SYMPTOMS

What is stomach spasm? Is it serious?

Strictly speaking, stomach spasm is not a disease but a symptom, characterized by intense contractions of the stomach muscles. Most cases result from functional neurological abnormalities, though organic stomach diseases can also be the cause.

Stomach spasms are generally not severe and often resolve with symptomatic treatments like antispasmodics and antiemetics. However, frequent episodes warrant a comprehensive medical examination to identify and address the underlying cause.

What are the symptoms of stomach spasms?

Main symptoms include:

• Upper abdominal bloating/discomfort: Caused by gastrointestinal obstruction or blockage, leading to gas and fluid accumulation in the stomach.
• Upper abdominal pain: Sudden onset, sharp, stabbing, or burning pain that may radiate to the left chest, shoulder blade, or back. Severe cases may involve cold sweats, pallor, or even fainting.
• Nausea and vomiting: Often seen in obstructive conditions or stress-induced spasms, with vomit containing stomach contents, food residue, or bile, occurring frequently and in large amounts.

What diseases can cause stomach spasms?

Potential causes include:

• Environmental factors: Irregular eating habits, cold/hard/spicy foods, and smoking increase risk. High-stress occupations, particularly among highly educated individuals, also correlate with higher incidence.

• Genetic factors: A family history of chronic digestive disorders raises susceptibility.

• Psychological factors: Chronic stress or anxiety weakens mucosal resistance or heightens stomach sensitivity.

Frequent spasms may indicate organic conditions like peptic ulcers, acute/chronic gastritis, duodenitis, gastric/abdominal tumors, or pyloric obstruction. Chronic diseases (e.g., gastrinoma, leukemia, COPD, cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney failure) may also trigger spasms.

TREATMENT

How to relieve stomach cramps?

• Medication: Stomach cramps can be caused by various factors, and symptomatic treatment is the main approach. When the pain is unbearable, pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be chosen to alleviate stomach pain. Additionally, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or rabeprazole can be used to suppress stomach acid secretion.

• Drink warm water and apply heat to the stomach: If the stomach cramps are caused by factors like stomach cold or unclean diet, drinking warm water or placing a hot water bottle on the stomach for warmth can help relax the stomach muscles and relieve symptoms.

• Reduce stress and pressure: Psychological factors may also cause stomach cramps. Therefore, avoid excessive stress in daily life, maintain an optimistic and relaxed mood, and try to calm yourself down. It’s best to lie flat on the bed and apply warm water to the stomach, allowing the body's natural mechanisms to gradually ease the cramps.

• Dietary adjustments and moderate exercise: Adjust your diet by eating at regular intervals, avoiding irregular meals, and steering clear of raw, cold, hard, or irritating foods. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and engage in regular physical exercise.

DIAGNOSIS

When should you go to the hospital for stomach cramps?

When stomach cramp symptoms are mild, they can often be relieved with symptomatic treatment.

If symptoms are severe, such as sudden intense abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, or prolonged inability to relieve the pain effectively, you should seek medical attention promptly.

Additionally, people who experience frequent episodes of stomach cramps should also visit the hospital to determine the underlying cause.

Which department should you visit for stomach cramps?

Departments to visit: Emergency Department, Gastroenterology.

What tests might be needed for stomach cramps?

• Gastroscopy: Gastroscopy allows direct observation of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for abnormalities and enables biopsies for pathological diagnosis. It is currently the most reliable method for diagnosing diseases of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. No other examination methods, including upper gastrointestinal barium contrast, abdominal ultrasound, or abdominal CT, can replace it.
• Gastric mucosal biopsy: During gastroscopy, a biopsy forceps is used to collect gastric mucosal tissue, which is then sent for pathological examination to obtain a histopathological diagnosis of the local lesion.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

None.