What are the symptoms of a side stitch (abdominal muscle spasm)?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Abdominal muscle strain may be caused by physiological factors such as intense physical activity, or pathological conditions such as acute gastritis or acute pancreatitis. Treatment should be based on the underlying cause. It is essential to maintain good dietary hygiene and avoid eating at restaurants with questionable sanitation. During treatment, it is advisable to consume easily digestible foods such as millet porridge and noodles, which can promote recovery.
Abdominal muscle cramp (commonly referred to as a side stitch) may result from physiological factors such as strenuous exercise, or pathological conditions such as acute gastritis or acute pancreatitis. Treatment should be based on the underlying cause.
I. Physiological Factors
This is primarily caused by intense physical activity, which leads to muscles being unable to keep up with the pace of exercise, resulting in muscle spasms and pain. Symptoms can be relieved or eliminated by adjusting breathing rhythm, applying local massage, using warm compresses, and relaxing the muscles.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Acute Gastritis
This condition may be triggered by frequent consumption of irritating foods. It can cause abdominal pain similar to a side stitch, along with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Patients should take medications such as erythromycin enteric-coated tablets or penicillin V potassium tablets under medical supervision.
2. Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis refers to an inflammatory reaction in the pancreas, which may cause abdominal pain resembling a side stitch, as well as bloating. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may take medications such as atropine sulfate tablets or metronidazole tablets, which can effectively alleviate symptoms.
It is essential to maintain good dietary hygiene: avoid eating at restaurants with questionable sanitation standards, use serving utensils or communal chopsticks during group meals, and refrain from consuming food that has not been thoroughly cooked or heated, to prevent infections from bacteria, viruses, and particularly Helicobacter pylori. During treatment, it is advisable to consume easily digestible foods such as millet porridge and noodles, which support recovery.
