How to cure stomach cramps. Stomach cramps: signs, causes and treatment. Ways to eliminate stomach cramps

Severe pain of a compressive nature, which is localized in the area (left or center), is medically called a spasm in the stomach. This pathological condition is not a separate/independent disease, but is recognized as a symptom of many diseases that can pose a danger to human health and life.

Table of contents:

Causes of stomach cramps

In medicine, the symptom in question is conventionally divided into organic and functional.

Organic type of stomach cramps

They may be evidence of the progression of acute and chronic organ diseases digestive system:

  • gastroduodenitis;
  • erosive or mucous membranes of the stomach and/or duodenum.

Note: Often intestinal and pancreatic colic is perceived by the patient as a stomach spasm.

Functional stomach cramps

This type of symptom under consideration develops against the background of the absence of the above pathologies of the digestive system. In this case, doctors allocate following reasons the appearance of stomach cramps:

  • use of certain medications;
  • frequent and;
  • (there are so-called nerve pain in the stomach);
  • for certain food products;
  • unhealthy/unhealthy diet;
  • drinking coffee and strong tea in large quantities;

Manifestations of stomach cramps

B Some characterize the symptom in question as follows:

  • “in the pit of the stomach” dull pain;
  • if you take a bent position, it becomes much easier;
  • there are urges to.

Differentiation of spasms

Stomach cramps are characteristic of the following pathological conditions:

  1. Spicy. At the beginning of the development of pathology, the pain is localized specifically in the epigastric region, a little later it moves to right side abdomen (rarely to the left), there may be vomiting no more than 2 times in a row, the patient’s general condition is impaired.
  2. Spicy. Most often in this case, a spasm in the stomach develops after consuming spicy food, acids or alkalis (this can also happen accidentally). Stomach spasm on background acute gastritis always accompanied by vomiting, which does not bring relief.
  3. . Except severe pain in area anatomical location stomach, the patient has the urge to defecate, after which it becomes much easier. The general condition of a person with such cramps in the stomach does not suffer, he remains active.
  4. . In this case, the stomach spasm will be mild, the patient feels within normal limits, but his stool will be mucous, it is noted constant bloating belly.
  5. . The symptom in question will be localized more in the lower abdomen, necessarily accompanied by the urge to defecate, and the patient himself discovers mucus and blood in the stool.

Stomach spasm is also characteristic of biliary colic, which develops after eating fatty or fried foods. Spasms in in this case will be localized in the area of ​​the right hypochondrium, accompanied by bitterness in the mouth, vomiting, and the body temperature may slightly increase (to subfebrile temperatures).


If there is too intense spasm in the stomach, this may indicate the development of acute or pancreatic colic, which appears after eating spicy food or alcoholic drinks
. In this case, the pain is very severe, can radiate to the back or shoulder blade, and is accompanied by vomiting and nausea. If stomach cramps are associated with the development acute pancreatitis, then you need to measure your body temperature - its increase is characteristic symptom for this pathological condition, but with pancreatic colic the body temperature remains within normal limits.

If a spasm in the stomach appears immediately after eating food, then this will be a characteristic sign. Such spasms are very painful, go away on their own after a certain time and do not depend in any way on the act of defecation.

Stomach cramps may be combined with diarrhea, in which case this may indicate:

  • irritable bowel syndrome;
  • intestinal infection or (stool becomes slimy with greens and/or streaks of blood);
  • acute pancreatitis.

Note:stomach spasms can also occur during nervous soil, which develops after suffering some exciting or unpleasant event. Of course, the nervous symptom in question appears only in extremely suspicious and emotional people. Such an attack due to nervousness can last several hours, and the person’s appetite completely disappears. .

Stomach cramps in pregnant women

The symptom in question during the period of bearing a child in a woman is actually not uncommon. The causes of spasms in the stomach in this category of patients will be as follows::

  1. Pressure on the stomach due to the growing uterus. This happens on recent months pregnancy, stomach cramps will be accompanied and always occur after eating.
  2. Level up. For this reason, stomach cramps may appear only at the very beginning of pregnancy, when hormonal system just getting ready to work hard. Progesterone, produced in large quantities at the beginning of pregnancy, affects not only the uterus, but also the gastric mucosa, which provokes the appearance of the symptom in question.
  3. on early pregnancy. In this case, a spasm in the stomach will always be associated with food intake, or be a reaction to forced fasting expectant mother– pregnant women with toxicosis consciously refuse to eat to avoid nausea and vomiting.

