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