Stomach cramps are painful but it's possible to relieve them
using at home remedies easily and effectively. There are
many possible causes of stomach cramps, and they can affect
or emanate from your digestive organs, your aorta, your
appendix, your kidneys, or your spleen, or they can
originate from an infection elsewhere in your body.[1]
Cramps are commonplace for some women during their menstrual
cycle, although exercises can often alleviate such pain. The
strength of pain does not necessarily indicate seriousness;
very painful cramps can be caused by gas passing through
your digestive system harmlessly, whereas life-threatening
conditions such as colon cancer and early appendicitis can
produce mild or even no pain,[2] so care needs to be taken
not to judge the cramp severity according to your pain
level. This article provides a range of possible remedies
for your cramps, and naturally, if you don't get any relief,
see your doctor.
!! Steps !!
!! Pinpointing The Source Of Your Cramps !!
Try to pinpoint the area of your pain, or rely on your familiarity
with the type of cramps. Doing this is important from the point of
view of knowing how to treat them or knowing whether a doctor's
visit is essential. Abdominal pain is considered to be pain felt
anywhere from below your ribs to your pelvis.[3] The following
indicators might assist you:
* Menstrual cramps are clearly experienced only by girls and women
of menstruating age. These cramps usually occur in the first days
of menstruation and do not last more than a few days.
* Sharp, localized pains that stab or pierce, can be a sign of a
very serious condition such as appendicitis or a ruptured organ.
* A dull, generally spread pain might be indicative that your
cramps, while painful, are not dangerous.[4]
* Lower back pain that persists might be a sign of kidney stones.
See your doctor for advice.
* Pain and burning sensations on urinating or passing stools can be
a sign of a urinary tract infection or constipation.
* Cramps that appear following eating a large amount of food
quickly, greasy food, foods you're allergic to, etc., can indicate
a digestive system reaction.
* Muscle spasm can bring about cramps when exercising or swimming.
!! Breathing !!
* Use breathing to divert your attention from the pain
and to help relax you. This method can be effective for mild
cramps.
* Sit in a comfortable chair like a recliner. Think about something
pleasant.
* Focus on your breathing. Use a fast and shallow breathing rate,
following a 1-2 (breath in fast, breath out fast) rhythm.
* Continue until you notice some improvement or don't feel like
doing this any longer. Don't overdo it, however.
* Rest. The more rest, the better.
!! Fluids And Foods !!
It's important to avoid overloading your digestive system with food
that will add to the digestive burden. Keep things simple (bland) for
a while until the cramps pass; if you experience any vomiting, don't
eat until 6 hours have passed.[5]
* Avoid any complex drinks, alcohol, or any caffeinated or
carbonated drink.[6] Sip water or clear fluids.[7]
Don't eat solid food while you have the cramps or for a few hours
following. When you resume eating again, eat simple items such as
rice, applesauce, bananas, toast, or plain crackers.[8]
* Don't eat dairy products, acidic foods such as tomatoes and fast
food (greasy foods).
!! Exercise !!
Easy exercise can aid in cramp relief.
* Try to exercise away the cramps. Take a walk around
your house, or in the garden. This can be helpful when you find
that sitting or lying down is uncomfortable. It's not advised to
walk too far from a bathroom, though, just in case the cramps are
signaling the onset of diarrhea.
* Do some light abdominal curls to loosen up your abdominal muscles
if the cramps are in your abdominal muscles rather than in your
digestive tract.
* Try yoga. If you're familiar with yoga, consider some poses that
open up the abdominal region. Depending where the cramps are -
consider fish pose or reclining hero. Downward facing dog can also
be helpful.
!! Home Remedies !!
* Place a heating pad, heated wheat bag, or hot water
bottle on your back to give temporary relief. While some advice
suggests that you do not to apply the heating pad to your abdomen
in case this brings on nausea, other advice considers this to be
appropriate.[9] Decide on which approach best suits your needs
through your knowledge of your own preferences and responses to
the application of heat.
* Lie down for a few minutes and relax. Close your eyes. Place a
cool moist washcloth over your forehead.
* Breath slowly and evenly, trying to keep your mind off the pain.
Keep relaxing and perhaps even allow yourself to drift off to
sleep.
* Allow yourself to pass gas, even if you are in polite company. It
may be somewhat embarrassing, but you do not want to allow
yourself to become bloated or let the cramps become more serious
and painful.
