Stomach Cramps
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Stomach
Health Discussion Forum
What is a "stomach cramp?"
When someone says they have a "stomach cramp," they're
usually talking about one of two things
- Pain in the muscles in the abdominal area, often
occurring during or after vigorous exercise, or
- Menstrual pain
A stomach cramp from menstrual pain are more common, so
let's cover that topic first.
"Dysmenorrhea," the medical term for menstrual cramps. If
you're a woman, you know all about them: sometimes dull,
sometimes dull or throbbing pains in the lower
abdomen.
Menstrual cramps are classified in two major categories:
- primary dysmenorrhea doesn't involve any type of
physical abnormality. It generally begins six months to a
year after a woman begins to menstruate.
- secondary dysmenorrhea involves an underlying physical
problem. It could be endometriosis or uterine
fibroids.
If you have primary dysmenorrhea, there are some generally
accepted and safe ways to ease the discomfort. Over-the-counter
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin
and tablets or capsules containing ibuprofen or naproxen.
For severe cramps, your doctor might prescribe low-dose oral
contraceptives.
For secondary dysmenorrhea, managing your cramps involves
treating the underlying cause. Your doctor may suggest
antibiotics if there's an infection, or surgery to remove
fibroids or polyps or to treat endometriosis.
Muscle cramps in the abdominal region
Stomach usually occur because 1) you're stressed in some
way, or 2) you go out and exercise after eating a big
meal. That's why your mother always told you never to go
swimming for a half hour, an hour, or two hours (depending on
the mother's beliefs) after eating.
If you've overindulged at the dinner table but your friends
talk you into a game of touch football that triggers cramps,
your best bet is typical over-the-counter medications.
Pepto-Bismol generally helps. Antacids and sodium bicarbonates
like Alka-Seltzer may also provide some relief.
Stomach cramps from stress is another story. Obviously,
you'll want to avoid stressful situations, which is obviously
easier to say than to do. In cases where stress is
involved, it's best to talk to your doctor.
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