What To Take For Stomach Cramps

How To Stop Stomach Cramps & Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis refers to stomach inflammation brought on by a virus, bacterial invasion or an allergy 1. With this inflammation comes the risk of mild to severe stomach cramps that leave you doubled over and reaching for relief. Accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, treating this condition properly may stop these symptoms from getting worse. Always consult your physician if cramping worsens despite treatment, or if it interferes with your daily activities.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Avoid consuming solid food or liquids for up to two hours to allow your stomach to settle and cramping to subside. MayoClinic.com notes that you may resume fluid intake of clear liquids only, such as water or sports drinks, after two hours. Avoid caffeinated drinks and acidic fruit juices.

Eat only soft foods such as gelatin, incorporating crackers and dry toast as your discomfort subsides, suggests KidsHealth.org. Foods containing milk may worsen cramps, so steer clear of puddings and ice cream. Resume your normal eating habits once your cramping and nausea are completely gone.

Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to ease stomach cramping. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen decrease swelling and pain.

Lime Or Lemon Juice Baking Soda And Water

Some studies suggest that mixing lime or lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda can help to relieve a variety of digestive complaints.

This mixture produces carbonic acid, which may help to reduce gas and indigestion. It may also improve liver secretion and intestinal mobility. The acidity and other nutrients in lime or lemon juice can help to digest and absorb fats and alcohol while neutralizing bile acids and reducing acidity in the stomach.

Most traditional recipes recommend mixing the following quantities:

• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 8 oz of clean water

Treating And Healing Chronic Wounds

Research from 2015 says that scientists have found a way to package antimicrobial compounds from peppermint and cinnamon into tiny capsules that can both kill bacterial biofilms and actively promote healing.

In this way, peppermint and cinnamon could become part of a medicine for treating infected wounds.

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Can Back Pain Cause Stomach Pain

Yes, you can have both stomach and back pain. If you have stomach and back pain together, they may both be symptoms of some larger problem, like an autoimmune disorder or a kidney infection. In rare cases, having both types of pain together can be a sign of certain cancers. If your pain doesn’t go away in 48 hours, seek medical attention.

Prognosis Of Abdominal Pain

How long your abdominal pain lasts, and whether it gets better or worse, will depend on the cause of your pain and how the pain responds to any treatments.

Many forms of abdominal pain tend to respond to self-care measures or simply get better on their own, including pain caused by constipation, food allergies or intolerances, or stomach viruses.

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What Causes Stomach Cramps

In many cases, certain foods or changes in diet are to blame. Stomach cramps after eating can be caused by stretching of the stomach after a prolonged fast, a particularly large amount of food, a rapid change in the pH of the stomach or ingestion of any number of toxins. It is most commonly a benign condition that resolves with time.

Infections are another common cause and can spread between people. In other situations, the problem is with the stomach and gastrointestinal organs themselves. Sometimes, unfortunately, the cause remains unknown. You can learn more about what may be causing your stomach cramps in the following sections.

First let’s discuss general categories of causes and then specific conditions.

Urgent Advice: Speak To Your Gp As Soon As Possible If:

• you have severe abdominal pain, especially if it’s concentrated in one area
• the pain starts suddenly or unexpectedly

If your GP is closed, phone 111.

Serious causes of sudden severe abdominal pain include:

• appendicitis the swelling of the appendix means your appendix will need to be removed
• a bleeding or perforated stomach ulcer
• acute cholecystitis inflammation of the gallbladder, which may need to be removed
• kidney stones small stones may be passed out in your urine, but larger stones may block the kidney tubes, and you’ll need to go to hospital to have them broken up
• diverticulitis inflammation of the small pouches in the bowel that sometimes requires treatment with antibiotics in hospital

If your GP suspects you have one of these conditions, they may refer you to hospital immediately.

Sudden and severe pain in your abdomen can also sometimes be caused by an infection of the stomach and bowel . It may also be caused by a pulled muscle in your abdomen or by an injury.

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Do Some Gentle Yoga Stretches

Most of these tips have focused on internal remedies for stomach pain, but you can also get some relief by stretching.

A number of yoga poses are designed to help stimulate digestion and relieve bloating, which can make you feel less crampy and miserable. For quick relief, try a knees-to-stomach pose. Lie on your back somewhere comfortable.

Draw your knees up to your chest and wrap your arms around your shins. Make sure to keep your back flat on the floor. Hold this pose for one minute, and then release.

Repeat this pose until you feel better.

How Common Are Stomachaches

Just about everybody will experience abdominal pain at one point or another. Most causes of abdominal pain are not serious and resolve spontaneously. A healthcare provider can usually readily diagnose and treat these conditions. However, abdominal pain can also be a sign of a serious illness, or even an emergency. Abdominal pain is responsible for some 5% of emergency room visits.