Note:spasms in the stomach should not be confused with contraction of the uterine muscles, which provoke the appearance. Such spasms are a sign or premature birth, which requires immediate medical attention.

During pregnancy, a woman can develop all of these dangerous conditions which are described above - gastritis, intestinal colic, ulcerative changes in the gastric/duodenal mucosa and so on.

Causes of stomach cramps in a child

If the symptom in question occurs in a child under one year of age, it may indicate the following: pathological conditions:

  1. Enzyme deficiency. It is located in the intestines and takes an active part in the breakdown of milk and unadapted milk formulas. Parents can pay attention not only to severe crying and restlessness of the baby, but also to poor weight gain.
  2. . This pathology develops after consumption by a child or nursing mother. antibacterial drugs(). This condition will be characterized by stomach cramps, bloating, stool variability (from to constipation), and the presence of mucus and/or blood in the baby’s stool.
  3. Pylorospasm or pyloric stenosis. This disease develops in infants aged one and a half to three months; it is characterized by vomiting and signs, since food and liquid either do not enter the intestines at all or enter in too small quantities.

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Note:If a spasm in the stomach bothers a child under the age of one year, then he will cry and scream, press his legs to his stomach, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to calm him down quickly.

Older children may experience stomach spasms under the same pathological conditions as adults (they are listed above), and against the background.

How are diseases accompanied by stomach spasms diagnosed?

Doctors insist that if stomach cramps occur, a person should seek qualified medical advice. medical care. Only a specialist in an outpatient setting can determine the real reason the state under consideration. And as part of the diagnosis, the following can be carried out:

  • ultrasonic;
  • bacteriological examination of stool;

Treatment of stomach cramps

So, a person has a spasm in the stomach, the pain in this case is always quite intense and forces one to take some measures to alleviate the condition. What do most patients do? That's right - they are trying to find a solution to the problem on the Internet. Remember! Under no circumstances should you use any advice, much less pay attention to miracles. traditional medicine if stomach spasm is accompanied by at least one of the following symptoms:

  1. The pain appeared after a strong, some powerful emotional outburst. If the spasm in the stomach disappears after a few hours, the pain does not recur, and the person’s general condition remains unchanged.
  2. If a spasm in the stomach is a consequence of a diet violation, and after normalizing the diet, the condition is completely restored.
  3. The pain was short-lived and was not accompanied by vomiting or general violation well-being.

If no dangerous symptoms was not detected against the background of a spasm in the stomach, then to alleviate the condition you can act according to the following algorithm:

  1. Calculate the pulse (should be 100 beats per minute at the peak of the attack of pain), measure arterial pressure(should not be higher than 140/90 and not lower than 100/60), measure body temperature (should not be higher than 37.3 degrees). If there are any deviations from the indicated indicators, you should immediately call a doctor.
  2. If all indicators are normal, then the patient should take a lying position and apply a warm heating pad to the stomach.
  3. You are allowed to take an antispasmodic tablet or use rectal suppositories with a similar therapeutic effect. But such medications are only allowed if normal indicators blood pressure.
  4. If the patient was previously diagnosed and the doctor has already prescribed treatment, then you can take a drug from this list.

Note:Under no circumstances should you cleanse your intestines or take any painkillers.

If the patient is not allergic to herbs and plants, there are no diseases of cardio-vascular system, kidneys and liver, then you can relieve his condition with a spasm in the stomach using folk remedies:

  • Pour 2 teaspoons of dry and crushed leaves with a glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Then the infusion is diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio and drunk throughout the day. in small portions;
  • mix nettle, St. John's wort and meadowsweet in an amount of 2 tablespoons each and pour 1.5 liters of boiling water. The product is infused for 60 minutes, then filtered and consumed immediately in an amount of 200-250 ml. The rest of the infusion should be drunk during the day in several doses.

After the spasm in the stomach disappears, doctors recommend sticking to a diet for a while - this will reduce the load on the stomach, it will calmly recover and begin to work as usual. The diet involves the exclusion of alcoholic beverages, fried/smoked/spicy/sour/pickled foods.

Stomach spasm is a symptom that may indicate dangerous pathologies, and about minor violations health. In any case, to prevent the development of complications, you should undergo examination and consult a gastroenterologist.

Konev Alexander, therapist

The presence of a spasm in the stomach indicates various malfunctions occurring in the digestive organ. As a rule, this pathology occurs against the background of periodic contractions gastric muscles, provoking painful sensations. The duration of the attack can range from several minutes to two to three hours. Except painful syndrome, contractions of a spastic nature can cause disruption in motor skills, as well as gastrointestinal secretion, which affects the functioning of everything digestive tract. Considering the ICD 10 code, spasms can be classified into categories such as: R 10.0 – acute stomach, R 10.1 – availability pain in the epigastric region, R 10.4 – all kinds of pain and colic in children. To get started correct treatment, you need to seek medical help, undergo an examination and determine the cause of the pain.

