Almost everyone has experienced stomach cramps at some point in time. Although they cause extreme discomfort, stomach cramps do not usually indicate the presence of a serious disease. Most stomach cramps are caused by conditions that increase gas and bloating in the abdomen. MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, notes that diarrhea often occurs in conjunction with stomach cramps.
Constipation
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, more than 4 million Americans experience frequent constipation, which accounts for 2.5 million visits to the doctor each year. Although most people believe that not having a bowel movement every day is considered constipation, the medical definition of constipation is having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. Normal stool elimination is defined as anywhere between three bowel movements per day to three per week. In addition to less frequent bowel movements, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that the stools associated with constipation are hard, dry and small, which makes them difficult to pass. Stool remains in the bowel and accumulates, which causes stomach cramps and significant discomfort. Some of the most common causes of constipation are lack of fiber in the diet, inadequate fluid intake, lack of physical activity and ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is an infection that occurs as a result of consuming food or drink that is contaminated with an infectious organism, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or toxins. The most common causes of food poisoning are the bacteria staphylococcus and E.coli, according to MedlinePlus. Symptoms from the most common types of food poisoning usually begin within two to six hours of consuming contaminated food or beverage, although the onset of symptoms can vary. Stomach cramps are a frequent symptom of food poisoning. Other symptoms include diarrhea, fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting and weakness. Food poisoning usually clears up without medical intervention, but it is important to stay hydrated while symptoms persist. In severe or high risk cases, the administration of intravenous fluids and salts may be necessary.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a natural milk sugar found in high concentrations in milk and dairy products. In order to properly digest lactose, the enzyme lactase, which is made by the small intestine, must break it down into the simple sugars glucose and galactose. Those with lactose intolerance do not produce enough lactase and thus lactose passes through the digestive tract in its complex form, which cannot be digested by the bloodstream. When the unprocessed lactose moves into the colon, the bacteria that normally live there begin to feed on the milk sugar, which produces uncomfortable symptoms including stomach cramps, gas, bloating, nausea and diarrhea, according to MayoClinic.com. There is no treatment available to increase the production of lactase in the small intestine, but avoidance of dairy products or daily supplementation with a synthetic enzyme can prevent symptoms from occurring.
