Why does cramping pain in the lower abdomen improve after a bowel movement, and what should be done?

Generally, cramping pain in the lower abdomen that improves after a bowel movement may be caused by improper diet, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, acute gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, or other reasons. Patients should seek timely medical consultation at a regular hospital to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Improper diet: Consuming raw, cold, spicy, hard-to-digest, or irritating foods may cause local intestinal infection and spasms, thereby triggering cramping pain in the lower abdomen. These food residues accumulate in the intestines, irritating the intestinal tract and causing pain. After defecation, these residues are expelled from the body, reducing the irritation to the intestines and relieving the cramping symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that patients reduce the intake of irritating foods in daily life.

2. Indigestion: Indigestion can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. When food accumulates in the intestines and undergoes abnormal fermentation, it may increase intestinal pressure and cause pain. After a bowel movement, the pressure within the intestines is relieved, thus alleviating the abdominal pain. Patients can take medications such as healthy-stomach and digestion-promoting tablets (Jianwei Xiaoshi Pian),复合 digestive enzyme capsules (Fuhé Níurǔméi Jiāonang), or probiotics like Bacillus subtilis live bacterial granules (Kucao Ganjun Er Lian Huo Jun Keli) under a doctor's guidance to improve symptoms.

3. Irritable bowel syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, with typical symptoms including abdominal pain, alternating diarrhea and constipation. Patients may experience abdominal pain triggered by emotional stress or other stimuli, and this pain usually occurs in the lower abdomen and may be relieved after a bowel movement. However, if symptoms recur, patients can take medications such as lactic acid bacteria tablets (Rusuanjunzhi Pian), Bacillus licheniformis live bacterial granules, or lactulose oral solution under medical advice.

4. Acute gastroenteritis: Acute gastroenteritis is often caused by bacterial or viral infections, usually triggered by improper or unhygienic diet. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, with the pain typically being more noticeable around the navel or in the lower abdomen. After defecation, the abdominal pain may be relieved due to partial elimination of inflammatory substances and pathogens from the intestines. If symptoms recur, patients may also take medications such as montmorillonite powder (Mengtushi San), enteritis-relieving tablets (Changyan Ning Pian), or lactic acid bacteria tablets (Rusuanjunzhi Pian) under a doctor's guidance.

5. Intestinal obstruction: Intestinal obstruction can be caused by various factors such as adhesions and inflammation. While intestinal obstruction typically causes persistent abdominal pain and difficulty with bowel movements, in some cases, early-stage obstruction may present as intermittent cramping pain that temporarily improves after defecation or passing gas. However, as the obstruction worsens, symptoms such as abdominal pain and difficulty with bowel movements will become increasingly severe. At this point, patients may consider treatments such as adhesion lysis surgery, bowel resection and anastomosis, or intestinal bypass surgery under medical guidance.

In daily life, it is important to maintain good living habits, follow a regular routine, and ensure sufficient sleep time to help maintain normal physiological function. Additionally, attention should be given to strengthening physical exercise to improve personal immunity.