When found stomach cramps the cause of their origin should be found out. Taking into account provoking factors, the doctor may prescribe symptomatic drugs to relieve pain and discomfort. Therapy should be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician.

Various factors can provoke such spastic contractions. Stomach cramps occur due to a neurological or digestive disorder. You should not start treatment on your own. See your doctor and get checked full examination. Get tested if necessary.

Frequent stomach cramps, cramps and diarrhea are a consequence of the following provoking factors:

  • alcohol, food poisoning;
  • frequent, long-term stressful situations;
  • constant intake of coarse, spicy or fatty foods;
  • poor nutrition, hypothermia;
  • smoking, especially on an empty stomach;
  • coffee on an empty stomach or in large quantities;
  • use of certain medications;
  • occupational intoxication.

Spasm of the pylorus of the stomach occurs in people with unstable emotional background with a predisposition to depression. Most often, the stomach begins to ache after stress or when vegetative-vascular dystonia. Stomach cramps after eating may occur due to illness gastrointestinal tract: duodenitis, ulcer, gastritis.

Pathogenesis and symptoms

Gastrospasm is a disorder motor function stomach, manifested by pain. Severe abdominal cramps appear against the background of a decrease in the threshold point of excitability of the nervous visceral system, accompanied by tone vagus nerve. Functional intense spasm in the stomach occurs most often in people aged 20 to 35 years, which is explained by non-compliance with the principles of proper nutrition.

There are 3 main stages of pathology: partial, total and limited contraction.

Total contraction occurs due to pathologies nervous system or gastrointestinal tract. Partial contraction is a reflex phenomenon and involves a large area of ​​the stomach. Limited reduction occurs due to bad habits or occupational intoxication.

A characteristic symptom of gastrological spasm is acute and increasing pain. Basically, discomfort occurs in the epigastric region, and malaise manifests itself. In some cases similar condition accompanied by vomiting, nausea, intense pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, apathy, weakness, nervousness and colic. Additional manifestations of this disease is chills and flatulence.

It is important to understand that gastrospasm occurs differently in patients. Symptoms and the nature of manifestations depend on the causes of the pathology, as well as the characteristics of the body. For this reason, the therapeutic course is prescribed by a gastroenterologist on an individual basis. This takes into account the patient’s sensitivity to drugs, the intensity of sensations, the duration of the disease and other factors.

Gastrospasm during pregnancy

Before taking symptomatic medications, it is necessary to determine the cause of the ailment. During pregnancy, cramps may accompany various pathologies- from ordinary indigestion to gynecological complications. Disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract are observed in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. This is due to the fact that the uterus increases in size and puts pressure on the internal organs. In the first trimester, such sensations occur due to the restructuring of body systems.

Frequent companions of pregnant women are flatulence, constipation, heartburn, discomfort in the lower abdomen, decreased gastrointestinal tone and spasms. When the organs of the gastrointestinal tract are displaced, full motility and peristalsis are impaired, resulting in stagnation and subsequent fermentation of food masses. Fermentation and active bloating begin.

How to relieve stomach spasms during pregnancy to alleviate the condition? During this period, the use of many medications is contraindicated, which significantly complicates treatment. It is prohibited to take any medications without consulting a doctor. The medication taken can harm both the health of the expectant mother and the child.

As a rule, gastroenterologists prescribe diet therapy to pregnant women, which in most cases helps to quickly relieve unpleasant symptoms. It is necessary to avoid overeating, consume more fermented milk products And plant food. It is important that the intestines are emptied on time. This prevents stagnation feces V lower section Gastrointestinal tract. During pregnancy, during cramps, it is forbidden to take laxatives, as they contribute to the development of uterine hypertonicity.

Specifics of spasms in babies

Newborn babies often suffer from abdominal pain. Spasms can affect the intestines and stomach at the same time. Similar sensations arise from various reasons. One of the most common precipitating factors is maternal nutrition. At breastfeeding It is very important that a woman follows a strict diet. When consuming low-quality food or products that provoke increased gas formation, spasms can be observed not only in the mother, but also in the child.

Infant transferred tounadaptedformula milk, may experience colic at first.This is due to a lack of an enzyme such as lactase, which affects the process of breaking down food. As a result, the baby does not gain weight well, gases begin to accumulate in the stomach, and diarrhea predominates. After feeding, bloating occurs immediately.

