Stomach cramps are extremely painful, but can be alleviated by treating the underlying cause at home as well. Possible causes include problems with the digestive organs, aorta, appendix, kidneys or even the spleen. The origin of the cramps could also be attributable to some infection in any area of the body. Cramps are also a fairly common ailment for some women during their menstrual cycle, although physical activity can often relieve this type of discomfort. Even if the pain is severe, it does not necessarily mean that there is some serious health problem: the very painful cramps can simply be due to gas passing through the digestive system without causing damage, while fatal diseases, such as colon cancer and a ' appendicitis in the early stages, they can cause mild pain or even not be felt at all.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Treating Stomach Acidity / Indigestion
Step 1. Look out for symptoms of heartburn or indigestion
Although these are different ailments, indigestion can cause stomach acid. Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is mild discomfort in the upper abdomen area and is usually accompanied by a feeling of fullness. Conversely, stomach acid is a burning sensation just below or behind the breastbone. This disorder is caused by the "reflux" of stomach acids and food into the esophagus (the muscular channel that leads to the stomach).
- Other signs that may indicate a heartburn or indigestion problem are a feeling of fullness and discomfort after eating and / or a burning sensation under the breastbone, usually after meals.
- Check for any sensitivities after eating certain foods, such as gluten, eggs, or peanuts. Try eliminating these foods from your diet for 4 weeks to see if your symptoms improve.
Step 2. Check for signs of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can cause cramps, bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. Talk to your primary care physician if you have any of these symptoms and ask if they can prescribe you antibiotics or antifungals.
Step 3. Change your lifestyle
Some changes can avoid and even resolve such ailments.
Lifestyle changes
Reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake
Eat less spicy and fatty foods
Eating small, frequent meals instead of eating large portions
Eat slowly and never just before going to sleep
Lift your head off the bed a little if you suffer from stomach acid at night
Reduce your stress level
Exercise regularly
Stop smoking
Lose some weight if you are overweight
Avoid taking aspirin or NSAIDs
Step 4. Get some antacids
This category of drugs can help relieve heartburn and dyspepsia. In pharmacies you can find different types.
Some antacids can have side effects, such as constipation or diarrhea. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to find the right drug for your specific case
Antacids available
The antacids, like Gaviscon, they are great for relieving discomfort in the short term, they work by neutralizing the acidity in the stomach
The H2 blockers, or H2 antagonists such as Zantac or Ranidil, block acid production in the stomach and their effect lasts a few hours
The proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), like Prevacid, they work by blocking acid production, relieving symptoms and reducing the frequency of heartburn episodes. These drugs are used for a long time
Step 5. Try natural herbal remedies
If you prefer herbal treatment, you can find natural alternatives to relieve the ailment..
Natural remedies
ChamomileThere is some evidence that this plant, in combination with other herbs, offers positive results against stomach pain.
Mint oil: In case of irritable bowel syndrome, you can take peppermint oil capsules enclosed in a gastro-resistant coating. Some studies have found that mint essential oil along with caraway (caraway) oil is great for indigestion problems.
DGL: Deglycyrinized Licorice Root Extract: Some early stage studies have found that it helps relieve these digestive disorders. However, blood pressure can increase.
Method 2 of 7: Treating Gas Formation
Step 1. Identify the presence of abdominal gas
Often this is the cause of stomach pain and the feeling of bloating. You can infer that you have gas in your digestive tract because you tend to belch often and suffer from flatulence. The gas can also cause abdominal cramps, as well as a feeling of stiffness or twisting in the abdomen.
Step 2. Make changes in your daily habits
This way you can solve and prevent gas formation. Here are some tips you can consider:
- Drink more water and fewer fizzy drinks;
- Avoid those vegetables or legumes that cause more gas, such as beans, broccoli and cabbage;
- Exclude foods that are too fatty from the diet;
- Eat slowly to avoid swallowing air.
Step 3. Check for food intolerances
Eliminate certain foods from your diet if you know they are responsible for your problem and your digestive system cannot tolerate them. For example, milk and dairy products typically cause stomach cramps and pains in people who are lactose intolerant.
