of solutions, such as Dulcolax® Soft Chews, Dulcolax® Liquid Laxative and Dulcolax® Suppositories.

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What Else Can Cause Bloating

Constipation isnt the only bloating cause. There are many contributing factors that can lead to a buildup of excess gas in your digestive tract. These include:

• Intestinal bacteria. Sometimes bacteria cant break down all the excess carbohydrates in the stomach and small intestine. When the undigested carbohydrates reach the large intestine, the bacteria located there release excess air.
• Medical conditions. Several medical conditions can increase the occurrence of bloating. These include irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lactose intolerance, and celiac disease.
• Swallowing excess air. Swallowing too much air by chewing gum, drinking carbonated drinks, eating or drinking very quickly, or even wearing loose-fitting dentures can increase the amount of air building up in your gastrointestinal tract.

In addition to these bloating causes, there are many foods known to contribute to bloating:

While you dont need to avoid all of these foods , avoiding consuming an excess of them can help.

You can also try reducing your intake of certain groupings to see if your symptoms improve.

You should talk with your doctor or other healthcare provider about your constipation and constipation-related bloating if you have the following symptoms:

• frequent bouts of constipation
• sudden changes in constipation symptoms
• unexplained weight loss

Your healthcare provider will be able to recommend different treatments that can help you address your specific symptoms.

Whats The Connection Between Nausea And Constipation

When your colon isnt working properly, it throws your entire gastrointestinal tract off-balance. As a result, a buildup of stools in your intestinal tract creates a feeling of uneasiness or queasiness in your stomach.

Your bowel plays a role in your bodys detoxification process. When it takes longer than normal for food to move through your colon, this causes a buildup of toxins in your body. Its these toxins that cause the sensation of nausea.

Also, constipation can lead to stomach distention and bloating, which occurs the longer stools remain in your colon. This triggers an increase of bacteria in you colon, prompting a nauseous feeling.

Depending on the severity of constipation, you may also experience loss of appetite and begin skipping meals. Some people become nauseous when their stomach is empty.

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Bowel Cramps With Constipation

Food poisoning or gastroenteritis are probably the most common digestive causes of acute abdominal cramps. It is particularly common among children and infants. Here a virus, bacteria, protozoa or toxins secreted by these organisms irritate and inflame the gut. This can extend from the stomach all the way down to the colon. The symptoms may start hours to days after consuming a food contaminated with these microbes/toxins, or after contracting the infection through other modes of transmission.

A fever is not always present. Nausea is usually intense but vomiting does not always occur in these conditions. Diarrhea is usually present in all cases and can be profuse and watery. Bowel cramping typically starts from the onset of the first symptoms, like vomiting, right till diarrhea stops. Most cases resolve within a few days even without treatment. However, it is important to ensure adequate bed rest, balanced nutrition and plenty of fluid intake. Dehydration is a major complication that can be deadly if severe and left untreated.

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When To Seek Medical Care For Abdominal Pain

If your abdominal pain is severe or chronic, our gastroenterology team at Digestive Disease Consultants of Orange County can help. We use sophisticated diagnostic tools and a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your pain.

Once theres a diagnosis, we create a personalized treatment plan to manage your condition and pain levels. Our doctors make sure you understand the course of treatment and check in with you regularly to ensure your pain and other symptoms are under control.

No matter whats causing your abdominal pain, our team can help you live without discomfort. To schedule an appointment at one of our locations, in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Tustin, and Foothill Ranch, California, book online or call the location nearest you.

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What Causes Abdominal Pain

There are many underlying causes of abdominal pain. Some of these are short-term causes that arent serious the symptoms may last only hours or days, and may clear up by themselves. Others are longer lasting and may be more serious.

There are also causes of abdominal pain that require urgent medical attention and may be life-threatening.

Some causes of abdominal pain are more common or less likely in certain age groups or genders.

Children often get stomach or abdominal pain. Some of the most common causes are gastroenteritis, wind or indigestion. Some causes of abdominal pain apply mainly to children, such as colic, intussusception, and testicular torsion. For more information on these, see abdominal pain in children.

Women may experience abdominal pain associated with their periods, pregnancy or problems with their urinary or reproductive system.

Older people are more likely than younger people to have abdominal pain due to heart or lung problems, bowel obstruction, or conditions such as diverticulitis or gallstones.