If during the first three months of life a newborn has pain in the abdominal area, most likely he has pyloric stenosis. This pathology is a one-time, constant formation of spasms in the sphincter located between duodenum and stomach. Clinical picture: regurgitation, dehydration, vomiting, anxiety, poor sleep.

To relax smooth muscles in newborns, doctors prescribe: Bobotik, Espumisan, Plantex, Sub Simplex and dill water. Anise, dill and fennel oil help a lot, as well as antispasmodics containing peppermint. Some pediatricians recommend taking the M-anticholinergic drug Prifinia Bromide. No-Shpu is recommended to be taken from the age of one year.

Features of treatment for adults

The examination includes following procedures: radiography, ultrasonography, gastroscopy, endoscopy. As already noted, the method and course of treatment should be selected individually by a gastroenterologist, taking into account the age, weight and condition of the patient, as well as the causes of the pathology.

First of all, the gastroenterologist will prescribe you a therapeutic diet that prohibits the consumption of products such as:

  • cocoa, coffee and strong tea;
  • soda, kvass, alcoholic drinks;
  • fried, fatty, salty and smoked foods;
  • baked goods, fresh baked goods;
  • too cold, hot food;
  • spices, marinades, herbs;
  • sausage, sausages.

The need for medications is determined based on the diagnosis. The following antispasmodics are prescribed: Baralgin, No-Shpa, Papaverine, Akabel, Datiscan, Gangleron.

Four generations of probiotics help well:

  • first: Bifidumbacterin, Colibacterin;
  • second: Sporobacterin and Baktisubtil;
  • third generation: Acipol, Linex, Acilact, Bifiform;
  • fourth: Florin, Probifor.

In some cases, antimicrobial agents are required: Levofloxacin, Erythromycin, Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, and Clarithromycin.

If you notice any unpleasant symptoms, visit a gastroenterologist. Don't delay treatment. IN otherwise complications may develop. Timely treatment– the key to a quick and successful recovery.

When the stomach hurts with cramps, this is a signal that a malfunction has occurred digestive organ. Contractions of the smooth gastric muscles are repeated at intervals from three minutes to several hours. In addition to pain, a disorder in the secretion of the gastrointestinal tract occurs. How does this happen and for what reasons? Let's talk about this in this article.

Stomach hurts with cramps: why?

The main reasons for abbreviations are:

  • stressful situations for a long time;
  • poisoning with any product;
  • for example, during a long walk;
  • non-compliance with the diet: skipping dinner or lunch, eating large amounts of food in one sitting;
  • bad habits: smoking on an empty stomach;
  • individual intolerance to certain products;
  • drinking strong coffee in large quantities;
  • taking certain medications;
  • eating spicy food;
  • the result of exposure to certain chemicals.

As a rule, stomach cramps hurt people who are emotionally unstable, and those who are prone in most cases to depressive state. The main factor that provokes contractions is vegetative-vascular dystonia.

If a person is sick, for example, with an ulcer or gastritis, then this also causes contractions of the smooth gastric muscles.

Stomach cramps: what to do? Causes and symptoms of periodic pain

The main sign of muscle contraction is rapidly developing pain in the upper abdomen, and the person’s general condition worsens. Spasmodic contractions may also be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and weakness. At severe cramps and pain in a person, as a rule, takes a bent position. Thus, there is a decrease discomfort.

Other signs include increased gas production and tense abdominal muscles.

Gastric spasm can occur differently in each person. Symptoms depend on the causes of the disease.

Usually, most people suffering from this disease have a question: what to do with stomach cramps? First you need to figure out why and why this happened.

Characteristics of some stomach diseases

Contractions of the smooth muscles of the stomach after eating are less frequent than on an empty stomach. When this does happen, you can suspect the presence of diseases such as ulcers or pancreatitis.

When first diagnosed, the pain after eating lasts about an hour, but in a hungry state it does not exist.

People who are prone to frequent stressful situations suffer from contraction of the pylorus of the stomach. Unpleasant sensations and even vomiting can last about 30 minutes.

Pancreatitis is characterized by a pain that radiates to the liver after eating.

When your stomach hurts with cramps and diarrhea, here we're talking about about irritable bowel symptoms. Unpleasant sensations appear within an hour after eating. TO characteristic features include increased gas formation and stool upset. The pain disappears when the person has a bowel movement.

