What Causes Stomach Cramps And Constipation

Comprehensive Diagnosis For Functional Bowel Disorders

In the Functional Bowel Disorders Clinic, our multidisciplinary team is committed to making the right diagnosis, and ruling out any other conditions, such as an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis. To diagnose, we perform a comprehensive examination and collect a thorough history. Rome III criteria, a set of criteria developed by experts on digestive diseases to help determine functional bowel disorders, is also used to assess your symptoms.

• Your symptoms must have begun at least 6 months ago
• You have stomach pain or discomfort for at least 3 days a month for the last 3 months
• At least two of the following statements are true: Pain is relieved by having a bowel movement pain is linked to a change in how often you have a bowel movement pain is linked to a change in the appearance of your stool.

To meet Rome III criteria for functional dyspepsia:

• Your symptoms must have begun at least 6 months ago
• You have one or more of the following symptoms: Bothersome fullness after eating a meal you become full quickly while eating pain in upper central portion of the abdomen burning in upper central portion of the abdomen
• And there is no evidence of structural disease that is likely to explain the symptoms.

Your doctor may order tests through our comprehensive gastrointestinal lab to rule out other conditions, which can include:

How To Treat Nausea

If your nausea is brought on by constipation, you should try to treat the constipation itself first. According to Hastin taking a laxative or a stool softener may help ease your nausea.

You can also take over-the-counter treatments like Pepto Bismol or Gaviscon.

If you dont have immediate access to over-the-counter medication here are a couple of tips to get temporary relief from nausea, no matter what the cause may be:

• Place a heating pad against your stomach. This can help relax the stomach muscles and ease your nausea.
• Sit up straight to avoid crunching your stomach, especially after eating.
• Apply a cool compress to the back of your neck.
• Drink some ginger tea. Many studies show that ginger is an effective and inexpensive treatment for nausea.

However, if you have persistent nausea, thats occurring over the course of a week or a month, then you should see a doctor, advises Curtin.

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How To Prevent Constipation

There are various things you can do to help keep your bowels healthy and avoid becoming constipated. If you are in any doubt, consult your GP or Healthcare Professional before making significant changes to your regular diet. A dietitian will also be able to guide you.

• As a general rule, eating more high-fibre foods can prevent constipation. However, if constipation is a result of Colitis or Crohns disease, increasing fibre intake could have a detrimental effect
• There are two different types of fibre soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre dissolves in the intestines to form a gel type substance. This helps food move along the digestive tract. Insoluble fibre is not dissolvable and moves through the intestines without being absorbed. This fibre adds bulk to bowel movements and helps to reduce constipation
• Make sure you drink lots of fluids to keep the stools moist e.g. at least 1.5-2 litres of water based drinks per day
• If you are taking any medicines ask your doctor or chemist if they could be adding to your constipation. If possible, try to remove constipating medications
• If really necessary, try using a fibre supplement such as fybogel and possibly suppositories or mini-enemas to help regularise the bowels, but they should not be used long term. Some foods can act as natural laxative for some people, these include prunes, figs, liquorice, coffee/tea, spicy food
• If possible, increase your physical activity as this helps to increase bowel activity

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Can I Prevent Constipation

In many cases, you can. These things can help:

Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal .

Drink 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day . Fiber and water work together to keep you regular.

Avoid caffeine. It can be dehydrating.

Cut back on milk. Dairy products can constipate some people.

Exercise regularly. Do something active for at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week.

Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge.

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Lack Of Physical Activity

A sedentary lifestyle may lead to abdominal pain and constipation. Regular physical activity reduces the amount of time it takes food to move through the gut.

Exercise also increases heart rate and the contraction of muscles throughout the body, including those in the intestines. When intestinal muscles contract, they help push stool along.

A on adolescents from Hong Kong suggests that there is a dose-response relationship between physical activity and constipation, with symptoms improving as a person does more exercise.

What Is Causing My Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and pelvic region and can range from a minor problem to one needing urgent attention. Dr. Indran Indrakrishnan at Gwinnett Digestive Clinic in Lawrenceville, GA, offers the latest treatments for gastrointestinal conditions.

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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.

In some instances, prescription medication and ongoing treatment will need to be taken. Such cases include Crohns disease and some other gut-related diseases. Surgery may be required for those with anal fissures and rectal ulcers.

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.

Causes Of Lower Abdominal Cramping

Lower Left Side Pain

The abdominal organs found in the lower left abdomen include a portion of the descending colon , part of the small intestine, the spleen, the lower portion of the left kidney, the left ureter, ovary and fallopian tube, the urinary bladder and all the nerves, blood vessels muscles and skin in the left lower quadrant.

