Introduction
Stomach spasms are when the muscles of the stomach or intestines contract. They may vary in intensity and duration. They can result from some conditions in the stomach, intestine, or the abdomen as a whole. They are involuntary and temporary. There can be many causes for stomach spasms, which usually may not require any attention. However, there may be conditions that may require attention as well.
What Are Stomach Spasms?
Like any other body muscle, the abdominal muscles can have sudden contractions that can cause spasms. They can also happen due to muscle strain or overuse of the muscles, fatigue, tiredness, etc. They can also happen due to some conditions in the stomach, intestine, or abdomen as a whole. They are generally short-lived and fade away after some time. The treatment of a stomach spasm depends on its cause and may vary from rest to surgery.
What Are the Causes of Stomach Spasms?
Understanding the spasm's cause can help treat or manage it better. Various causes of stomach spasms can include the following:
-
Muscle Strain: Overuse of the abdominal muscles can cause a stomach spasm. This is especially true in people who exercise strenuously, like crunches and sit-ups. Other associated symptoms due to strenuous exercise can include pain or tenderness in the abdomen, pain that worsens with movement, etc.
-
Dehydration: Electrolyte loss from the body through sweat, vomiting, diarrhea, and can cause muscle spasms. This is because the muscle requires sufficient calcium, magnesium, and potassium to function properly. When these are unavailable, proper functioning is impossible and can lead to spasms.
-
Gas: If gas is trapped in the intestines, it tries to release the gas, causing the muscle to contract. There can also be bloating, pain in the stomach, a feeling of fullness, and an urge to pass gas or burp.
-
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): These are chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition that usually affects the colon or rectum. Other symptoms of IBD include diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, an urgency to use the toilet frequently, etc.
-
Gastritis and Gastroenteritis: These are both inflammatory conditions of the stomach, but gastroenteritis involves the intestines also. H. pylori, Norwalk virus, and rotavirus usually cause these. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc.
-
Infectious Colitis: Colitis can cause irritation and inflammation in the colon, which can cause spasms. Some bacteria like Clostridium, Salmonella, and E. coli can cause colitis.
-
Ischemic Enteritis and Colitis: Sometimes, colitis can be caused by the lack of blood supply to the bowel and colon.
-
Constipation: Abdominal cramps can be seen in constipation as the bowels distend due to the increased pressure.
-
Ileus: The digested food moves down in the intestines due to a type of movement called peristalsis. When this is not proper, the condition is called ileus. This can be due to an infection, inflammation, some medicines, after effect of some surgery, etc. When the peristaltic movement slows down consistently, it is called gastroparesis. This can cause spasms and pain, especially after meals.
-
Gastroparesis: It is called gastroparesis when the peristaltic movement slows down consistently. Both ileus and gastroparesis can cause air and fluid accumulation in the bowel, causing pain and distension. This can be a cause for spasms and pain, especially after meals.
What Are the Causes of Stomach Spasms in Pregnancy?
Stomach spasms seen in pregnancy are usually harmless, but attention must be given if they are very frequent or constant spasms. The possible reasons for spasms can include the following:
-
Gas: This is very common in pregnancy. This can be caused by the increased progesterone levels, which causes the stomach and intestines to relax. This slows down digestion and causes gas build-up.
-
Braxton Hicks Contractions: This usually occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy and is also called false labor. It is more like the tightening of muscles than an actual contraction. They are not regular and are usually harmless. However, if the contractions become regular, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
-
Movements of the Baby: The frequent movement of the baby may seem like a spasm, especially as the baby's movements become more evident, but the baby is not big enough to feel a kick.
-
Muscle Stretching: The muscles stretch to accommodate the growing baby. This can cause a twitching of the muscle. This is normal and a temporary one.
How Is Stomach Spasm Diagnosed?
Stomach spasms are usually short-lived and would resolve within some time. But if the pain is recurrent or increasing, medical attention must be given. It should also be taken care of if the spasm is along with vomiting, bloody stool, or fever, which may signify an underlying condition.
A detailed case history will be taken. A physical examination will be done. Imaging tests and blood tests will be recommended if required.
How Is Stomach Spasm Treated?
Stomach spasms are usually short-lived and resolve on their own. If it continues for a long period or occurs frequently, it might require medical attention. Treatment of a stomach spasm depends on analyzing the underlying cause. If it is due to dehydration, gas, or muscle strain, some home remedies will help to relieve the condition. Dietary changes, lifestyle modification, regular exercise, and proper fluid intake might help resolve the problem. Other serious medical conditions will be required to be taken to the hospital.
If the underlying cause is suspected to be a peptic ulcer, medicines like antacids or medicines (like H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors) that reduce the acid secretion might be suggested. If any kind of infection of the liver, gall bladder, or other organ is suspected, IV (intravenous) antibiotics can be given to control the infection. If the underlying condition is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), treatment would be to resolve the condition.
Conclusion
Stomach spasms can be just contractions of the stomach muscles and would resolve by themselves. If it is caused by dehydration, gas, etc., home remedies will help to resolve it. However, if it is due to some serious health conditions, it might require medical attention.
