How To Relieve Your Stomachache
If you want to try relieving your stomach cramps, try a few of these options:
Balance your digestive system by trying to eat at least five fruits and vegetables daily.
Stomach Cramps After Sit
An ordinary muscle cramp is a sudden, involuntary contraction or over-shortening of the muscle. It can last for several seconds or minutes and can cause mild to extreme pain as the muscle impinges on the nerves. You may feel a few brief spasms or twitches before the onset of the full cramp. With severe cramps, the muscle may stay sore or tender for a few days.
One form of stomach cramps is common enough to have been awarded a medical phrase: Exercise-related transient abdominal pain, or ETAP. It’s commonly referred to as a “stitch.” It’s most likely to occur in activities with repetitive torso movement, with the torso in an extended position.
ETAP is a localized pain that’s usually felt to the sides of the mid abdomen, though it can occur anywhere in the abdomen. It can also be referred from nerves in the shoulder. When acute, ETAP can be sharp or stabbing. When less severe, it may take the form of cramping, aching or pulling. ETAPs can have a number of different causes and should be easy to avoid when you isolate the reason for them.
How To Treat Stomach Pain From Allergies Or Intolerances
If you have food allergies or intolerances and want to resolve stomach cramps, you’ll need to address the source of the issue: your diet. Schedule an appointment with an allergist to get an accurate diagnosis of your allergy causes.
Once you’ve established your food intolerances, try to avoid that food as much as possible to prevent having stomach cramps and irritating your digestive system.
If you’re not sure whether you have allergies or not to certain foods, keep a food diary to help you get closer to figuring it out.
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Why Do I Have Cramps But No Period
Pelvic pain similar to a menstrual period can happen at times when no period is due or can occur because of conditions other than the monthly cycle. Sometimes it is hard to tell the exact reason for cramps that feel like a menstrual period.
The following diseases and conditions are examples of situations that can cause pain or cramps when not on your period.
If Your Abdominal Cramps Are Making Life Miserable Try To Talk To A Doctor
Treatments for the above issues can vary wildly. For instance, if you think the issue is that you have a hard time processing beans, which then leads to painful gas, over-the-counter medications like simethicone may help with the distension that causes your pain, Dr. Krishnareddy explains.
However, if youre experiencing cramps that are pretty severe, along with other symptoms that make you think you might have a chronic issue like IBS or IBD, its really important to try to consult with a doctorparticularly because taking over-the-counter medications wont treat the real issue at hand.
These medications can decrease the symptoms just enough that the person doesnt go to their doctor to get evaluated, Dr. Krishnareddy says. But its not actually the underlying problem.
Ultimately, if getting abdominal cramps after eating is affecting your life, its time to consult the professionals. If youre having symptoms that are occurring frequently enough to interfere with your ability to conduct your daily activities, you need to see a doctor, Dr. Chey confirms. This is especially true, he says, if youre having serious symptoms like vomiting , seeing blood in your stool , or inexplicably losing weight.
Trust your gut when it tells you somethings wrong. At the very least, your doctor should be able to ask you some questions that get you closer to figuring out whats going on.
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When To Seek Immediate Medical Help
Severe abdominal pain is a greater cause for concern. If it starts suddenly and unexpectedly, and persists, it should be regarded as a medical emergency, especially if the pain is concentrated in a particular area.
or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if this is the case.
If you feel pain in the area around your ribs, see the section on chest pain.
What Are Serious Causes Of Abdominal Pain
If mild pain lasts a long time or you are unsure about what is causing it, the best advice is always to consult your doctor. While most stomach cramps are usually caused by temporary circumstances, another cause of these “non-chronic” pains could be food poisoning which, left untreated, could escalate.
Also, people who have appendicitis often feel mild pains first in their lower abdomen, as do people with cancer of the colon. If you are unhappy with these pains and cramps because they are not going away, make an appointment with your doctor to get your body examined and issues diagnosed.
The following are some serious causes of abdominal pain that should be treated by a doctor.
