What Causes Stomach Cramps and How to Treat Them

At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced that painful tightening of the muscles in your stomach….cramps! Women are particularly susceptible to monthly cramps during menstruation. But there are many causes for stomach cramps which we will discuss in this blog.

In most cases, stomach cramps aren’t serious and don’t require a diagnosis by a doctor. If they happen frequently, are extremely painful, or last for more than 24 hours, this could be a sign of a more serious health condition, and you should see a doctor.                 

Common Causes of Stomach Cramps

Less serious causes of abdominal pain include:

  • Menstruation
  • Food Poisoning
  • Stomach Virus
  • Food Allergy
  • Food Intolerance
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Other health conditions or diseases of the abdomen or stomach

Other, more serious, causes of stomach pain and cramps include gastroesophageal reflux, a bowel blockage, appendicitis, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and cancer.

Common Symptoms

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Fever
  • Cramps
  • Abdominal pain           

Treatment for Painful Stomach Cramps 

Home Remedies

To relieve cramps, use a heating pad to ease belly pain and sip on Chamomile or peppermint tea that can ease the discomfort of gas. Be sure to drink plenty of clear water or herbal tea so your body stays hydrated.

You also take steps to prevent stomach pain, it can help to:

  • Eat a few small meals during the day instead of three big ones
  • Chew your food slowly and thoroughly.
  • Stay away from foods that irritate your stomach (fried or spicy foods)
  • Relax with exercise, meditation, or yoga which can ease stress 

Over-the-Counter Medications

  • For cramping from diarrhea, medicines that have loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate) can make you feel better.
  • Certain pain medications can also be helpful such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, Liquiprin, Anacin, and Aspirin) might be helpful. But stay away from non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin, Midol, Advil), or naproxen (Naprelan, Anaprox, Aleve, Naprosyn) because they can irritate your stomach.
  • For constipation that can cause cramps, use a mild laxative or stool softener to help get things moving again
  • Buscopan cramps tablets 

Buscopan Tablet Uses

Buscopan relieves stomach cramps and menstrual pains by helping your bladder and digestive system relax. It works by reducing the wave-like contractions of the muscle in the walls of the bladder, bowel, and stomach. Buscopan relieves painful stomach cramps and period pains but it does not cure them. 

Buscopan Side effects:

Just like all medicines, this treatment may cause side effects in some users. Common side effects include:

  • blurry vision
  • constipation
  • decreased ability to sweat
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • fast heartbeat
  • flushing
  • nausea
  • difficulty urinating
  • shortness of breath
  • skin rash and itching

Buscopan is not to be used if you have glaucoma, megacolon, myasthenia gravis, or are allergic to hyoscine butyl bromide.

You must stop taking this medication and contact your healthcare provider or the nearest hospital immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including seizures, chest pains, or an allergic reaction.

We have a full range of OTC medications to treat painful abdominal cramps as well as an extensive inventory of healthcare products at an affordable prices.