Abdominal colic is a condition that every person goes through from time to time in his life as a result of many factors, which causes a sudden feeling of tightness in the stomach muscles and thus suffering from cramps. Abdominal cramps are usually not considered dangerous. However, its continuation or recurrence over short periods may be an indication of an underlying health condition, which requires you to visit a doctor in order to receive a diagnosis and treatment and to avoid any possible health complications. So now you know the most important causes of recurrent abdominal colic.

Causes of frequent abdominal colic

The term abdominal cramps, or abdominal cramps, is often used to refer to pain and discomfort in the area between the chest and pelvis. Which may make there are various and many reasons for this situation. However, it is considered from The most common causes of abdominal cramps include:

food allergy

Some people may suffer from stomach cramps as a result of stomach sensitivity to food. This condition occurs as a result of the body’s immune system defending against food, thinking it is harmful. One of the most common types of food allergy is an allergy to proteins such as:

• Nuts
• fish
• eggs
• the milk
• oysters
• Peanuts

So if you suffer from stomach cramps after eating any of these foods, you may be suffering from a food allergy. Which requires you to avoid eating it. Where anaphylaxis may lead to suffering from a sudden drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, and difficulty in swallowing that may lead to death, if the condition does not obtain treatment immediately.

Stomach cold

Stomach exposure to some external factors may lead to abdominal cramps, and these factors may include colds, gastroenteritis, or stomach that is sensitive to cold, which may be affected when exposed to cold weather or consuming frozen foods and drinks.

For more details, read also: Symptoms of a stomach cold

Indigestion

Indigestion occurs when food irritates the digestive system or when the body has difficulty breaking it down. The most common food intolerances are dairy products and lactose. Symptoms of this condition may appear when eating large amounts of food, when eating it a lot, or when using some types of medicines.

Too much gas

The increase in gases may lead to increased pressure on the intestines, and thus the feeling of colic and sharp pain in the stomach. Eating certain foods, such as broccoli, wheat, beans, fatty foods, dairy products, and soft drinks, may help to cause this condition.

GERD

GERD is a long-term condition that causes stomach acid to back up continuously. This may cause some symptoms, including abdominal pain and colic.

Learn more here about the symptoms of GERD.

Suffering from constipation

When it is difficult for the body to get rid of waste, it collects in the intestines, which increases pressure on the colon, which may cause colic and stomach pain. This may happen for several reasons, most notably:

• Eat less dietary fiber and fluids
• Use of some types of medication
• Not practicing sports activity
• Bowel obstruction

Ulcers

Pylori infection or excessive use of non-steroidal medications may lead to stomach ulcers. This may cause severe and persistent stomach pain. It also has symptoms of indigestion, flatulence, and weight loss.

Urinary tract infection

One of the causes of abdominal colic is also suffering from urine infection. Which usually affects the person as a result of a bacterial infection, the most prominent of which is the Escherichia coli bacteria. A symptom of urinary and bladder infection is the presence of pain and swelling in the lower abdomen, with the desire to urinate frequently. This is in addition to the foul smell of urine with the presence of blood in the urine.

But if the pain is in the upper abdomen with a fever and a feeling of nausea, this may be an indication of the transmission of infection to the upper levels of the urinary tract of the affected person.

Read here more about: Treating Urinary Tract Infection with Herbs and Home Remedies.

food poisoning

Exposure to eating contaminated food leads to the emergence of some pathological symptoms, including abdominal cramps, and it may take a few minutes, hours, or days for symptoms to appear. The main symptoms of food poisoning are:

• upset stomach
• Nausea and vomiting
• fever
• diarrhea

The elderly, pregnant women and children under the age of five are the most at risk of food poisoning due to a weak immune system. Therefore, it is better to rely on healthy diets and adherence to healthy habits to avoid exposure to the risk of poisoning.

Causes of abdominal colic in women

Lower abdominal cramps in women can occur as a result of any of the following reasons:

• Heavy menstruation, which is called dysmenorrhea
• Endometrial
• Fibroids
• Ovarian cyst
• Pelvic inflammation
• ectopic pregnancy
• Pregnancy-related complications

When should you see a doctor?

Mild abdominal cramps may go away on their own without the need for treatment, while some cases that may suffer from severe colic or the appearance of some pathological symptoms may require a visit to the doctor. Among those symptoms:

• bloody stool
• Pain when urinating
• hematemesis
• Continuous nausea and vomiting
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Severe flatulence
• Breathing difficulty
• fever
• Suffering from prolonged constipation
• Signs of dehydration such as extreme thirst and dark urine
• Anorexia
• Unexplained weight loss

How to prevent stomach cramps

Not all forms of stomach or abdominal pain can be prevented. However, you can reduce the chances of colic by following the following:

• Follow a healthy diet
• Avoid foods that you may be allergic to
• Make it a habit to drink water
• Regular light exercise
• Avoid eating large or fatty meals
• If you suffer from GERD, you should avoid eating at least two hours before bedtime

Also read: Treating stomach ache with herbs and home remedies