Abdominal cramps: reasons in women what to do with abdominal pain

Cramping pains are among the most debilitating and unpleasant. They can be mild in intensity, but long in time, or sharp, cramping. In any case, the woman experiences severe discomfort, which makes it difficult to concentrate on doing work or daily activities. There are more than a dozen causes of abdominal cramps, especially in the lower part of it, some of them require urgent medical attention. Uncertainty and fear of consequences is an additional reason for panic and worries. So, stomach cramps: causes in women is the topic of today's article.

What are spasms and how do they occur?

Spasms are muscle contractions that occur involuntarily and are accompanied by pain. With a spasm, there is an increased muscle tone, a rush of blood to them. Excitation of nerve endings in the area of ​​the spasmodic muscle and causes pain.

Spasms are:

• tonic, which are characterized by prolonged contraction of muscle fibers;
• clonic - periodic contractions that alternate with a period of relaxation.

A lot of muscles are concentrated in the abdomen. These are the abdominal muscles that form the walls of the abdominal cavity and hold the internal organs. The intestines are lined with muscle tissue - due to contractions (peristalsis), food moves along it. The uterus in women is also a muscular organ. Abdominal cramps can occur in any of these areas. Often they are provoked by the inflammatory process.

Types of spasms

There are two main types of spasms in women.

Table 1. Types of spasms

Type of spasms	Nature
Physiological	Caused by natural processes in the body or by those that are not the result of a serious pathology. This group includes cramps during menstruation, in the first trimester of pregnancy, and nerve cramps.
Pathological	They arise as a result of disturbances in the work of internal organs, inflammatory processes and other diseases. In women, they are often provoked by gynecological diseases. They can also be caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system.

Physiological spasms

They occur during premenstrual syndrome or in the early days of menstruation. They are associated with active contraction of the uterus, which is trying to get rid of the rejected endometrium. Physiological cramps are usually accompanied by swelling, heaviness in the lower abdomen.

During pregnancy, spasms of low intensity are associated with stretching of muscles and ligaments when the uterus is enlarged.

For many women, the sensations characteristic of the first day of menstruation occur during ovulation - the release of a mature egg from the ovary and its movement through the fallopian tubes. The pain lasts from a couple of minutes to 12 hours, sometimes accompanied by small bleeding (literally a couple of drops).

Nerve pains are caused by excessive straining of the abdominal muscles and intestines. To neutralize them, it is enough to take a sedative. And in rare cases, antispasmodics are additionally required. Nervous spasm of the intestine is often accompanied by flatulence.

There is no need to treat such spasms, it is enough to take an antispasmodic drug - No-Shpu or another recommended by a gynecologist. Physiological spasms cause moderate discomfort, but do not limit performance. If the pain is too severe, accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and upset stools, a serious illness cannot be ruled out. In this case, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Pathological spasms

They are accompanied by additional symptoms, the nature of which depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If spasms are provoked by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, most often - of the intestine, there are indigestion and stool disorders, appetite disorders, nausea or vomiting, and intolerance to certain foods.

Gynecological diseases are accompanied by profuse discharge, often - nausea and vomiting. Hormone-dependent diseases often cause mood and behavioral disturbances.

Diseases of the kidneys and urinary system cause painful frequent or, on the contrary, rare urination, discoloration of urine, the presence of additional impurities.

To get rid of pathological spasms, No-Shpa alone is not enough. A comprehensive treatment will be required, which will be prescribed by a doctor after a thorough examination.

Determining the most accurate cause of cramps is difficult, especially if a woman has multiple chronic conditions. Therefore, doctors prescribe a large number of laboratory and instrumental studies so that the diagnosis is as accurate as possible.

Diseases and conditions that are accompanied by abdominal cramps

Even with the same disease, depending on the state and degree of inflammation, spasms can be both moderate and pronounced. When diagnosing the causes, take into account:

1. The nature and intensity of pain.
2. Their localization.
3. The frequency of attacks.
4. Body temperature.
5. The nature of the accompanying symptoms.

Based on these data, you can suspect the most likely cause and prescribe an additional examination.

Abdominal cramps in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

The spastic nature of pain is a frequent companion of gastrointestinal diseases. Since both the stomach and intestines are formed by muscle tissue, the work of the bile ducts is also regulated by the muscles, they arise in almost any disease. Palpation of the abdomen reveals a strong tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, the so-called "hard stomach".

Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach, often accompanied by cramps in the upper abdomen. The pain can radiate to the left side of the chest (which is why patients mistakenly believe that they have a heartache) and to the back. Spastic contractions of the stomach muscles occur on an empty stomach or as a result of overeating. With an exacerbation of the disease against the background of spasms, nausea and vomiting often occur.

Stomach ulcerand / or duodenal ulcer. Spastic pains occur at different times: early - half an hour after eating, late - after one and a half to two hours. Night cramps and hunger cramps are frequent. Depending on the location of the ulcer, pain occurs in the upper or middle part of the abdomen, often radiating to the back or side.

