1. Different Treatments for Different Causes of Cramping
Treating your stomach cramps will depend on what is causing them in the first place. Are you having difficulty digesting dairy? Stomach cramps can be a symptom of lactose intolerance, so taking a lactase supplement can help. These supplements are most effective when taken right before you begin your meal. However, if you start to experience symptoms while eating or right after your meal, a lactase supplement may provide some relief.
Constipation is another common cause of stomach pain. If you think this is the cause, you will want to treat the constipation right away. You can do this with natural laxatives, such as prune juice, psyllium powder or flax seeds. Over-the-counter laxatives are another option. Once you address the constipation, the stomach cramps will clear up right away.
For women, stomach cramping can be caused by menstruation or problems in the reproductive system. Menstrual cramps are easily treated with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If you are not sure what is causing your stomach cramps, try lying down for a while. This can be helpful for simple indigestion. It is also beneficial when the stomach cramps are caused by stress or tension.
2. Try Home Treatments
Mild stomach cramping that appears without any other symptoms will generally go away on its own. You can help your body recover by giving your stomach a bit of a break. Try to avoid eating for a few hours while your digestive tract recovers. You can continue drinking water or other clear fluids in small amounts. Once you resume eating, stick to smaller meals and mild foods that are unlikely to bother your stomach. Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast are good choices. For pain that begins after eating and is higher up in the abdomen, you may want to use antacids. These can be helpful if the stomach cramping is caused by heartburn or indigestion.
3. Know When to Call Your Doctor
Although stomach cramping is a fairly normal symptom and not a cause for concern, there are times when you should call your doctor. If you have cramping or other abdominal pain that lasts for one week or longer, a visit to the doctor is in order. Also, call you doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than five days or stomach bloating that lasts for more than two days. Fever or unexplained weight loss also needs to be evaluated. A burning sensation when you urinate can be a sign of a urinary-tract infection. Stomach cramping during pregnancy should always be discussed with your doctor.
If your stomach cramping turns into sudden, sharp abdominal pain or if your abdomen is rigid, hard and tender to the touch, call 911 immediately. You should also seek medical attention right away if you are vomiting blood or there is blood in your stool.