Step 4. Get over-the-counter products to alleviate the problem
Over-the-counter medications that contain simethicone can help you expel gas easily through belching. If you are lactose intolerant you can also take digestive enzymes. You can also consider a remedy to aid digestion, such as alpha-galactosidase, an enzyme that helps digest legumes and vegetables.
Method 3 of 7: Treating Constipation
Step 1. Look for constipation as a symptom
This disorder can also cause stomach pain. If you pass less than three times a week, have difficulty passing stools, or are hard and dry, then you suffer from constipation.
Step 2. Make lifestyle changes
Again, making changes in your habits can help resolve and avoid constipation. Currency of:
- Add more fiber to your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and grains;
- Drink more water;
- Exercise regularly.
Step 3. Take effective medications
There are many over-the-counter laxatives and fiber supplements. However, many stool softeners have side effects; choosing an appropriate one is one way to relieve discomfort. Keep in mind, however, that these drugs should not be taken for too long.
Types of laxatives
Lubricants, such as mineral oils, which soften the stool and make intestinal transit easier
Emollients, such as docusate, which soften the stool. These products are great for those who are taking medications that cause constipation
Laxatives that increase the volume of stool, such as psyllium
Stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl, which cause muscle contractions on the intestinal walls, thus helping the expulsion of feces. However, prolonged use can cause damage to the intestines
Osmotic laxatives, such as saline or polyethylene glycol, which facilitate the passage of water in the gastrointestinal tract, simplifying the escape of feces. However, be aware that these can induce an electrolyte imbalance
Fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, which help absorb water and maintain intestinal regularity
Step 4. Try herbal remedies
These are alternatives to medications for relieving constipation. Flax seeds are the most common solution; they contain soluble fiber which has been shown to be useful for this type of problem.
Method 4 of 7: Treating Menstrual Cramps
Step 1. Check the correlation between cramps and menstruation
It is quite common for women to experience cramps in the lower abdomen just before and / or during menstruation. Sometimes the pains are severe and can indicate a more serious problem, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Step 2. Change your lifestyle
Some changes in habits can help relieve these cramps, such as exercising, learning to manage stress, giving up tobacco and alcohol. Additionally, some studies have found that vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6, and magnesium supplements can reduce menstrual cramps.
Step 3. Take medication
If you know you are suffering from menstrual cramps, remember that pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, taken regularly from the day before your period, can relieve the discomfort. You can continue taking them under the direct supervision of your doctor for two to three days or until the symptoms go away. If you experience really painful cramps, your doctor may also prescribe birth control pills, which can often reduce the problem.
Try applying a warm compress to your lower abdomen for periods of 15-20 minutes
Step 4. Give alternative medicine a try
Some research has shown that acupuncture (the insertion of very thin needles into strategic points of the skin) helps relieve menstrual cramps. Additionally, there are some plants, such as fennel, that are effective in relieving discomfort.
Method 5 of 7: Treating Gastroenteritis
Step 1. Look out for other flu-like symptoms
Gastroenteritis, or just stomach flu, can cause severe stomach pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Step 2. Stay hydrated
Dehydration is the most common cause of this disorder, so you should drink plenty of fluids, such as water and sports drinks, preferably in frequent sips.
Signs of dehydration
Dark colored urine
Dizziness
Cramps
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Step 3. Let your stomach recover
In addition to cramps, gastroenteritis is usually accompanied by vomiting and nausea. Wait for your stomach to settle and then slowly go back to eating some light, easy-to-digest foods. Avoid spicy and fatty foods, dairy products, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol for a few days.
Foods that are easy to digest
Crackers
Toast
Bananas
White rice
Apple juice
Egg
Sweet potatoes
Jelly
Step 4. Try to get plenty of rest
Rest is key to healing quickly, as it stimulates the immune system and helps reduce the duration of symptoms.
Step 5. Wash your hands often
If any family member or co-worker has gastroenteritis, be sure to wash your hands often to avoid spreading the disease.
Method 6 of 7: Other Techniques for Relieving Discomfort
Step 1. Practice breathing techniques
Focusing on your breathing is relaxing and takes your attention away from the pain of moderate cramps. You can do this while you are doing other distracting things, such as watching a TV show.