An abnormal condition in any of these organs may result in abdominal cramping in the left lower side, including:

• Constipation
• Uterine disorders, such as myoma or endometriosis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ruptured spleen

Lower Right Side Pain

The organs found in the right lower side of the abdomen include the appendix, the ascending colon, part of the large intestine, the right ovary and fallopian tube, parts of the small intestine, the lower portion of the right kidney and the ureter. Pain in the right lower quadrant may be caused by:

• Appendicitis
• Mesenteric lymphadenitis
• Colon cancer
• Uterine disorders, such as myoma or endometriosis
• Intestinal obstruction

Other Causes of Lower Abdominal Cramps

• Trapped wind in the gut
• Diarrhea
• Strenuous exercise causing muscle pain
• Prostatitis
• Cystitis
• Psoas abscess
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm

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How To Deal If You Think Your Have Ibs Or You Already Have Ibs:

If you think IBS is the cause of your stomach cramps and gas consult your doctor. Your doctor with review your symptoms and may need some laboratory investigations to confirm your condition.

REMEMBER: you cannot diagnose yourself for the first time with IBS, you have to see a doctor.

Read more about How is IBS diagnosed

If you already have IBS, then it is probably the cause of your stomach cramps and gas, try to:

• Stay away from diets that trigger your IBS and cause Gas plus other specific foods that may play a role in your IBS like FODMAPs and grassy foods.
• Eat slowly, move after eating.
• Take over-the-counter medications for stomach cramps and gas .

Change In Bowel Movement Frequency

There is no magic number of bowel movements we should all be having each day. Some people go three-to-four times a day, and that is normal for them. Others only move their bowels once a day and that is their normal. However, if you or a loved one experiences a significant change in bowel movement frequency, whether more or less often, its important to discuss this change with your healthcare provider.

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Is Mochi Ice Cream Healthy

Theres no denying that Mochi Ice Cream isnt exactly a health food. A little Mochi Ice Cream a day keeps the doctor away! The delicious and sweet treat provides your body with a handful of beneficial nutrients including bone-strengthening calcium, blood-pressure-lowering potassium, and energizing B vitamins.

Head To The Drugstore

Some people find relief with over-the-counter products, such as simethicone and activated charcoal. Of the two, simethicone is considered the better option, although experts are not quite sure how it works. Brand names for simethicone include:

• Maalox Anti-Gas
• Gas-X
• Phazyme

You should know that activated charcoal may result in constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Therefore, its use is somewhat controversial within the medical community.

In addition, if you decide to try activated charcoal, you may find that it turns your stool black. However, black stools from charcoal supplements are not something to be concerned about.

As with any OTC product, check with your doctor before use. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should generally avoid these products.

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Stomach Cramps With Bloating

Stomach cramps with bloating are often caused by trapped wind, or constipation. This is a very common problem that can be embarrassing, but is easily dealt with. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend a product, which can be bought over the counter to treat the problem. If problems persist, you should see your GP.

What Causes Severe Abdominal Cramping

The sensation of the cramp-like pain is due to painful spasms in the intestine and needs a proper cure. Constipation, viral infections, diarrhea, and food poisoning can cause severe stomach cramps. Common Causes. The causes of severe muscle spasms in the stomach may vary from minor reasons to serious problems.

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What Are The Causes Of Constipation

Medicines: Over the counter or prescription medicines often carry a side effect of constipation. If symptoms began after starting one of these drugs, ask your doctor to see if there are any alternatives. Please see Guts UK information on Opioid Induced Constipation for more information.

Emotion: there is a strong connection between feelings and how the gut works. This is called the gut brain connection, the gut and brain talk to each other, normal signals involve feeling hungry or getting butterflies Sometimes the brain and gut overshare information. Being upset or depressed can make the bowel slow down or speed up. Emotional upsets, even in childhood, may result in functional constipation many years later.

Disturbed eating behaviour: eating disorders and sustained periods of erratic eating can result in constipation, even if eating behaviour returns to normal.

Ignoring the natural urges to open bowels: ignoring bowel urges because of an aversion to public toilets or time or social constraints can result in changes to both how the bowel muscles work and the pattern of bowel opening.

Excessive straining: this can be because of difficulty co-ordinating the muscles that empty the bowel.

Irregular mealtimes reduced liquid intake and reduced physical activity: these can all worsen symptoms in people with a tendency towards constipation.

Pain, or fear of pain, on passing stools.

• Bleeding in the stool
• or rectal pain

Burping And Flatulencegood For You Or Just Rude

Occasional burping, or belching, is normal, especially during or after meals. Everyone swallows air throughout the day. If you swallow too much at once, it may create discomfort and cause you to burp, explains William Ravich, MD, a Yale Medicine GI physician and specialist in swallowing disorders and esophageal disease.

