Patient complains of abdominal cramps to which pathologies can be associated?

By Cristiano Antonino On Dec 11, 2021

Abdominal cramps are pains that may appear in the region between the chest and groin. If frequent, they last for a long time or are associated with fever

In other cases, they are a symptom of less serious disorders, such as the accumulation of gas in the digestive system.

What diseases can be associated with abdominal cramps?

The following diseases can be associated with abdominal cramps:

Food allergy
Abdominal angina
Appendicitis
Botulism
Colon cancer
Celiac disease
Colitis
Ulcerative colitis
Diverticulitis
Endometriosis
Cystic Fibrosis
Gastroenteritis
Lactose intolerance
Food intolerances
Carbon monoxide intoxication
Intestinal obstruction
Peritonitis
Intestinal polyps
Salmonella
Irritable bowel syndrome

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and that it is always best to consult your doctor if your symptoms persist.

What are the remedies for abdominal cramps?

If the abdominal cramps appear after meals and are located in the upper abdomen, it may be useful to take antacids, while very fatty foods, fried foods, tomato products, caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks should be avoided.

If the pain is associated with nausea or vomiting, avoid solid food for a few hours, drink in small sips and reintroduce food, starting with foods such as boiled rice and crackers.

Dairy products should be avoided.

In general, it can help to drink a lot, increase the frequency of meals by reducing the quantity, limit the consumption of foods and drinks that encourage gas production, eat a balanced diet rich in fibre and take regular exercise.

With abdominal cramps, when should you see your doctor?

You should consult your doctor

if abdominal cramps persist for more than a week
if the pain does not improve within 24-48 hours
if the pain gets worse or is associated with nausea or vomiting
if the cramps are associated with burning during urination, fever, diarrhoea for more than 5 days, prolonged loss of appetite, vaginal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, bloating that lasts for more than two days

However, it is better to go to the emergency room if:

undergoing cancer treatment
you are unable to relieve yourself, especially if you are vomiting at the same time
there is pain in the chest, neck or shoulders
the abdominal pain is sudden and sharp
the pain is concentrated between the shoulder blades and is associated with nausea
you have difficulty breathing
your tummy is sensitive to touch or tight and hard, and
you have suffered abdominal trauma
you are pregnant

Accumulation Of Fluid In The Peritoneal Cavity: Possible Causes And Symptoms Of Ascites

Source:

Humanitas