Abdominal Cramps

Abdominal cramps, pain and discomfort are commonly reported as a gastrointestinal (GI) complaint. While many cases can be attributed to functional GI disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), not all sufferers fall within this definition. A significant proportion of people who experience abdominal cramps, pain and discomfort do not have an IBS diagnosis and there are other triggers that can cause abdominal cramps.

It is estimated that around 50% of the Irish adult population suffer from abdominal cramps. Episodes can be frequent, with around 63% of abdominal cramps sufferers experiencing episodes once a month or more and 24% every week. Abdominal cramps can affect adults of all ages although it is more prevalent in people aged 25-45.

Causes

Abdominal cramps relate to muscle spasm in the GI tract resulting in sharp cramp-like pains. The organs of the abdomen are very sensitive to internal and external influences and the abdomen reacts to both physical and psychological states and conditions. Anxiety and tension can often cause spasms in the muscles of the stomach, intestines or colon resulting in abdominal cramps pain and discomfort.

The most common triggers for abdominal cramps include: • Stress • Changes in diet or lifestyle (alcohol, fizzy drinks, processed foods and fried or fatty foods can be common causes). • Food allergies or intolerances • Symptom of an underlying condition such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome  Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - IBS is a chronic condition that results in bouts of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea/ constipation. Defined as a functional GI disorder, the actual cause of IBS is not clearly understood, although many experts believe modern lifestyles play some part in triggering it. The medical diagnosis of IBS is made by exclusion – ruling out other possible causes for the symptoms. It is estimated that IBS affects 1 in 3 people in Ireland and is more prevalent amongst women, although 30% of sufferers are men. Frequency of IBS is higher than with non-specific abdominal cramps, with 40% of IBS sufferers experiencing flareups every 2 weeks.

Symptoms

There is plenty of confusion and a general lack of awareness amongst sufferers as to what is happening when a patient has abdominal cramps. Often described as a sharp, stabbing, tight, or intense pain in the lower abdominal region. Some patients may refer to their as an upset stomach. In addition to the symptoms of abdominal cramps and pain, nearly two thirds of sufferers experience excess gas or wind with more than half also experiencing a bloated or gurgling stomach. 37% of people also experience diarrhoea, with a third of suffers experiencing constipation when they have an abdominal cramps episode. Abdominal cramps share similar symptoms with a variety of other conditions and diseases. This is why it is important to differentiate abdominal cramps, IBS and other similar conditions from diseases and conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease, ovarian cancer and other infections of the gut.

Treatments

There are a number of effective ways to reduce or eliminate abdominal cramp, pain and discomfort. Prevention is often seen as the best remedy and patients are often encouraged to avoid foods and drinks that will trigger symptoms and try to relax, which will help reduce the effects of stress on the abdomen.

There are also a wide range of treatments in pharmacy that are used to alleviate abdominal cramps and other GI associated symptoms. OTC medicines such as Antispasmodics (antimuscarinics and direct smooth muscle relaxants) help restore normal peristalsis to alleviate abdominal cramps and also other IBS symptoms. They are helpful in treating both abdominal pain and IBS symptoms, as they suppress the contractile response of GI muscles in response to stimulants such as stress or food and include ingredients like mebeverine, alverine citrate and peppermint oil, hyoscine butylbromide and dicycloverine.

Other treatments and preventative measures

These include lifestyle and dietary changes, which also work as preventative methods. While no treatment is likely to remove all symptoms for good, the correct treatment can work to ease symptoms, improving a sufferer’s quality of life.

• Lifestyle changes There are a number of lifestyle changes that can be recommended to sufferers to help alleviate the symptoms of abdominal cramps. Such as:  Regular exercise  Reducing stress levels and other emotional upset - If a person feels they are struggling with stress or anxiety, it is recommended that they speak to a doctor or GP.  Quit smoking • Dietary changes Sufferers are often advised to make specific changes to their diet in an attempt to reduce symptoms. Generally, sufferers of abdominal cramps and other GI-related symptoms are advised to:

 Eat regular meals,  Eat at a leisurely pace and avoid long periods between eating  Drink non-caffeinated drinks regularly – at least eight cups of water per day  Restricting the consumption of fizzy drinks and alcohol.

 Intaking enough fibre  Cut down on the amount of fat consumed

• Psychological treatments

Many other psychological factors can cause symptoms of abdominal cramps. If a person has suffered with moderate or severe symptoms and other treatments have failed, they may be advised to undertake specific treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy or psychological therapy. These treatments are often advised if it is clear a sufferer’s symptoms are being caused by stress or other psychological issues.

WWho? Anyone – More prevalence in people aged 25-45

WWhat are the symptoms? Sharp, stabbing, tight, or intense pain in

the lower abdominal region

HHow long have they had the symptoms? Sufferers experience

episodes which can be frequent

AAction already taken? Patients may need advice on

self-selected products

MMedication? Avoiding antispasmodic medicines if possible is usually

recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women

10 How often should I use Stérimar?

We recommend using Stérimar Isotonic and Stérimar Baby two to six times a day (or more) in each nostril for as long as you need it or as long as and as often as your doctor recommends. Stérimar Hypertonic is recommended for a short period. Use two to four times a day in each nostril for light congestion and up to six times a day for severe congestion.

Can Stérimar be used with other medication?

Yes. Stérimar is drug-free and doesn’t contain preservatives so there is no known risk of interaction with any other medication. However, in all cases it is best to check with your doctor.

Am I likely to experience any irritation from using Stérimar?

Stérimar Isotonic and Stérimar Baby are purified sea water solutions with the same concentration of salts as the cells in the human body. As such, irritation is highly unlikely. Stérimar Hypertonic has a higher salt content than Stérimar Isotonic but the solution is still less salty than sea water. A sensation of dryness may occur and should disappear within a few days. Always follow instructions and/or doctor’s recommendations.

Can I use Stérimar if I am pregnant, diabetic or suffer from high blood pressure?

Yes, Stérimar is completely safe to use with these conditions, but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor.

Can I use Stérimar for my three year old?

Yes, Stérimar Isotonic is suitable for the whole of the family, even babies from 3 months old. Stérimar Hypertonic is suitable for all adults and children over three years of age and Stérimar Baby is a new part of the range and can be used with babies from birth to 3 years old.

Is the nozzle safe to use?

Yes. The Stérimar nozzle has been specifically designed to fit any shape and size of nostrils. Stérimar Baby has a specific nozzle with a protective flange. The nozzle cannot be pushed too far into the nose to avoid any risks of injury.

How long will Stérimar keep?

Stérimar products can be kept for a maximum of three years after manufacture or until all solution has been used. The expiry date can be found at the bottom of the can and carton. Each dose of Stérimar delivered is aseptic. The valve on top of the can prevents air from entering. Also, because the solution is kept in a sterilised pouch it never comes into contact with either the aluminium can or the non-flammable nitrogen gas within.

Why is it important to clean the nozzle after each use?

You must clean the nozzle in soapy water to remove any microorganisms left after use to help avoid any crosscontamination.

What does micro-diffusion mean?

The unique Stérimar micro-diffusion system produces a fine spray of sea water. As the droplets produced by Stérimar are microfine, they remain in contact with the walls of the nasal passages for longer, making Stérimar even more effective.

Why are the copper and manganese in Stérimar Hypertonic important?

Copper and manganese are found in very small amounts in the human body. They stimulate the body’s self defense mechanisms and help keep it healthy.