Abdominal cramps are sudden, involuntary, spasmodic muscular contractions that cause pain in the abdominal region. Because many internal organs are located in this region, it is hard to know the exact cause of cramping without further investigation.Cramps can be caused by many conditions, most of which are not serious. The most common causes of cramps include:
* painful menstruation,
* gastritis (an inflammation of the stomach lining) ,
* mild food poisoning, that is usually accompanied by mild diarrhea, or
* stress related gastrointestinal upset.

These causes usually resolve without medical care. Try acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the menstrual cramps. Gastritis will usually respond to over-the-counter antacids or H2 blockers. Mild diarrhea may be treated with over-the-counter Imodium or Pepto Bismol. Be sure to replace lost fluids by drinking liquids. Stress related cramps may respond to meditation or a warm bath. More serious conditions will usually cause severe and unremitting cramping. These include:
* appendicitis,
* serious food poisoning, that is usually accompanied by severe diarrhea, sometimes vomiting, and fever,
* gall bladder attacks,
* ulcerative colitis, which is commonly accompanied by bloody diarrhea, and
* parasitic infections.

If you have cramps that last more than one half of an hour, andare not related to menstruation or a known digestive condition (such as colitis) , call your healthcare provider. Be prepared to report:
* How long the cramping has lasted.
* The severity of the pain.
* Where the pain is located (the upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left, or central areas of your abdomen.)
* Other associated symptoms such as fever, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting, sweats, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go