| What is an abdominal cramp? | | | | |
| | | | Sufficient amount of water or other fluids |
| The pain, especially due to contraction of a | | | | has to be consumed. In case of mild pain and |
| muscle that occurs in the abdomen region of | | | | vomiting, solid food has to be avoided for |
| the body. It is also called belly ache or | | | | the first few hours and then once the pain |
| abdominal pain. | | | | and vomiting ceases, mild food can be |
| | | | consumed. If the pain is intense, or after |
| About abdominal cramp - | | | | meals, or in case of heartburn or |
| | | | indigestion, antacids may be taken. It is |
| It may occur in any organ of the abdomen, in | | | | advisable to avoid citrus fruits, high fat |
| any digestion related organ like stomach, | | | | content food, fried stuffs, tomatoes, coffee, |
| small or large intestine, liver, gallbladder, | | | | tea or alcoholic beverages. H2 blockers (like |
| pancreas, aorta (the large blood vessel | | | | Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac) may also be tried. |
| running down inside the abdomen), appendix or | | | | The physician has to be contacted if the |
| kidneys. It may even start in some other | | | | situation worsens. Medications like Aspirin, |
| region like the chest or pelvic region. The | | | | Ibuprofen and other narcotic pain medications |
| intensity of the abdominal pain may differ as | | | | should not be taken without a prescription |
| per the causes. Mild cramps may be caused due | | | | from the physician. |
| to gas or cramp of viral gastroenteritis. In | | | | |
| some life threatening conditions like colon | | | | Prevention of abdominal pain - |
| cancer or appendicitis in its early stage, | | | | |
| there may be a mild pain or no pain at all. | | | | These simple yet effective measures can be |
| | | | taken to keep abdominal cramps at bay - |
| What causes abdominal cramp? | | | | |
| | | | 1. Consuming well balanced and high fiber |
| Some causes are not very serious like painful | | | | diet and plenty of fruits and vegetables. |
| menstruation, gastritis (inflammation in the | | | | |
| lining of the stomach), mild food poisoning, | | | | 2. Consuming sufficient quantities of water. |
| mild diarrhea, stress related | | | | |
| gastrointestinal upset. Other causes like | | | | 3. Eating small amount of foods at regular |
| appendicitis, serious food poisoning, gall | | | | intervals. |
| bladder attacks, ulcerative colitis and | | | | |
| parasitic infections can be serious. | | | | 4. Avoiding foods causing gas. |
| | | | |
| Home remedies for abdominal cramps - | | | | 5. Maintaining regular exercise regimen. |