Acute poisoning is characterized by fever and discomfort in the stomach. If you eat a spoiled product, people experience stomach cramps, headaches, and abnormal bowel movements. At infectious disease Maybe intestinal bleeding. There are usually streaks of blood in the stool. In this case it is necessary urgent appeal to a specialist and, if necessary, hospitalization.

With inflammation of the gallbladder, there is pain in the right hypochondrium and nausea. The stomach hurts with cramps and attacks after eating a large amount of sweets or spicy, smoked foods.

Periodic attacks in the stomach and sour belching indicate the process inflammatory in nature duodenum. The disease is characterized by temporary attenuation, and then exacerbation again. Unpleasant sensations occur in the navel area.

What is a nerve spasm?

It occurs in people who are constantly surrounded by stressful situations. The stomach hurts with cramps, as a rule, when it occurs emotional reboot or experience. For example, this can happen after protection thesis or after an important concert. In addition to pain, there may be secondary signs, such as stool upset or intense gas formation.

A unique treatment and answer to the question: “Stomach hurts with cramps - what to do?” - will be: “Accept sedative" Also, bowel movements will help at this moment.

Why does pregnant women have stomach pain?

As a rule, during the period when a girl is pregnant, she often has difficulties with the digestive system. Mostly these problems occur in the second and third trimester. This circumstance is explained by the fact that the growing uterus puts pressure on the digestive organs, thereby causing pregnant girls to experience stomach pain with cramps and attacks.

One of the most common troubles that befalls pregnant women is flatulence and heartburn.

An increase not only in the weight of the fetus, but also in size leads to a displacement of the digestive organs, which provokes constipation. In addition, all this is accompanied by bloating.

In this situation, experts advise following a diet and diet, and not consuming too much a large number of eating in one sitting, drinking more fermented milk drinks. Taking medications such as laxatives is not recommended. Because their use can lead to hypertension. This phenomenon is considered unfavorable for the fetus.

What complications can there be?

Typically, spasms do not always indicate the presence of a disease. In order to be more sure that there are no pathologies, you should still conduct an examination of the body.

If everything hurts during a stomach spasm, but no treatment is taken, then it is possible severe consequences. Therefore, unpleasant sensations cannot be ignored.

People who have stomach cramps need to protect themselves from diseases such as cancer and gastric erosion, duodenal ulcer.

When a person has problems with the digestive system, weight begins to decrease or increase, hair falls out, and the condition of nails deteriorates.

Complications affect not only older people, but also the younger generation, who often do not follow the correct diet. To prevent these diseases from befalling you, you should lead a healthy lifestyle and be less likely to be in stressful situations. Visiting a specialist in right time is a guarantee that the consequences of stomach cramps will not be so dire.

How is diagnosis carried out?

When the stomach hurts with cramps and diarrhea, the gastroenterologist in most cases begins diagnosis with palpation. In this case, the specialist identifies the disease and prescribes appropriate treatment.

More than half of the paroxysmal pain in the area is this way. Other examination methods are necessary when a person has other diseases of the digestive system. In this case, resort to using special devices, instruments and analyses.

What's happened

It includes ultrasound examination abdominal area, endoscopy and x-rays. Of course, you don't need to go through them all. The specialist himself determines what to prescribe.

Usually prescribed endoscopic method, since it is considered the most reliable and useful. During this procedure, the patient swallows a special tube that has a light and a camera. With the help of endoscopy, you can see not only the internal digestive organs, but also take tissue analysis.

Why are tests prescribed for spasms?

As with other diseases, people who suffer from stomach pain experience general analysis blood. It is this that allows one to recognize the presence inflammatory process in organism. As a rule, if it is present, the number of leukocytes will be increased. A general urine test is also prescribed. It can also be used to determine the presence of inflammation.

In addition, a gastroenterologist can prescribe a test to take gastric juice. From it you can see the acidity indicator of the digestive organ. The results will provide an explanation for the patient’s periodic attacks.

How does the treatment work?

A prerequisite for eliminating pain in the stomach is to follow the diet prescribed by a specialist.

Of course, you should never eat fried, spicy or salty food. In addition, you should not drink coffee or carbonated drinks. This diet should be followed not only until the symptoms disappear, but also for a month afterwards.

Medicines are prescribed by a gastroenterologist. Any medications should be taken depending on the diagnosis made by the specialist.

To relieve discomfort in the stomach, it is prescribed antispasmodics like "No-shpa" and "Baralgin". The doctor must determine which medicine should be used. Also, you should not get carried away with taking these medications on your own. Remember that they only eliminate pain, but do not get rid of its cause.

If bacteria are found in the stomach, then, accordingly, they are prescribed antimicrobials and antibiotics.