Remedies And Treatments For Stomach Pain And Gas

Most stomach pain and gas will go away on its own, but there are steps you can take to ease discomfort and prevent future gas pain. Gas-related stomach pain remedies include:

Pass Gas

The only way to get rid of gas is to pass it. Donât hold it in. If youâre worried about odor, try reducing foods that contain sulfur-producing compounds such as broccoli, cabbage, and beer.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Many gas-relieving products are marketed, but scientific evidence of their effectiveness is limited. Many people claim to experience relief, so they may be worth trying. The most common medications that claim to relieve immediate symptoms are activated charcoal and simethicone .

Herbal Remedies

Peppermint and peppermint oil have the best record as digestive aids, but there are many other foods that may help. In one study, Chinese herbal formulae outperformed placebos in soothing IBS symptoms. Commonly included ingredients are:

• Wearing ill-fitting dentures

Enzymes Before Eating Certain Foods

Taking enzymes before you eat can help you better digest your meal. Most enzymes are only available for those with a medical condition that prevents them from producing their own. However, two widely available enzymes for problematic foods are:

• Lactase supplements can help those who are lactose intolerant.
• Alpha-galactosidase supplements can help people digest legumes.

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Foods To Relieve Constipation

Getting enough fiber is a key part of relieving and preventing constipation. Its also important not to skip meals and to avoid highly processed foods, like fast food, potato chips, and white bread. High-fiber foods include:

• Beans and legumes, including navy beans, garbanzo beans, soybeans, lentils, almonds and peanuts

• Fresh fruits, especially apples, berries, figs, pears, plums and prunes. Eat edible skins to get the most benefit.

• Fresh vegetables, especially broccoli, , peas, and potatoes with their skins

• Whole grain products, especially bran cereal and popcorn

Why Does Constipation Occur

There are three main physical causes. One of the causes is where the muscles of the intestine and large bowel stop working properly this results in slow movement of contents through the bowel down to the rectum . This is termed slow transit constipation and patients have an infrequent urge to go to the toilet.

Another type of constipation is called obstructed defaecation where the movement of the bowel is normal, but the person experiences symptoms of difficulty with emptying their bowel. Patients may need to strain, and feel they cannot empty. There are some patients who have both slow transit and obstructed defaecation.

Finally, there is constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome when the person has difficulty with bowel opening and abdominal pain associated with not going. This type of constipation can be made worse with stress or depression.

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Constipation And Back Pain

Overview

Constipation is very common. Sometimes, back pain can accompany constipation. Lets take a look at why the two may occur together and how you can find relief.

Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing bowel movements. Normal bowel movements usually occur one to two times a day. With constipation, you may experience only three bowel movements a week.

Additional symptoms of constipation include:

• hard or lumpy stool
• feeling of fullness
• straining to pass fecal matter

Often, constipation swells the intestines with retained fecal matter. This can lead to discomfort in both the abdomen and back. This type of back pain is typically reported as a dull, aching type of discomfort.

• colon or rectal cancer

Treatments For Mucus In Stool

Bacteria found in the stool will sometimes be treated with antibiotics, and resting will help to pass and heal the symptoms.

Eating habits may need to change to lessen the chances of catching a bug again. This approach is also the case with a food allergy. Should one be present, lifestyle changes need to occur quickly.

Some over-the-counter probiotics and supplements can help those with irregular daily bowel movements, constipation, or diarrhea.

People should speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking medication. Keeping a journal may help people with frequent and persistent mucus in their stool to note patterns. This tool is very helpful for doctors as well.

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Symptoms Of Faecal Impaction

The symptoms of impaction are similar to the symptoms of constipation. But other more serious symptoms can occur. These include:

• back pain due to the mass of poo pressing on the nerves in your lower back
• a swollen tummy
• high or low blood pressure
• a fast heart rate
• explosive diarrhoea or diarrhoea that you have no control over
• feeling and being sick

• Find out more about the symptoms of constipation

You Might Feel Full Quickly When Eating

If you consistently feel full sooner than normal or after eating less than usual, get checked by your doctor, says the Mayo Clinic. This feeling, known as early satiety, also might be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bloating or weight loss. If so, be sure to tell your doctor about these signs and symptoms as well.

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