Focus on your breathing. Take quick, shallow breaths, following a 1-2 rhythm (fast inhale - fast exhale)
Step 2. Avoid certain drinks
Cocktails, spirits, caffeinated drinks, or sodas can aggravate abdominal pain. Sip water or clear drinks.
Step 3. Exercise to get rid of cramps
Take a walk around the house or in the garden. This simple action can help if you feel discomfort when sitting or lying down.
You should avoid exercises that involve the abdominal muscles when you suffer from stomach cramps, especially since the exercises themselves, if too intense, can cause cramps. Know your limits
Step 4. Try yoga
Some studies have shown that this practice is of great help in case of digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome. If you are already familiar with yoga, you can do some poses that help extend the abdominal region. Based on the location of the cramps, you can decide to do the position of the fish or the hero lying down. The downward facing dog position can also offer great benefits.
If your cramps are muscular in nature, do the abdominal exercises at another time and simply do some stretching with the cobra pose. Any position that forces you to face up, gaze forward, or toward the ceiling causes some abdominal tension, even if minimal
Step 5. Use an electric warmer
Place a warmer, a warm bag of wheat, or a hot water bottle directly on your stomach for temporary relief. Although some claim that heat should not be applied to the abdominal area in case of nausea, in reality other sources indicate that it is appropriate. Decide which approach is best for you based on your knowledge or preferences and how your body responds to heat therapy.
Step 6. Get rid of the gas
Try to get him out, even if you are in the company of polite people and that's not very fair. It might be a little embarrassing, but you can't swell up or let the cramps get more severe and painful.
Step 7. Immerse yourself in a warm bath
This is also a useful remedy for managing some types of cramps. However, avoid that the water is too hot, it must have a pleasant temperature.
Method 7 of 7: Contact Your Doctor
Step 1. Seek help immediately
It is important to know when to contact the doctor. Stomach pain is a symptom of several conditions and some can even be serious, such as peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, appendicitis, immune diseases, gallbladder problems, cancer and others. When you have stomach pain, you should generally see your doctor right away if:
- You have sudden, stabbing abdominal pain or pain in your chest, neck, or shoulders.
- Vomiting blood or having blood in the stool.
- The abdomen is hard and painful to the touch.
- You are unable to evacuate and you also vomit.
- Can't hold liquids.
Step 2. Assess if stomach acid / indigestion requires medical attention
Although these disorders are usually not very serious and can be easily treated at home with over-the-counter medications, you should see your doctor if:
- Symptoms last more than a few days or do not improve with medication;
- Lose weight even if you are not trying to lose weight;
- You experience sudden or severe pain; go to the emergency room right away if you experience constricting pain;
- You have difficulty swallowing
- The skin or eyes appear pale or yellow;
- Vomiting blood, you notice blood in the stool or it is dark
- The feces look like coffee beans;
Step 3. See if gastroenteritis requires medical attention
If you experience other symptoms in conjunction with those of the intestinal flu, the situation requires medical attention. These symptoms are:
- Vomiting that lasts more than two days
- Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days or shows traces of blood;
- Persistent fever of 38.3 ° C or higher;
- Dizziness, fainting and confusion when standing.
Step 4. Do not take certain medications before visiting your doctor
Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory or even narcotic medications without first contacting your doctor to prescribe them, as some of these can aggravate certain forms of stomach pain.
- However, if you know that your cramps are caused by your period, you can take anti-inflammatories.
- You can take tachipirina as long as your doctor has determined that the cause of your pain is not due to liver problems.
Advice
- Don't eat spicy foods.
- Don't take medications if you don't really need them.
- Don't rule out the possibility that your cramping problem is due to some underlying disease you suffer from. Some conditions that cause cramps are Crohn's syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis, urinary infections, tumors and hernias. Ask your doctor for advice and undergo tests or treatments if the cramps eventually turn out to be a symptom of a particular condition.
- When you sit down, keep your back straight and put a pillow under your shoulders when you sleep, so that you always keep a straight posture.
Warnings
- Poisoning, including those resulting from certain insect or animal bites, can cause severe abdominal pain. If you have been bitten, stung or come into contact with poisonous chemicals, call the Poison Control Center and follow the instructions given to you.
- This article is intended to provide information, but is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are unsure how to treat or identify stomach cramps, you should see your doctor.
