Causes and risk factors
Several factors that cause abdominal cramping include:
Bowel – appendicitis, bowel obstruction, chronic constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), intussusception (medical emergency wherein one portion of the intestine slides into the next), irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance (inability to digest lactose present in milk & its derivatives), diverticular disease.
GIT – In upper GIT, excessive gas, food allergy, food poisoning (Salmonella, Shigella), gastroesophageal reflux (reflux of stomach contents into the throat), heartburn or indigestion, hernia (protrusion of an organ through the wall of its cavity), viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), cholecystitis, pancreatitis, parasitic infections, peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum).
Ob-Gyn – Menstrual cramps (painful menses), ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis (presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus), ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, infectious mononucleosis (a viral infection).
Kidneys – Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, sickle cell crisis (hereditary blood disorder), spinal fracture, ulcers, dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm (widening of the abdominal aorta).
Clinical presentation
One or more of the other symptoms will usually be present along with abdominal cramps. They will usually vary depending upon the cause. The patient may complain of heartburn, indigestion, fever, bloating. Inability to pass stools is experienced. Patient may present with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Location and duration of pain and the presence of other signs and symptoms will help in diagnosis. Blood, urine and stool tests are recommended. Ultrasonography of the abdomen, barium swallow, barium meal, and endoscopy is advised. MRI, CT scan of the abdomen is required in severe cases. Laparoscopy in rare cases is done.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause. Medicines include analgesics or antispasmodics – for relief of pain, antacids – to prevent excessive acid accumulation, antibiotics – when an infection is suspected, anti-inflammatory drugs – to reduce inflammation of an abdominal organ. Other drugs such as antiemetics, antiparasitics, paracetamol, etc., can be given depending upon the cause and presentation of abdominal cramps. In some cases surgery may be necessary.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating abdominal cramps. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates, is also found to be effective in treating abdominal cramps.
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