To relieve a spasm with an ulcer, it is not enough to take an antispasmodic. Antacids that lower the acidity of gastric juice, as well as those medicines that are used to treat this disease, will help in this condition. For this, Ranitidine, Omeprazole, Venter and other antiulcer drugs are used.

Spasms that respond in different parts of the body, intensify with deep breathing or coughing, may indicate ulcer perforation, especially if accompanied by blood in the stool or vomit. In this case, the patient requires urgent medical attention and surgery.

Bowel disease. Intestinal inflammation (colitis) - acute or chronic, intestinal dysbiosis, obstruction - all of them are accompanied by spasms. Given the length of the intestine, pain can occur in any part of the abdomen - below, on the side, in the navel. In the acute course of the disease, the pain is severe. In chronic - less pronounced, but may be constant. Often such pain is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, incomplete emptying of the intestines even after an act of defecation, and increased gas production.

Appendicitis - acute inflammation of the cecum, which is often accompanied by suppuration. Spasms are concentrated in the lower right side of the abdomen, when pressure is applied to this area, the pain spreads throughout the abdomen and even radiates to the thigh. Appendicitis is accompanied by an increased temperature (depending on the intensity of inflammation - from 37.5 to 39-39.5 degrees). In this case, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Sometimes the inflammation of the appendix is ​​sluggish - this condition is called chronic appendicitis. There is no suppuration, only mild inflammation of the mucous membrane is present. Spasms in this case are moderate, occur after eating fatty and spicy foods, alcohol, with severe stress.

Helminths, or worms. The toxins that they release in the process of life do not affect the nerve endings, cause spastic contractions of the intestine. The spasms are not strong, but they can constantly bother a person. Pain occurs when large worms move. In the case of the accumulation of a large number of helminths (most often ascaris), intestinal obstruction may develop, which is accompanied by increased pain, intoxication, and vomiting.

Inflammation of the spleen. Spasms in this disease are localized on the left side of the abdomen. Such pain often occurs against the background of infectious mononucleosis, which is accompanied by an enlargement of the spleen.

Bile duct spasm occurs for a number of reasons:

• inflammatory disease of the liver and gallbladder;
• the presence of helminths in the bile ducts;
• increased density and stagnation of bile;
• the presence of sediment or stones in the gallbladder.

Painful sensations arise in the right hypochondrium, have an acute paroxysmal character with periods of calm. They are accompanied by vomiting, often with an admixture of bile, upset stools, yellowing of the sclera and skin.

Food poisoning / acute infection. It is caused by bacteria and viruses that live on stale, under-cooked or poorly washed food. You can catch a food infection through dirty hands or dishes, when drinking contaminated unboiled water, sometimes from a sick person.

Spasms in this case cover the entire digestive tract - the stomach and the entire intestine. In case of mild poisoning, they are localized in a certain part of the intestine. Accompanied by vomiting and urge to defecate in the later stages, in the early stages - actually vomiting and diarrhea. The body temperature rises, the patient has signs of intoxication and dehydration.

Learn how to provide first aid for poisoning in special article our portal. Signs of food poisoning. How to flush the stomach on your own using artificial vomiting and sorbents. Prevention of food poisoning.

Spasms will go away only when the body completely gets rid of the source of infection and begins to fade away. inflammation of the mucous membrane (after washing the stomach and intestines, taking sorbents and subsequent antibacterial therapy). Poisoning spasms occur within minutes to 3-4 hours after ingestion of the contaminated product. Lasts from a few hours to 2-3 days.

Gynecological causes of abdominal cramps

Pain and cramps, which are localized in the lower abdomen, accompany almost every disease of the uterus and appendages. In addition, similar sensations can occur in the first hours after a gynecological examination, colposcopy, if the doctor inadvertently injured the cervix.

The table below shows the main causes of spastic pain in gynecological diseases.

