stomach health

Stomach Cramps - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Stomach cramps manifest with a pain similar to a vice that tightens the upper part of the abdomen. This symptom appears suddenly for a few minutes, then disappears and then reappears eventually after a few moments.

The most frequent causes are nervous tension, stress and anxiety. In fact, these situations cause an involuntary contraction of the smooth muscles of the stomach, which is manifested by loss of appetite and digestive difficulties.

On other occasions, stomach cramps are the result of excessive ingestion of coffee or alcoholic beverages. Also the intake of certain drugs (NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen) predisposes to such manifestation.

If stomach cramps occur with a certain frequency they could indicate the presence of pathology of the digestive system, such as gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux.

A cramping pain can also depend on dyspepsia and congestion. Other causes are food poisoning and other infectious diseases, such as gastroenteritis.

Possible Causes * of Stomach Cramps

  • Food Allergy
  • Anxiety
  • Gall bladder stones
  • Celiac disease
  • Digestive congestion
  • Gastritis
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Indigestion
  • Food intolerance
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Pyloric stenosis
  • Gastric ulcer