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When Should You See A Doctor For Stomach Cramps
Stomach cramps from everyday causes, like gas, will resolve on their own. However, there are times when you should see a doctor about stomach cramps. It is the safest option to find potentially serious causes and get the correct treatment.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if mild stomach cramping lasts for a few days or is causing concern. See a doctor promptly when:
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You also have or bloating that does not improve after a couple of days.
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You are experiencing irregular or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
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You are experiencing or loss of appetite.
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You have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting that persists for several days.
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You have or or burning with urination.
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You have , which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
or go to your nearest emergency room for stomach cramps when:
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You are pregnant or could be pregnant.
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You are unable to pass stool.
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You are blood or a coffee ground-like material or have bloody stools.
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You had a recent injury or trauma involving the abdomen.
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You have or discomfort, shortness of breath, , or arm, neck or .
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Your abdomen is tender to touch, hard or swollen, or you have severe abdominal pain.
When Should I Worry About Stomach Pain
If your abdominal pain is serious, doesnt go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain. You should also contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as: Fever.
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Diagnosis Of Abdominal Pain In Adults
If examinations and tests are needed, these may include:
- a rectal exam to check for hidden blood or other problems
- if you are a man, the doctor may check your penis and scrotum
- if you are a woman, the doctor may do a pelvic exam to check for problems in your womb , fallopian tubes and ovaries, and do a pregnancy test
- a blood test to look for infection or bleeding
- other blood tests may look at enzymes in the liver, pancreas and heart to sort out which organ may be involved
- a urine test to look for a urine infection or blood
- an ECG to rule out a heart attack
- other tests, including x-ray, ultrasound or CT scan
- sometimes you may be referred to another doctor to help find the cause of the problem.
- endoscopy is an examination where a flexible tube with a light and video camera at the tip is used to examine some internal organs without the need for surgery. Different names are used depending on which organ is being looked at.
If you do have tests, the doctor will explain the results to you. Some results may take a number of days to come back and these will be sent to your local doctor.
Tips To Avoid Stomach Cramps On A Run
1. Avoid Fiber.
High fiber foods are beneficial in maintaining a normal transit time for digested products, but try to avoid a heavy fiber meal at least 4-5 hours before a significant distance run.
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2.Hydrate.
Hydrate yourself properly before a run. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps the lining of your large intestines absorb water, which helps you go to the bathroom more comfortably.
3.Eat 2-3 Hours Before a Run.
Try to avoid eating for at least 2-3 hours before a run and avoid drinking 1 hour before a run. This gives your stomach time to digest before hitting the road.
4.Keep a Food Log.
For a full week keep track of what you eat/drink, how long before a run you eat/drink, and what symptoms occur during running. Over time you’ll come to notice trends and come to learn what your body likes and dislikes.
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5.Treating Side Stitches Mid-Run.
If you experience a side stitch there are a couple of tips that may keep you on the road: bend forward, breathe deeply in through your nose and out your mouth while your hands are on your head, tighten your abdominal muscles, and finally, just grin and bear it.
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6.Solving Diarrhea Cramps.
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How Is The Cause Of Abdominal Pain Diagnosed
The cause of abdominal pain can be diagnosed through a series of tests. Before ordering tests, your doctor will do a physical examination. This includes gently pressing on various areas of your abdomen to check for tenderness and swelling.
This information, combined with the severity of the pain and its location within the abdomen, will help your doctor determine which tests to order.
Imaging tests, such as MRI scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays, are used to view organs, tissues, and other structures in the abdomen in detail. These tests can help diagnose tumors, fractures, ruptures, and inflammation.
Other tests include:
Blood, urine, and stool samples may also be collected to look for evidence of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
Not all forms of abdominal pain are preventable. However, you can minimize the risk of developing abdominal pain by doing the following:
- Eat a healthy diet.
You Might Have Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBD is an umbrella term for two conditions that both cause chronic inflammation of various parts of the digestive tract: Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. People with either type of IBD often experience periods of remission followed by flare-ups, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that Crohns disease usually affects the part of the small intestine that meets the large intestine, but the characteristic patches of inflammation it causes can be anywhere from the mouth to the rectum and seep through multiple layers of the G.I. lining. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, affects continuous portions of the large intestine and/or rectum, with the innermost lining becoming inflamed.
