What causes stomach bloating accompanied by cramping pain, and what should be done?
Generally, stomach bloating accompanied by cramping sensations may be caused by consuming excessive gas-producing foods, lack of physical activity, insufficient gastrointestinal motility, gastritis, or peptic ulcers. Depending on the situation, general treatments or oral medications may be used to manage or alleviate the symptoms. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive Consumption of Gas-Producing Foods
Consuming excessive gas-producing foods can lead to fermentation and decomposition in the gastrointestinal tract, producing large amounts of gas, which causes stomach bloating and cramping sensations. Avoid gas-producing foods temporarily, such as legumes, onions, potatoes, carbonated beverages, etc., to prevent worsening of bloating and cramping.
2. Lack of Physical Activity
Inadequate physical activity can slow gastrointestinal motility, causing food to accumulate and ferment in the stomach, producing gas and resulting in bloating accompanied by cramping. Engaging in moderate and gentle exercises such as walking or yoga can enhance gastrointestinal motility, promote the downward movement and expulsion of gas, and alleviate bloating and cramping sensations.
3. Insufficient Gastrointestinal Motility
Dietary factors and emotional stress may lead to reduced gastrointestinal motility, preventing rapid digestion and absorption of food, resulting in bloating and cramping pain. Warming the hands by rubbing them together and placing them on the abdomen, then gently massaging in a clockwise direction around the navel, can stimulate gastrointestinal motility, aid in gas expulsion, relieve stomach muscle tension, and reduce cramping discomfort.
4. Gastritis
Consumption of contaminated food or bacterial or viral infections may trigger gastritis, causing bloating and cramping pain. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated tablets, lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, ranitidine hydrochloride capsules, etc., may be used for treatment.
5. Peptic Ulcer
Poor lifestyle habits or Helicobacter pylori infection may lead to peptic ulcers, causing stomach bloating and cramping sensations. Under medical advice, medications such as pantoprazole enteric-coated tablets, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, esomeprazole magnesium enteric-coated tablets, etc., may be used to relieve cramping pain caused by gastric spasms.
In daily life, one should try to avoid staying up late and maintain a regular sleep schedule, which helps the body repair and recover, including the restoration of gastrointestinal function.