Table 2. Gynecological diseases causing spastic pain

Disease	Description, causes, symptoms
Inflammation of the appendages	Adnexitis can be infectious or non-infectious. The inflammatory process causes tissue swelling, which is why pain occurs. With inflammation of one ovary, pain occurs on only one side, with inflammation of both, it spreads throughout the lower abdomen. If pain is concentrated in the middle part, below the navel, endometritis (inflammation of the uterus) can be suspected.
Ectopic pregnancy	With it, the fertilized egg is not fixed in the uterus, but in the fallopian tube or even in the abdominal cavity. With the growth of the ovum, the tube stretches, and inflammation of the peritoneum develops. An ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed with a blood test (as in a normal pregnancy, the level of hCG increased) and ultrasound (the results show the absence of the ovum in the uterine cavity and the presence of education in the uterine pipe. This is a dangerous condition that can cause rupture of the fallopian tube, severe bleeding and even death of a woman. In the presence of an ectopic pregnancy, the pain is aching in nature. With a miscarriage or rupture of the tube, the pain is sharp, cramping, spreading throughout the lower part of the peritoneum.
Endometriosis	Excessive growth of the endometrium within or outside the uterus. Endometrial foci are subject to hormonal changes. During menstruation, they also bleed, causing pain. If the focus is located in the abdominal cavity (this form develops when blood is thrown from the uterus, after unsuccessful gynecological operations) menstrual blood irritates the abdominal wall, which causes it to swell and increase pain.
Ovarian apoplexy	This is damage to the vessels of the ovary, which often occurs during ovulation. The provoking factors are excessive physical exertion, too active sex life. During the release, the follicle ruptures, damaging the vessels. This is accompanied by cramping pain and bleeding. Outwardly, pale skin is noticeable. The blood pressure goes down, the woman feels weak, she may faint.
Kink of an ovarian cyst	Occurs during physical exertion. When inflated, the blood supply to the formation is disrupted, due to which the cyst itself swells and increases in size. In addition to pain, a woman has nausea, vomiting, and fever. These same symptoms may indicate a ruptured cyst. Treatment is only surgical - removal of the cyst itself, if necessary - the damaged part of the ovary.
Adhesive processes	An overgrowth of connective tissue that connects organs to the abdominal wall or to each other. They arise as a result of a prolonged inflammatory process. The pain in this case resembles that which occurs before menstruation, in addition there is a digestive upset.

Often, women experience pain during or immediately after intercourse. They are connected with the fact that a woman does not receive sexual release during intimacy. Painful sensations are provoked by the rush and stagnation of blood in the pelvic area. Also, pain after proximity may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the ovaries, uterus, cervix.

Abdominal cramps in pregnant women

Mild spastic sensations in the first trimester are physiological. They are associated with stretching of the uterus itself and the abdominal walls, hormonal changes in the woman's body. Especially often, these sensations are observed in those women who previously had painful menstruation. This is due to the fact that their muscles are not elastic enough, they are constantly in a state of hypertonicity. Therefore, even slight stretching is painful.

If the pain is severe, the threat of miscarriage can be suspected. In this case, it is better to seek advice from a doctor.

In the later stages, moderate spasms are caused by the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the internal organs. In this case, the woman is advised to wear a support bandage.

Also, abdominal cramps can be the cause of digestive disorders. Due to the increased pressure of the enlarged uterus on the intestines, peristalsis decreases, therefore, constipation often occurs in pregnant women. Increased gas production, the use of large amounts of fiber, previously existing chronic gastrointestinal diseases are additional causes of abdominal cramps. In this case, you need to more carefully monitor the diet, adhere to the diet recommended by the doctor.

Sometimes in pregnant women the assimilation of milk and dairy products is impaired. When using such products, intestinal spasm occurs, which is accompanied by loosening of the stool, flatulence. In this case, it is necessary to take a drug to reduce gas formation (allowed for pregnant women) and be more careful about the choice of products.

Severe cramping pains can be a sign of the onset of labor (with a full-term pregnancy or premature birth) or at risk of miscarriage.

With diseases of the urinary system

Spastic sensations in the lower abdomen often occur with inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, the movement of sand or stones along the urinary tract.

In kidney disease, cramps often occur with sand and stones. When they move along the urinary canals, irritation of the pathways and contraction of muscle fibers occurs, which is accompanied by acute paroxysmal pain. You can remove it with the help of antispasmodics. But you need to seek medical attention.

Cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder, can be accompanied by acute cramping pain, or aching, lasting constantly. It occurs due to the swelling of the inner walls of the bladder and irritation of the nerve endings, which in turn provokes muscle contraction. Additional symptoms are painful urge to urinate, often unsuccessful, general malaise, fever.

Acute spasms occur with primary inflammation and exacerbation. Less intense, but long-lasting are characteristic of the chronic course of the disease.

Cramps and pain in the abdomen against the background of ARVI and other respiratory diseases

Against the background of a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract, general intoxication of the body develops. The action of toxins irritates nerve receptors and makes muscles contract. Hence - abdominal pain during respiratory diseases. It occurs in the acute phase of the disease, against the background of high temperature and fever, in the first days of the disease. It passes by 3-4 days.

Against the background of taking antibiotics, especially with self-medication, intestinal dysbiosis occurs, in which a contraction of the intestinal muscles develops. Painful sensations are accompanied by diarrhea. An additional intake of drugs containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli will help in this situation.

Nerve cramps in the abdomen

Stress, emotional tension and anxiety cause increased tension in all muscle groups. Further, it all depends on the individual sensitivity. In some people, pain and spasms occur in the neck, shoulders, back, in others, in the abdominal wall. This state is not dangerous; it returns to normal as soon as the emotional state stabilizes. But if nerve pain occurs regularly, it is worth contacting a neurologist to prescribe sedatives. Otherwise, you can earn chronic diseases and digestive disorders.

When pathological spasms appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor, undergo a comprehensive examination to identify their cause. Uncontrolled intake of antispasmodics will not give a positive effect: at first it will help reduce the intensity of pain, but over time, a significant increase in dosage will be required.

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