Cramping
Abdominal cramping is a common symptom of many different abdominal disorders. Infection, inflammation, and obstruction of the digestive tract are just a few of the causes, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Common abdominal disorders that can cause cramping include:
Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines brought on by bacteria or viruses. Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and cramping are symptoms. Norovirus and rotavirus are the most common causes of gastroenteritis, but Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli can also cause it.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS causes abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, constipation, and diarrhoea. Its cause is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are suspected.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are types of IBD. Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, and weight loss are symptoms. Environmental and genetic variables may cause IBD, but the exact cause is unknown.
Appendicitis: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a finger-like organ attached to the intestinal tract. Appendicitis causes severe abdominal pain, cramping, fever, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is colon wall pouch inflammation. Abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, and cramping are symptoms. Diverticulitis can occur when pouches become infected and inflamed from faeces.
Constipation: Constipation causes irregular bowel movements. It causes stomach cramps, bloating, and discomfort. Low-fibre diets, dehydration, and medications can cause constipation.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when tissue that resembles the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, usually on the ovaries, reproductive organs, or other pelvic organs. Infertility, severe pelvic and abdominal cramping, and intercourse pain are symptoms.
The underlying condition causes abdominal cramping. Digestion and inflammation cause cramping. Stomach and intestine irritation from gastroenteritis causes cramping. IBD causes cramps from digestive tract inflammation. Stomach blockages can cause cramping. Stool impaction causes constipation and cramping.


Cramps in the stomach are a common sign of many health problems that affect the digestive system. Symptoms can be different depending on what's going on.
Common symptoms of abdominal cramping include:
Sharp or dull pain in the abdomen
Bloating or swelling of the abdomen
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhoea or constipation
Gas or flatulence
Indigestion or heartburn
Loss of appetite
Fatigue or weakness
Fever or chills
Complications of Cramps in the stomach are a common sign of many health problems that affect the digestive system. Symptoms can be different depending on what's going on. Abdominal cramping can lead to a range of complications, depending on the underlying cause of the cramping.
Abdominal cramping can cause:
Dehydration: If vomiting or diarrhoea accompanies abdominal cramping, dehydration can result, which can be dangerous.
Malnutrition: If it disrupts eating and digestion, chronic abdominal cramping can cause malnutrition.
Infection: If left untreated, an infection can occasionally cause abdominal cramping and result in complications.
Anxiety and depression: Having stomach cramps all the time can make you feel bad, which may cause anxiety and depression.