We swallow air all the time. Every time you eat something, 50% of what you swallow is food and 50% is air . You also swallow when youre not eating and if you look at your saliva, most of the stuff you might spit out is all bubbles from air, Dr. Ravich says.

But people have different capacities to tolerate swallowed air, Dr. Ravich says. There is a threshold where the air needs to be released, which is what causes you to burp. Some people may reach that threshold quicker. When that threshold is reached, it causes them to belch, he explains.

Gastroenterologist William Ravich, MD, consults with a colleague about a GI case.

Plus, eating too quickly, talking while you eat, chewing gum, and drinking carbonated beverages can all cause you to swallow more air and burp.

But is burping a problem? In some cultures, belching is considered a sign of appreciation. But in Western society, it is often considered rude, Dr. Ravich notes. I think its good to release gas if its causing you discomfort. But if you dont, the gas will also eventually work its way out.

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Chronic Constipation Or Constipation Alternating With Diarrhea

It is normal to occasionally feel constipatedhaving difficulty moving bowels or infrequent bowel movements. There are a variety of reasons why someone may experience occasional constipation. But if you or a loved one is frequently experiencing constipation, or constipation alternating with diarrhea, it is important to see a healthcare provider or gastroenterologist. Your healthcare provider will be able to run tests to determine the cause of the constipation and recommend for the best course of treatment for you or your loved one.

What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The specific cause of IBS isn’t known, but it tends to run in families.

Some foods like milk, chocolate, drinks with caffeine, gassy foods, and fatty foods can trigger IBS symptoms. So can infections, and anxiety and stress. Some people with IBS are more sensitive to emotional upsets. Nerves in the colon are linked to the brain, so things like family problems, moving, or taking tests can affect how the colon works.

People with IBS may be more sensitive to belly pain, discomfort, and fullness. Sometimes, people never find out what brings on their IBS symptoms.

Unlike other digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, IBS doesn’t carry a risk of permanent damage to the intestines.

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List Of Natural And Home Remedies For Adults And Children For Diarrhea

Treatments for Adults

• Adults should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Replenishing water loss is important. Avoid milk as it can make diarrhea worse. Sports beverages can be beneficial because they replenish electrolytes in addition to providing hydration.
• If the patient is able to eat, avoid greasy or fatty foods. Adults, infants, toddlers, and children should be encouraged to follow the BRAT diet . The BRAT diet is a combination of foods to eat to treat diarrhea. If diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, have the person suck on ice chips until the nausea stops. After the diarrhea subsides, avoid alcoholic beverages and spicy foods for two additional days.
• Individuals may be able to continue their usual activities if they are mildly ill with diarrhea however, strenuous exercise should be avoided because exercise increases the risk of dehydration.
• If you are pregnant women and have diarrhea make sure to rehydrate to avoid dehydration, and consult your doctor.

Treatments for Toddlers and Children

Dehydration in children and toddlers can be a great concern. Loose stools are more common in breastfed newborns than in formula-fed babies, so check with your doctor about to expect for your child.

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Crampy Pain With Diarrhea Or Constipation

Lower crampy abdominal pain accompanied by bloating and diarrhea or constipation can be signs of irritable bowel syndrome , says Singh. Its exceptionally common and affects 15% of the U.S. population, particularly younger women, although it can happen at any age. Symptoms of IBS can usually be controlled by managing diet, lifestyle, and stress. Medication and counseling may be needed in some cases.

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Diagnosis Of Lower Abdominal Cramping

Sometimes the doctor can diagnose what causes cramping at lower abdomen from a patient’s medical history and physical examination. However, he may also need to do some laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other possible conditions. These diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests
• CT scan of the abdomen
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Endoscopy

Why Does Your Stomach Hurt

Stomach cramps can range from mild achiness to severe, stabbing pain.

Common causes of stomach cramps include eating foods that can irritate your stomach, constipation, food poisoning, or a stomach infection. People who have anxiety may also develop stomach cramps.

Pregnant people may experience stomach cramps as the fetus grows. Menstrual cramps are also very common, though they actually take place in the uterus.

Sometimes stomach cramps are constant. In this case, a chronic digestive illness, such as irritable bowel disease, may be the cause.

Most stomach cramps go away on their own within a few hours or a couple of days. Changing what you eat and taking over-the-counter medication can help with symptoms while you recover.

Some stomach cramps may require medical attention. You should be concerned about stomach cramps if they last for a week or longer or are so severe that you cant function, or you also have symptoms like fever or blood in your vomit or stool.

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