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Sudden Stomach Cramps With Diarrhoea

If your stomach cramps have started recently and you also have diarrhoea, the cause may be a tummy bug . This means you have a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and bowel. It should get better without treatment after a few days.

Gastroenteritis may be caused by:

• coming into close contact with someone whoâs infected
• eating contaminated food

If you have repeated bouts of stomach cramps and diarrhoea, you may have a long-term condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome .

Infectious Stomach Cramps Causes

You may be experiencing stomach cramps due to an infection.

• Viral infections: Most contagious cases of stomach cramps are caused by viruses and result in vomiting or diarrhea. They are especially common in children.
• Food poisoning: Spoiled or contaminated food can contain bacteria that make you feel sick. Be wary of food that has not been refrigerated or is past the expiration date.

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What To Do With Really Bad Stomach Cramps And Diarrhea

Stomach cramps and diarrhea are two different disorders but are usually observed to share a common occurrence. Both stomach cramps and diarrhea can occur at the same time or they can occur one after another with both being symptoms of each other. But whether their occurrence is the same or simultaneous both can be really irritating and troublesome. So heres what to do with really bad stomach cramps and diarrhea if and when you have either or both of them.

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Nsaid Drugs And Stomach Ulcers

A group of painkillers known as NSAIDs carries a risk of stomach ulcers. The two best-known NSAIDs are aspirin and ibuprofen.

The risk of ulcers increases if the drugs are taken in high doses, or regularly for a long time.

Stronger NSAIDs, such as those that need a prescription, are riskier for stomach ulcers than those that can be bought over-the-counter .

People should always check labels and talk to a pharmacist or a doctor about any concerns with using painkillers. They may recommend an alternative such as acetaminophen.

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Prevent Diarrhea And Stomach Cramps

Diarrhea can be easily prevented with these simple methods:

• Observe proper hygiene.
• Keep your kitchen utensils especially your chopping board, clean at all times. Run hot water on your chopping boards every after use.
• Regular exercise is a good way of preventing abdominal cramps due to menstrual period.
• Avoid touching your face especially your nose and mouth with your hands.
• Wash your hands properly and frequently to avoid contamination. Using alcohol or hand sanitizer is highly recommended when soap and water is not available.
• Prepare your food well and if possible, eat your food while it is still hot and store left over on the refrigerator and reheat them before eating.

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Duration Of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be brief or long-lasting, depending on its underlying cause. It can be ongoing or recurring, coming and going at what seem like random intervals or with certain activities or behaviors.

How long your abdominal pain lasts, or whether it comes and goes, doesnt necessarily correspond to how severe the underlying condition is.

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Should You Treat Your Stomach Pain At Home

Most of the time, stomach cramps arent a big deal. You can treat them at home without consulting your doctor first.

However, you should call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Pain that doesnt get better in a few hours.
• Pain that is very intense.
• Dizziness.
• Vomiting that persists longer than a day or two.
• Bloody or black, tar-like bowel movements.

If youre not having any of these symptoms, try these home remedies for upset stomach, and youll be feeling better in no time.

See Your Doctor As Soon As Possible If:

• your pain is no better after 2 hours of home care
• your abdomen is very painful
• your pain gets worse over time, or becomes sharper or stronger in one particular place
• your abdomen feels bloated or sticks out more than usual
• you cant stop vomiting
• you havent had a bowel motion or passed wind for 3 days
• youve lost your appetite
• there is blood in your vomit, urine or bowel motion, or vaginal bleeding that isnt a period.

You also need to see your doctor if you have other symptoms along with the pain such as fever or dizziness especially if those symptoms get worse over time or new symptoms develop.

Call Healthline if you are unsure what you should do.

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Simethicone: Cures Stomach Ache Due To Gas In The Stomach

• Brand name Gas-X
• Composition Simethicone
• Popularity level 8
• This product is used to relieve symptoms of extra gas such as belching, bloating, and feelings of pressure/discomfort in the stomach/gut. Simethicone helps break up gas bubbles in the gut.
• Dosage chew 1 or 2 tablets as needed after meals and at bedtime. Do not exceed 4 tablets in 24 hours except under the advice and supervision of a physician.
• Price A pack of 20 tab costs 1540.

Bisacodyl: Cures Stomach Ache Due To Severe Constipation

• Brand name Dulcolax, Conlax
• Composition Bisacodyl
• Popularity level 8
• Bisacodyl acts as a purgative. It irritates the intestinal mucosa and thus stimulates motor activity in the colon.
• Dosage One tablet with lukewarm water, to be taken at bedtime.
• Price A pack of 10 tablets of dulcolax cost 15.

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Rice Water To Relieve Stomachache

Last but not least, look to rice more specifically, look to the leftover water after you cook rice.