Along with these medications, the doctor prescribes probiotics. They are prescribed to restore intestinal microflora. If you do not take them, there may be dysbacteriosis, which is very difficult to treat.

Homeopathic medicines in modern medicine They don't quite trust it. But if you are sure that they help, then you can also use them.

What does prevention include?

Activities of this nature include giving up drinking alcohol and smoking. In addition, it is necessary to comply correct mode nutrition. You should not consume spicy and smoked foods in large quantities.

You should not subject yourself to all kinds of weight loss diets, which also cause some harm to humans. No need to starve. Your body needs energy. But you shouldn't overeat either. This is also not good. You should eat in small portions and several times a day. Prepare a saucer for yourself. This is what you eat from. Then you will not experience any discomfort. You need to eat on time. Breakfast, lunch and dinner - at strictly defined hours.

When eating food, chew it thoroughly. In this case, there will be no load on the digestive organs. It is strictly not recommended to eat on the go.

Pain in the stomach with attacks can be treated, but this process is very long-term. Spasms can lead to complications. All this suggests that you need to be more careful with your body. Don't forget to take care of your health. Prevention is one of the best ways protect a person from diseases of the digestive system. So don't worry and, of course, don't forget to eat healthy food. Don't get sick and be healthy!

How an organ plays a huge role in life human body. Along with the heart, it can be called a kind of engine - by processing food, it provides energy support to the entire body, giving it strength to function.

But, like any organ, the stomach is susceptible various diseases or simply temporary functional disorders. One such disorder is colic.

Stomach colic occurs due to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

They are not a disease as such. They only indicate a malfunction individual organs the gastrointestinal tract or the mechanism of digestive processes itself.

Colic cannot be identified as separate symptom, but as a complex of conditions that can manifest themselves individually and in various combinations.

The colic itself is spasmodic in nature. They represent sharp contractions of the stomach muscles, which are accompanied by strong, general weakness.

Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The pain is usually so severe that the person involuntarily assumes the “fetal” position, pulling his knees to his stomach and clasping his stomach with his hands.

Stomach colic can last for varying periods of time. In one case, spasms are possible for several minutes, in another, this condition may not go away for several hours. The pain can be of various types:

  1. periodic (paroxysmal) – between the moments of the onset of pain there are states of rest;
  2. cramping;
  3. cutting;

The level of pain may also vary:

  • mild pain;
  • moderate;
  • strongly expressed.

Typically, stomach colic is accompanied by pronounced, disturbing pain. In this case, most likely, some kind of functional problem is taking place. If the pain is weak and aching, it, on the contrary, may indicate serious damage to one or more organs.

With colic in the stomach, pain can be felt not only in its area. It can radiate to other organs and parts of the body, that is, it will seem that it is not the stomach that hurts, but, for example, the lower back. Reverse irradiation is also possible.

This makes determining the cause of colic much more difficult. In addition, when functional disorder Gastrointestinal tract does not occur any physical changes or mechanical damage tissues and organs of the system, which also increases the difficulty of determining the causes of spasms.

Why do stomach cramps occur?

Poor nutrition can cause abdominal cramps.

All causes of stomach cramps can be divided into two large groups depending on the nature of the origin of colic.

Functional spasms are explained by a disorder of metabolic processes and the activity of the nervous system. Hence, among the factors causing colic, we can distinguish:

  • poor nutrition (unbalanced diet, insufficient fluid intake, eating habits– talking while eating, snacking on the go, skipping mandatory meals, overeating);
  • frequent stressful situations;
  • bad habits: consumption of alcohol and drugs, smoking;
  • taking certain medications;
  • chemical intoxication (work in hazardous industrial conditions, disturbed ecology of the environment);
  • poisoning of various etiologies(food, alcohol);
  • mechanical impact (consequences of operations on the gastrointestinal tract);
  • consequence of previous diseases;
  • climate change and eating exotic foods;
  • hypothermia.

Stomach colic of organic origin is provoked by damage to the gastrointestinal tract:

  1. erosion processes;
  2. ulcerative inflammation.

Depending on the sources of colic, the treatment program prescribed by a specialist will depend.

First aid

If colic is detected in the abdomen, you must contact a medical facility.

At the first attack you must take comfortable position, relieve the pressure with items of clothing on the abdominal area, you can drink a pain reliever. Recommendations include taking a warm bath and drinking warm drinks.

If the attack does not go away or recurs, you must call a doctor. In any case, after an attack of colic, even a single one, it is necessary to consult a specialist to find out the causes of spasms and determine further actions– what and how to treat.

