Intestinal cramps, also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)irritable bowel syndrome), is a disease that often attacks the digestive system. This disease is more common in woman and young adults under 40s.
Intestinal cramps can occur suddenly, for example after eating certain foods or when experiencing stress. Symptoms that appear in each person can be different, as well as the level of severity.
Symptoms and Causes of Intestinal Cramps
Intestinal cramps have the main symptom of cramping or spontaneous contractions in the large intestine and small intestine. In addition to cramps, sufferers may also experience other symptoms, such as:
- Stomach ache.
- Stomach cramps.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Bloated.
- The body feels weak or powerless.
- Back pain.
- Nauseous.
- Frequent urination.
- The consistency of the stool often changes, becoming softer, hard, or slimy.
The cause of this condition is still not clearly known. However, some researchers suspect that this condition is caused by indigestion and increased intestinal sensitivity. Digestive disorders that cause intestinal cramps can be in the form of bowel movements that are too slow, causing constipation, or too fast, causing diarrhea.
Several other factors also have a role in the onset of this disease. These include inflammation, changes in the nature of bacteria in the digestive tract, food intolerances, and psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, or stress.
Disease Prevention Bowel Cramps
Some simple actions you can take to prevent and help relieve the symptoms of bowel cramps are:
- Manage stress.
- Exercise regularly.
- Rearrange the diet, which is to add lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
- Recognize and stop the consumption of drinks or foods that can trigger intestinal cramps, such as milk and cheese.
- Do not smoke.
A person may not experience a recurrence of intestinal cramps for several months, but suddenly experience it again. Complaints that arise when intestinal cramps arise can be mild, but can also be severe. To help relieve severe intestinal cramps, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce spasms (cramps) in your intestines and antidepressants, and suggest cognitive behavioral therapy if needed.
The good news, intestinal cramps do not increase the risk of other intestinal disorders or cancer. However, you are still advised to consult a doctor if you experience it, because intestinal cramps can get worse if ignored.