If you have Crohns disease, youre likely to deal with abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and weight loss, and might also have additional symptoms like fatigue, nausea, joint pain, and anemia, the NIDDK says. With ulcerative colitis, the most common symptoms are abdominal pain and diarrhea , the NIDDK notes, though you may also have issues such as fatigue, nausea, anemia, and an urgent need to use the bathroom.
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Foods That Tend To Produce Gas
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
If gas or wind bothers you, you can try eating less of these foods. Look into other foods that make you feel gassy or bloated so you can be aware of what to eat in moderation or avoid. For instance, avoid things that encourage you to chew with your mouth open such as gum or sweets. Swallowing air can also lead to wind.
When To Contact A Medical Professional
Get medical help right away or call your local emergency number if you:
- Are currently being treated for cancer
- Are unable to pass stool, especially if you are also vomiting
- Are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool
- Have chest, neck, or shoulder pain
- Have sudden, sharp abdominal pain
- Have pain in, or between, your shoulder blades with nausea
- Have tenderness in your belly, or your belly is rigid and hard to the touch
- Are pregnant or could be pregnant
- Had a recent injury to your abdomen
- Have difficulty breathing
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When To Call The Doctor About Abdominal Pain
If your abdominal pain is serious, doesnt go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain.
You should also contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as:
- Cant keep food down for more than 2 days
- Signs youre getting dehydrated, including not urinating frequently, dark-colored urine, and being very thirsty
- Cant have a bowel movement, especially if youre also vomiting
- Pain when you pee, or you need to urinate often
Also call your doctor if:
- Your belly is tender to the touch
- Pain lasts more than a few hours
You may have other symptoms that could be a sign of a problem inside your body that needs treatment as soon as possible. Get medical care right away if you have abdominal pain and you also:
- Have unexplained weight loss
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How Do You Treat Stomach Cramps
Treating stomach cramps depends on the underlying cause of the problem. If your doctor diagnoses a condition such as IBS or IBD, he or she may prescribe medications. Stomach cramping related to a will resolve as the infection clears. For causes like appendicitis, surgery may be necessary. Otherwise, everyday stomach cramps due to , gas, constipation, or other stomach upset may respond to over-the-counter medicines.
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What Causes Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can be caused by many conditions. However, the main causes are infection, abnormal growths, inflammation, obstruction , and intestinal disorders.
Infections in the throat, intestines, and blood can cause bacteria to enter your digestive tract, resulting in abdominal pain. These infections may also cause changes in digestion, such as diarrhea or constipation.
Cramps associated with menstruation are also a potential source of lower abdominal pain, but these are more commonly known to cause pelvic pain.
Other common causes of abdominal pain include:
When Should My Child See A Doctor
Many children recover from abdominal pain quickly and dont need to see a doctor.
Take your child to a doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if they:
- are in pain that goes on for longer than 24 hours or if youre worried about them
- have pain that is severe or debilitating even though they have taken pain medicine
- are hard to wake and are unwell
- vomit for more than 24 hours, or they are unable to keep any fluids down, refusing to drink any fluids and their vomit is green
- have blood in their poo or vomit
- are having trouble doing a wee
- have pain and lumps in the groin
- were recently injured for example, falling onto the handlebars of a bike
If your child is still a baby and they have fewer than 4 wet nappies per day, as well as their abdominal pain, you should take them to a doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
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How To Relieve Stomach Pain Symptoms
There isnt necessarily a cure for the stomach pain symptoms themselves. When your body is under stress, your stomach tends to hurt based on the acids in your stomach and the foods youve already eaten. If you have stomach pain as a result of an anxiety attack, you may need to wait it out.
Water can help a little, however. So consider sipping cool water. Antacids may also be beneficial in some cases, but if you have stomach pain often, you may not want to depend on antacid treatments.
SUMMARY:
Stomach pain from anxiety can be caused by several stress-related issues, including abdominal tension, digestion issues, and irritable bowel. Although the stomach pain may be caused by anxiety, the acids in the stomach are still very real. There are ways to treat both your stomach discomfort and anxiety.
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