How Do You Stop Stomach Cramps?

Most stomach cramps are mild and resolve on their own with the help of self care measures.

Try following these home care steps to alleviate stomach cramps

• Get adequate rest.
• Drink plenty of water or other clear fluids.
• Avoid solid food for the first few hours.
• If cramps have been accompanied by vomiting, wait for six hours and then eat small amounts of food, such as crackers, rice or applesauce.
• Avoid milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products.
• Avoid foods and beverages like
  • Citrus foods
  • High-fat foods
  • Fried or greasy foods
  • Tomato products
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Carbonated beverages
• Antacids may be useful in case of heartburn or indigestion that may accompany cramps.
• Do not take medicine without the consent of a physician.

These steps may also prevent stomach cramps

• Eat a high-fiber and well-balanced diet.
• Limit foods that produce gas.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat small meals more frequently.
• Drink plenty of water each day.
• Wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
• Avoid overeating and avoid eating right before going to sleep.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid expired foods or incorrectly stored food.
• Avoid foods that may trigger allergies.
• Reduce stress and anxiety to help prevent cramps.

Stomach cramps are cyclical tightening of the muscles of the gut that cause pain. It is a nonspecific symptom that refers to the pain present anywhere in the abdominal area. Organs in the abdomen include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder and pancreas, and any disorder in these organs may cause pain. Most stomach cramps are not serious and heal with home remedies. However, cramps that last for a long time need a consultation with a physician.

Some of the most common causes of stomach cramps are

• Food poisoning: Eating food contaminated with microorganisms causes food poisoning. It leads to stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
• Viral gastroenteritis: Patients with viral gastroenteritis often experience cramps followed by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms include
  • Muscle aches
  • Headaches
  • Low-grade fever
• It is contagious and spreads easily to another person.
• Food allergies: Allergies to certain foods can cause stomach cramps. The most common foods linked to allergies include
  • Shellfish
  • Nuts
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Peanuts
• Food intolerance: Foods that may either irritate the digestive system or that are difficult to break down may lead to food intolerance. Lactose intolerance or dairy product intolerance and gluten intolerance are the most common food intolerances. Consuming large amounts of foods linked to intolerance may cause problems.

Other causes of stomach cramps include

• Gas
• Indigestion
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Bowel obstruction
• Pregnancy-associated complications
• Tumors
• Viral infection
• Poisonings
• Ischemic colitis (inflammation of the inner linings of the colon)

Contact a physician if you have

• Trouble passing stools
• Blood in the vomit
• Chest, neck or shoulder pain
• Sudden, sharp abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Abdominal tenderness
• Pain while urinating
• Fever