What are abdominal cramps?

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The body is comprised of various organs where abdominal pain can originate. In most cases, abdominal cramps can be triggered by an abrupt contraction of the muscle or an involuntary spasm that causes pain with a stabbing sensation. The precise cause is as apparent when the abdominal cramps are triggered by the muscle spasms within the body. In some cases, the pain is strikingly similar to other conditions. This is true when the abdominal cramps are linked with conditions such as appendicitis, food poisoning, menstrual cramps and diverticulitis.

Generally, many have experienced abdominal cramping for one reason or another. In case of salmonella food poisoning, there are millions of cases yearly and considered one of the most prevalent food-borne illnesses. When it comes to an acute case of food poisoning, the usual symptoms include abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.

What are the causes?

Serious abdominal cramps can occur from minor conditions such as gas or stomach virus. On the other hand, minimal pain or no pain can be linked with dangerous conditions such as colon cancer or appendicitis. The abdominal pain can also manifest in a generalized manner. In most cases, this can be caused by indigestion, stomach virus or gas. If the pain progresses or become intense, it can indicate intestinal blockage.

What are the risk factors for abdominal cramps?

The age of the individual, overall health status and amount of food eaten determines if he/she will become sick after eating contaminated food. Take note that the elderly are at high risk. Due to the aging process, the immune system will not respond as effectively to harmful organisms. Even pregnant women are considered as another high risk group since the metabolic changes and abnormal circulation during pregnancy will make the woman susceptible to food poisoning.

Abdominal cramps
Abrupt abdominal cramps, vomiting, tenderness, fever and stiffness in the lower right abdomen can indicate appendicitis.

Infants and young children do not have fully developed immune systems, thus they are also prone to stomach problems.

Signs and symptoms

Abrupt abdominal cramps, vomiting, tenderness, fever and stiffness in the lower right abdomen can indicate appendicitis. The abdominal cramps linked with the menstrual cycle in women are one of the usual types of stomach pain triggered by the overproduction of prostaglandins. The signs that would require emergency care are when the cramps occur more often as well as last longer than 24 hours and accompanied by fever.

Treatment for abdominal cramps

The individual must be provided with water or clear liquids to sip in order to sooth a mild case of abdominal cramping. Solid food must not be eaten for a few hours. It is important to wait at least 6 hours before the individual is allowed to eat if the abdominal cramps are accompanied by vomiting.

In some cases, relief can be provided by giving antacids, especially if heartburn or indigestion is present. As for menstrual cramps, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are given since they block the prostaglandins, thus relieving the abdominal cramps.

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