Doctors do not recommend taking any action before their arrival, since by eliminating the symptoms, you can complicate the process of finding out the causes of their occurrence, just as they warn against the use of painkillers and thermal procedures. In this case, it is better to apply a cold compress.

In order to determine the necessary therapeutic procedures, it is necessary to carry out a minimum diagnosis, which is done in any medical institution.

Diagnosis of the disease

A blood test will help determine the cause of abdominal colic.

When admitting a patient with complaints of colic, first of all, the gastroenterologist collects and analyzes the medical history and life history of the patient himself, as well as the life history of his family. To do this, the doctor may ask the following questions:

  • Duration and nature of pain.
  • Having problems with bowel movements (constipation, bleeding).
  • The occurrence of vomiting and increased body temperature.
  • The fact of taking painkillers and the positive effect of taking them.
  • The patient's lifestyle and eating habits.
  • Past and present presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the patient and his family members.
  • Next, if this initial appointment, the doctor examines the patient, performs percussion (palpation and tapping) of the abdominal area and, especially carefully, epigastric region(front section abdominal wall, corresponding to the projection of the stomach onto this wall).

Then the patient is sent for delivery laboratory tests. You may need:

  1. general and urine;
  2. blood chemistry;
  3. stool occult blood test;
  4. ordinary - coprogram.

To clarify the picture of the disease, the patient undergoes the necessary instrumental diagnostic procedures:

  1. allows you to assess the general condition of organs.
  2. X-ray examination does not show accurate representation about the condition of tissues and organs abdominal cavity, but allows you to see the presence and distribution of gases and liquids in the image. Based on this information, some conclusions can be drawn about the pathologies occurring in the area of ​​the patient’s body being studied.
  3. - the most accurate and informative way instrumental diagnostics. On a computed tomogram, the image of organs is visualized in a three-dimensional projection. Images of individual organs do not overlap each other, unlike x-ray. Each organ is visible in cross-section, you can evaluate its shape, size, and condition of the tissues. CT scan allows you to determine the presence foreign bodies in the part of the body being examined, pathological changes cells and tissues of organs.

Based on the data obtained during the examination of the patient, his attending physician draws up a treatment program. It should be remembered that therapeutic procedures (including maintenance therapy) can last for quite a long time.

In this case, you need to periodically visit your treating specialist so that he can assess the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy and, if necessary, adjust the treatment.

General principles of treatment and preventive measures

No-shpa - to eliminate colic.

If, during the examination of the patient, diseases of the abdominal organs are revealed, then their treatment is carried out first.

Colic, as an accompanying symptom, may go away on its own. It is possible to prescribe painkillers to alleviate the patient's condition.

If the etiology stomach colic has not been clarified or it has been established that their cause is functional impairment activity of the gastrointestinal tract, prescribed complex therapy. This does not include a therapeutic diet, lifestyle modification if necessary, and drug treatment.

The diet includes avoiding heavy foods, products, causing flatulence and: complex dishes, smoked meats, pickles, spices, animal fats, legumes, cabbage, sweet fruits, strong tea and coffee, carbonated drinks.

Dishes need to be steamed, boiled or stewed. Food is consumed in small portions, divided into 5-6 meals. It is advisable to adhere to a certain regime - eat at approximately the same time. Dishes are eaten warm. Food must be chewed thoroughly.

You need to drink a sufficient amount of liquid per day (up to 2 liters), mainly - clean water. The lifestyle should be quite active. It is recommended to take frequent walks fresh air, do simple physical exercise. Drug therapy covers several areas:

  • Relief of pain (antispasmodics - Drotaverine).
  • Relieving tension (antidepressants - Amitriptyline).
  • Stimulation of digestion (prokinetics - Domperidone).
  • Normalization of secretion (H2-antihistamines - famotidine).

As aids you can take decoctions from medicinal plants. Calamus root, chamomile flowers and angelica herb are mixed in equal proportions. 3 tbsp. l. The mixture is poured with boiling water, brought to a boil, cooled and filtered. Drink half a glass of the decoction before.

Another option: chamomile flowers, valerian root and knotweed root in a ratio of 3:4:4 are mixed, poured with boiling water at the rate of 1 tbsp. l. mixture in a glass of water and infused in a thermos for 6 hours. Drink a glass of the infusion before meals 2 times a day. Therapeutic effect Lavender, oregano, and motherwort also have properties. They are brewed with boiling water and taken before meals several times a day.

To prevent stomach colic, it is recommended to simply lead a healthy lifestyle: give up bad habits, move more, eat properly and nutritiously, and avoid stressful situations.

