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