Fact Checked
Stomach cramps are sudden and cramp-like pain in the abdomen. Generally, it is characterized by a knotting pain or tightening feeling in the stomach and abdomen. People with stomach cramps can have headaches and nausea. Furthermore, this condition can be acute, short lived or can be long lasting and affects a person repeatedly.
Causes of stomach cramps
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Lactose intolerance
- Constipation
- Food poisoning
- Appendicitis
- Inflammation of abdominal organ
- Kidney stones
- Tumor
- Ulcer or cancer
Symptoms
- At first, painful urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscular pain on the whole body
- Lastly, constipation
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest when having a stomach cramps.
- Prescribed H2 blockers to lessen the pain and discomforts. Generally, H2 blocker lessens the amount of acids produced by the stomach.
- Apply hot compress on the affected area for at least 10-15 minutes to loosen and relax the muscles. Wrap heating pad or hot water bottle before placing to the belly to prevent burn and worsen the condition.
- Take the prescribed medication to lessen the pain and the discomfort.
- Avoid eating heavy meal rich spicy rich foods. Avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent worsening of the condition.
- Drink rice water to relieve of the inflammation on the stomach. Mix ½ cup of white rice to 2 cups of water in a pot. Cook the rice in medium-low heat. As the rice becomes tender, remove from the heat and let it rest for 3 minutes. Drain and drink the warm water. Honey can be added to the warm water for added benefits.
- Drink ginger tea to relax the muscles lining the intestinal tract and lessen cramping of the stomach. Ginger is rich in oxidant called gingerol.
- Drink plenty of water at least 6-8 glasses every day for healthy and proper functioning of the intestines. It also flushes out virus and toxins present in the body. Another alternative is drinking fresh fruits and vegetables, green teas and clear broths are also good for the condition.
- Eat small portions of the food during meal time instead of 2-3 large meals. Eat bland or mild foods to lessen pain in the stomach.
Additional measures
- Fill a cup with warm water and then add 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them well until salt is totally dissolved and drink the solution to relieve of stomach cramps.
- Perform yoga stretches to lessen bloating, stimulate digestion and lessen cramping in the abdomen.
- Increase consumption of fiber and vegetable, lessen the sugar, dairy and caffeine intake to prevent inflammation and worsen the condition. Take prescribed vitamin B3 supplement is good for the condition.
- Fill a bathtub with warm water; add a cup of Epsom salts. Mix them well until salt is totally dissolved. A drop of peppermint oil can be added to the mixture for added benefits. Soak in the solution to lessen the pain and relax the muscles.
- Massage gently the stomach to lessen the pain and for fast healing.
FACT CHECK
https://www.medicinenet.com/stomach_cramps/symptoms.htm
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/abdominal-pain-causes-treatments#1