Knowing the symptoms of stomach colic and the principles of first aid, a person faced with this situation will not be confused and will do everything possible to alleviate the condition. It is important to remember that in any case, consultation with a specialist is necessary, even if you did not call an ambulance.

This video will tell you about abdominal colic:


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Stomach spasm or gastrospasm is movement disorder an organ based on a reduced level of excitability of the autonomic nervous system and increased tone of the vagus nerve. During a spasm, an involuntary contraction of smooth muscles occurs, causing severe dull pain.

Classification and etiology of gastrospasms

Organic spasms are characteristic of young adults with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolism or nervous system. Gastrospasms with organic etiology in infants are more serious in nature, as they are the result of abnormalities in the development of the nervous system and dysfunction of muscle tissue. A child with pylorospasm (spasm of the pylorus) should receive immediate medical attention.

Functional spasms are not pronounced expressed reason occurrence. They are usually observed against the background of endocrine or nervous diseases. Their development can be facilitated by:

  • bad human habits (smoking, alcohol abuse);
  • taking medications;
  • unhealthy diet, especially fasting diets;
  • food poisoning;
  • hypothermia;
  • mechanical injuries of the stomach;
  • sudden climate change;
  • stress.

Symptoms of gastrospasms

Symptoms of stomach cramps:

  • dull pain in the stomach;
  • heaviness and discomfort;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • heartburn.

Painful symptoms may affect the chest and back areas. Symptoms of pylorospasm are complemented by delayed gastric emptying and impaired peristalsis. In rare cases, gastrospasm causes fainting and cold extremities.

Diagnostics

During a spasm, deformation of the entire organ or just one part of it occurs. It looks like wall retraction or circular narrowing. Conical deformation occurs with spasm of the antrum and indicates a prepyloric ulcer.

In order to exclude organic reasons deformations, use pharmacoradiography. When a solution of atropine, dibazole or metacin is administered subcutaneously, the spasms stop, which indicates functional impairment.

To check the tone of the organ, use a suspension of barium sulfate. Normally, barium is excreted within 2 hours. At increased tone it is evacuated faster, and when it is reduced, it is retained in the body. If barium is not excreted within 4 hours, suspicion arises of pyloric stenosis, including tumor etiology.

Electrogastrography allows you to determine the state of gastric motility. Pylorospasm, gastroesophageal reflux, hypotension, and organ prolapse can be detected by fluoroscopy. To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to do a gastroscopy, during which even a small entry of air into the stomach causes strong contractions of the organ. Endoscopic examination in some cases it shows thickening of the mucosa without macroscopic changes.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization is necessary if the patient suffers from severe pain symptoms. In this case, urgent diagnostic studies to find out the reason for their appearance.

In order to correctly decide , how to relieve stomach spasms, you need to consider which symptoms prevail and what their causes are.

Painful symptoms are relieved by taking antispasmodic drugs - “No-Shpa”, “Spazmalgon” or “Almagel”.

Treatment of spasms due to motor dysfunction stomach requires the use of drugs prescribed for hyperkinesia, namely M-anticholinergics.

If symptoms are caused by gastrointestinal diseases discovered during diagnosis (ulcers or gastritis), it is necessary to reduce the acidity of gastric juice using inhibitors proton pump. In the presence of bacterial cause gastrointestinal diseases ( peptic ulcer), treatment is carried out with eradication therapy, which includes antibiotics in combination with a proton pump inhibitor drug (Omeprazole, Pantoprazole or Lansoprazole).

With the development of hyperkinesia due to emotional state the patient, his nervousness and increased susceptibility to stress, are prescribed antidepressants, for example amitriptyline.

If there is a sudden spasm, you can use a warm heating pad and place it on the painful area of ​​the abdomen. Treatment acute attack consists of drinking warm, weak tea, which is drunk slowly and in small sips, activated carbon(5-10 g), antispasmodics and light massage belly.

Diet for gastrospasms

A person must stop smoking and drinking alcohol. It should also be excluded from the diet strong tea and coffee. Food and drinks should be warm; hot and cold irritate the gastric mucosa. Meals are fractional - 7-8 meals per day with thorough chewing and small portions.

Elimination diet fresh bread, rough food, hot spices, animal fats and fried foods should be observed for another 3 months from the date of improvement general condition patient. But following a gentle diet throughout the rest of your life guarantees a reduction in the risk of relapses of both gastrointestinal diseases and spasms.

Treatment for stomach spasms has favorable prognosis and absence of relapses only with management healthy image life, diet and proper rest.