Stomach cramps can affect anyone and often result from gas, indigestion, constipation, or muscle contractions.
Mild stomach cramps typically resolve on their own.
Gas and Indigestion
Excessive gas causes generalized stomach cramping, typically after eatinggas-producing foodslike beans.
Drazen Zigic / Getty Images
You may notice relief after burping, passing gas, or having a bowel movement.
Indigestioncauses a burning discomfort in the epigastric area (upper middle abdomen).
You may notice it with overeating, consuming fatty or spicy foods, certain medications, or reflux.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoningcauses generalized cramping a few hours after consuming contaminated food.
You may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Food Allergies
Food allergiescause the immune system to release chemicals that irritate the digestive tract.
It often improves after a bowel movement.
Pain intensity ranges from mild to severe and improves with period progression.
Other Possible Causes of Stomach Cramps
Stomach cramps can stem from the following underlying health conditions.
Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.
These persistent, sometimes burning, cramps typically occur between meals and at night.
IBD can cause intestinal spasms that lead to stomach cramping, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitisis inflammation or infection of the diverticula (small pouches in the large intestine).
Intestinal Obstruction
Anintestinal obstructionblocks the passage of food, liquids, and gas through the intestine.
it’s possible for you to also tryOTC supplementssuch as Beano for gas prevention and Lactaid for lactose intolerance.
Summary
Mild stomach cramps are common and typically resolve on their own.
However, severe cramps can occur with serious conditions like appendicitis.
Home remedies for mild cramps include heat, peppermint, ginger, or over-the-counter medications.
Severe, persistent cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever are indications that you should seek medical attention.
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