Rice water is capable of forming a coating over certain membranes like, for instance, the lining of your stomach. This barrier can be a soothing lining to help ease inflammation and offer relief from stomach pain.

For a simple rice water remedy, first wash one-half cup of white rice.

• Add rice to six cups of boiled water, cover, and allow to sit until rice is tender.
• Strain the water into a cup to cool.
• Add one-half teaspoon of honey.
• Sip on two cups daily.

What Are Stomach Cramps

Stomach cramps are cyclical tightening of the muscles of the gut that cause pain. It is a nonspecific symptom that refers to the pain present anywhere in the abdominal area. Organs in the abdomen include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder and pancreas, and any disorder in these organs may cause pain. Most stomach cramps are not serious and heal with home remedies. However, cramps that last for a long time need a consultation with a physician.

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What Causes A Stomach Ache

Stomach problems are common, so your cramps could be caused by a number of different things.

Here are a few of the most common culprits behind an achy stomach:

• Gastritis. Gastritis is another name for inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be caused by a number of things, including bacterial infections, the use of certain drugs, age, or tobacco or alcohol use. Gastritis can cause upper stomach pain, nausea, and a feeling of fullness in your stomach.
• Acid reflux. Acid reflux, also known as gastrointestinal reflux disease, occurs when stomach acid gets backed up into the esophagus. It causes an aching or burning sensation in the stomach and behind the breastbone. Acid reflux can be caused by problems like a hiatal hernia, as well as by eating fatty or spicy foods.
• Lactose intolerance. Do you find yourself doubled over in pain after drinking a glass of milk or eating cheese? You could be lactose intolerant. People with lactose intolerance cant digest dairy, which leads to stomach pain and other digestive issues.
• Stress. Stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms, including stomach aches.

Can Abdominal Pain Be Prevented

Eating enough fibreand doing regular exercise can help prevent constipation and keep your bowels working well, which will prevent some forms of abdominal pain. It will also reduce your long-term risk of some diseases, such as diverticular disease or bowel cancer.

Drinking plain water but not carbonated or fizzy drinks will reduce the chance of pain from bloating as well as keeping your body healthy.

Following a specific diet can help reduce pain due to lactose intolerance, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome and trapped gas, or wind.

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Treatment For Lower Abdominal Cramping

Many people experience mild cramping that may later go away on its own. Some mild symptoms are relieved with a few home remedies such as:

• Taking a rest
• Applying heat to the lower abdomen
• Relaxing exercises and deep breathing
• Doing yoga
• Taking over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, antacids, or laxatives
• Taking herbal tea
• Eating rice, bananas, applesauce, and plain crackers
• Avoiding strenuous abdominal exercises
• Avoiding coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages
• Avoiding eating solid foods for a while

One should consider seeking medical advice when symptoms worsen or persist even after taking some home remedies. You should see a doctor immediately if you also have moderate to severe symptoms like persistent vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding and high fever. Some of these conditions may be life-threatening, leading to conditions like ectopic pregnancy, ruptured spleen, or abdominal aortic aneurysm, which must be treated as emergencies.

What To Do About Nutrition When You Have Diarrhea

Do stick with bland foods. One tried and true diet for diarrhea is the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Low in fiber, bland and starchy, these foods can help replace lost nutrients and firm your stools. According to the National Institute of Healths National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , you can also try boiled potatoes, crackers, or cooked carrots.

Do eat small meals. Too much food will stimulate your gastrointestinal tract to move even more, says Ganjhu, and possibly worsen the diarrhea. Eating five to six small meals, rather than three large ones, can give your intestines a chance to digest the food more easily.

Dont eat fried food. Prepare foods like beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey by baking or broiling, not frying, which can worsen diarrhea. Cooked eggs are okay, too, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Do eat when hunger strikes. Listen to your body and dont force yourself to eat, which can worsen symptoms. Trust your body to tell you when and how much it can tolerate, notes Ganjhu.

Dont eat fruits and vegetables that cause gas. Eating gassy food when you have diarrhea can increase intestinal gas and should be avoided. This includes fruits and vegetables, like prunes, berries, beans, peas, broccoli, corn, and green leafy vegetables, and sweet foods like cookies or cakes.

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Dietary Stomach Cramps Causes

Causes of stomach cramps may be related to your eating habits, especially if you change them suddenly.

• Overeating: If you overeat, your stomach will be forced to stretch to accommodate a higher volume of food.
• Spicy or oily foods: Eating new or rich dishes that your digestive system isn’t used to can cause stomach discomfort.
• Dairy products: Some people’s bodies are not able to break down dairy products like milk, yogurt, or ice cream.
• Gluten: This is a type of protein found in grains like wheat and barley that should be avoided by people with Celiac Disease.