Abdominal cramps are complaints of pain in the stomach that feel such as stiffness or tension in the abdominal muscles and other muscles around the abdomen. Generally, stomach cramps occur when the lining of the stomach wall or organs which exist in incavity stomach having trouble.
The causes of stomach cramps vary, so how to deal with them can also vary, depending on the cause. In this article, we will explain the characteristics of stomach cramps based on their causes, and how to deal with them.
Characteristics of Stomach Cramps Based on the Cause
Apart from doing strenuous activities, such as exercising excessively or lifting heavy objects, stomach cramps can also occur due to the following conditions:
1. Premenstruation
One of the characteristics of abdominal cramps that occur during premenstruation (before menstruation) is the appearance of pain in the lower abdomen. The pain can be throbbing, feel like a blunt object is pressing on it, or it can be sharp. In addition, premenstrual abdominal cramps can also persist during menstruation.
2. Dehydration
Stomach cramps can also be a sign that you are dehydrated. The reason is, when the body lacks fluids, the muscles cannot work properly so that complaints arise in the form of muscle tension or cramps, including in the abdomen. This can sometimes make the stomach twitch.
Muscle cramps due to dehydration will be accompanied by a number of other complaints, ranging from feeling very thirsty, headache, confusion, urine color becomes more concentrated, and reduced frequency of urination and amount of urine.
3. Bloated stomach
The characteristics of abdominal cramps caused by flatulence are the appearance of pain or discomfort in the stomach, which is accompanied by a feeling of fullness or bloating and the urge to burp. This occurs due to air or gas trapped in the digestive tract.
4. Constipation
The characteristics of abdominal cramps due to constipation are the appearance of pain in the abdomen accompanied by complaints of difficulty in defecating, hard stools, and a feeling of something being stuck in the anal area.
5. Food poisoning
Stomach cramps due to food poisoning are usually characterized by abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, excessive sweating, or fever.
6. Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is a condition of low levels of potassium or potassium in the blood. This can be caused by eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, diarrhea, and long-term use of laxatives.
When experiencing hypokalemia, one of the complaints that arise is abdominal cramps. In addition, there are also complaints in the form of weakness, lack of enthusiasm, palpitations or palpitations, even psychological complaints, such as hallucinations or depression.
7. Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia, which is low levels of calcium in the blood, can cause disorders of the nervous system and muscles, including the abdominal muscles. In addition to stomach cramps, calcium deficiency can also cause tingling, numbness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), voice changes (due to stiffness of the larynx muscles), weakness, and even seizures.
Hypocalcemia can be caused by various factors, such as lack of calcium intake for a long time, side effects of certain drugs, hormonal changes, and even genetic conditions.
How to Overcome Stomach Cramps
Treatment for stomach cramps depends on the cause. If stomach cramps are caused by food poisoning accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, then the main treatment is adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
If stomach cramps are caused by premenstruation, you can soak in warm water or compress the abdominal area with a warm compress. If the stomach cramps do not subside in this way, you can take painkillers, such as paracetamol.
If stomach cramps are caused by a disease, such as hypokalemia and hypocalcemia, the treatment that will be given by the doctor is to treat the disease. The doctor will also give pain medication to relieve pain.
Abdominal cramps are a common complaint and often go away on their own. Even so, this complaint should not be taken lightly, because it can signal a serious illness. If the symptoms of abdominal cramps that you feel lead to an illness, you should immediately consult a doctor.