* Take a soak in a warm bath.[10] Don't make it too hot; just
comfortable. And leave as soon as you feel you've had enough; if
it's not helping, try something else.
!! Over-the-counter Medications !!
Take over-the-counter medications. There is a range of
over-the-counter remedies aimed at helping with cramps. Their
effectiveness will depend on the reason for your cramps and
purchasing the right product. It is recommended that you check the
labels carefully and ask the pharmacist for advice on a specific
product.
* Some products are aimed at relieving the pressure from gas
build-up, such as Gas-ex.
* H2 blockers (e.g., Tagamet, Pepcid, or Zantac) help to relieve gas
and quell cramps.
* Emitrol or Imodium are aimed at relieving cramps associated with
diarrhea.
* Over-the-counter antacids such as Pepto-Bismol may help some
stomach related pains.[11]
* Take a mild laxative to encourage a bowel movement for relief, if
constipation is causing the cramps.
* Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other anti-inflammatory
medications or narcotic pain medications unless your doctor has
seen you and has prescribed these; they can worsen some stomach
pains.[12] If you know that the source of your cramps is
menstrual, however, ant-inflammatories can be taken.[13]
Acetaminophen is acceptable if you are certain that your pain is
not related to your liver.[14]
!! Prevention !!
Take good care of your digestive system Notice if there is any food
that seems to disagree with your digestive system. If you suffer from
cramps often, this may be indicative of an intolerance to certain
foods. It is advisable to keep a food diary and try to determine if
there is an association with a certain food or group of foods and
your stomach cramps.
* Milk and milk products may cause cramps and stomach pain in
persons who are lactose intolerant.[15]
* Failing to drink sufficient liquids may cause stomach and muscle
cramps. This can be exacerbated by strenuous exercise.
* Eating an excessive amount of non-soluble fiber may cause cramps
associated with constipation.
* Some people are sensitive to uncooked vegetables and fruits,
particularly if the peels are not removed.
* Limit gas-producing goods (e.g., beans, fatty foods, dairy
products).
* Exercise regularly. Try to include stretching as part of your
exercise routine.
* Keep stress levels under control. If the condition coincides with
stressful situations, try to avoid stress as much as possible, and
look at learning stress management techniques.
!! Video !!
!! Tips !!
* Concentrate on something else, and don't think about the pain!
* If you're not on your menstrual cycle then you may wish to see
your doctor.
* Try herb teas like chamomile, peppermint, and fennel.
* If you have time then go take a nap.
* Try drinking water to ease the pain.
* Look into the possibility that you might be suffering from a
condition or a disease that causes cramping. Some of the
conditions or diseases that can cause cramping include: Crohn's
Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), ulcers, diverticulitis,
bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis, urinary
infections, cancers, or hernias.[16] Ask for your doctor's advice
and and seek medical testing and treatment options if this turns
out to be an issue. Every one of these possibilities is serious.
* Poisoning can cause severe abdominal pain, including animal bites
(spiders, etc.).
!! Warnings !!
* Stomach cramps may be a symptom of a serious medical condition
like food poisoning, disease, or allergies. If you experience
fever, severe nausea, or sweating, seek medical help. This is
especially true if someone else suffers the same symptoms after a
shared meal.
* Don't go overboard with the exercises. Only do them one to three
times, and quit if the pain increases.
* Prolonged or frequent cramps, especially associated with loose
stools or diarrhea may indicate a serious medical condition.
* Diarrhea associated with stomach cramps may cause dehydration,
which can lead to shock or even death. Drink an electrolyte
solution like Pedialyte, or a clear, low carbohydrate sports drink
frequently if you experience diarrhea for an extended period of
time.
* See a doctor _immediately_ if you're vomiting blood, or pass blood
in a stool, you're pregnant (or might be), your stomach is rigid
and tender to touch, your abdomen has been injured recently, you
can't breath well, or you have chest, neck, or shoulder pain. [17]
* See a doctor if you've experienced abdominal discomfort lasting
more than a week or pain for more than 24-48 hours, bloating for
over 2 days, a fever, any burning sensation on urinating, diarrhea
longer than 5 days, poor appetite, or unexplained weight loss.[18]
* Any baby under 3 months that vomits or has diarrhea should be seen
by a doctor immediately.
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Cure Diarrhea
* Cure a Stomach Ache
* Cure a Child's Stomach Ache
* Prevent Side Aches
* Recognize the Symptoms of Appendicitis
!! Sources And Citations !!
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
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