Abdominal Cramps: Symptoms & When to Visit UCC

Abdominal cramps can come on suddenly and catch you off guard. You might notice a tightening or aching sensation after a meal, during your period, or even at a time when nothing seems out of the ordinary. While some cramps are mild and pass quickly, others can be uncomfortable enough to interfere with your day.

In many cases, abdominal cramps will naturally settle after a bit of rest and simple care. Still, it can be difficult to know when discomfort is something you can safely manage at home and when it deserves medical attention.

Understanding what to watch for, when to seek assessment, and which symptoms should not be ignored can help you make calm, informed decisions about your health.

What are abdominal cramps?

Abdominal cramps are a specific type of abdominal pain that comes in waves, tightening and releasing rather than staying constant.

Your abdomen houses many organs, including your stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, bladder and reproductive organs. Because of this, cramping can come from different sources. 

You'll usually experience abdominal cramps as waves that tighten and release, rather than staying the same. 

You might feel:

• A squeezing or tightening sensation

• An aching discomfort

• Sharp and intermittent pain

• Pressure in your lower stomach

The location of the pain offers important clues. If you're experiencing cramps in the upper abdomen, it might be linked to the stomach or digestive system, while cramps in the lower abdomen may involve the intestines, bladder or reproductive organs.

Paying attention to where your pain is, how intense it feels, and any other symptoms you're experiencing helps you understand what might be causing it and whether you need professional assessment.

Common causes of abdominal cramps

Most abdominal cramps resolve on their own or with simple home care. Here's what you should know:

• Digestive issues:

  • Gas, bloating and mild constipation can cause temporary cramping.

  • These usually improve with rest, staying hydrated and adjusting your diet.

• Menstrual cramps:

  • Period pain affects most women at some point in their lives.

  • Although uncomfortable, normal menstrual cramps often ease with warmth and over-the-counter pain relief.

• Food sensitivities:

  • Mild reactions to certain foods can cause cramping that settles within hours.

  • Common triggers include dairy, spicy foods or high-fibre meals.

• Stress and tension:

  • Your gut responds to stress. Anxiety can cause cramping that eases once you relax.

While abdominal cramps can be uncomfortable, these causes typically don't need urgent medical attention. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, checking with your doctor can help clarify the cause and guide you towards the right care.

When abdominal cramps need urgent care

Seeking medical advice when you're unsure is always a sensible approach. Your doctors would rather assess your symptoms than have you worrying at home. If you notice any of these warning signs, an Urgent Care Centre (UCC) can provide timely assessment and treatment.

Here are specific situations where a UCC visit makes sense:

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, often called a stomach bug, can cause stomach cramps along with vomiting and diarrhoea. Most people feel better with rest and staying hydrated. 

However, urgent care is recommended if you:

• Cannot keep fluids down for more than 12 hours

• Feel dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up

• Notice very dark urine or are urinating much less than usual

• Still have symptoms after 24 hours

Dehydration can develop quickly, especially in hot weather. At a UCC, the doctor can give you fluids through a drip. This is especially important for older adults and those with other health conditions.

Urinary tract infections causing cramping

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) cause burning when you urinate, but they can also lead to lower abdominal cramping. 

Consider visiting urgent care if you have:

• Cramping pain in your lower abdomen or back

• Urgent need to urinate frequently

• Burning or pain when passing urine

• Fever alongside these symptoms

Without treatment, UTIs can spread to your kidneys, leading to more severe health problems in the future. Your urgent care doctor can test your urine, confirm the infection, and prescribe antibiotics. Early treatment prevents complications and helps you feel better faster.

Moderate food poisoning

Most food poisoning resolves within 24 hours. 

You should consider urgent care when:

• Severe cramping lasts more than 24 hours

• Repeated vomiting makes it hard to stay hydrated

• You notice blood in your stool or vomit

• You develop a high fever with your symptoms

The doctor can assess your hydration, manage your symptoms and watch for complications. Some types of food poisoning need specific treatment, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections, while others need monitoring.

Severe menstrual cramping

Period pain varies from person to person. What's normal for you matters more than comparing yourself to others. 

However, certain period-related cramping needs medical attention:

• Pain so severe you cannot manage normal activities

• Cramping that doesn't respond to usual pain relief

• Very heavy bleeding requiring pad changes every hour or more frequently

• Sudden change in your usual pattern

• Cramping between periods

These symptoms might suggest conditions like ovarian cysts, endometriosis or fibroids. An urgent care doctor can check your symptoms, perform an initial assessment and refer you to a specialist if needed.

Gastritis

If you have a history of stomach ulcers or gastritis, you understand what your usual symptoms feel like. 

You should seek urgent care when:

• Your upper abdominal cramping becomes much worse than usual

• Pain wakes you at night or continues despite medication

• You notice dark stools

• Ongoing nausea prevents you from eating

Your doctor can adjust your medication, check for complications like bleeding and manage your symptoms while determining if you need further tests.

These conditions respond well to prompt medical attention. UCCs provide same-day assessment and treatment, helping you avoid complications. If you're uncertain whether your symptoms warrant a visit, it's always better to seek advice than to wait and worry.

Abdominal cramps in children

Children experience stomach aches often, partly because their digestive systems are still developing and they're more sensitive to dietary changes, stress, or minor infections. Knowing when it's serious can feel challenging. Your instincts matter here. You know your child better than anyone.

Consider seeking urgent care for your child when:

• Cramping continues on for more than two hours

• They refuse all food and fluids

• Vomiting continues despite rest

• Fever accompanies the cramping

• They seem unusually drowsy or difficult to wake

• The pain is in one specific area

The urgent care team can assess your child through a gentle physical examination, checking their abdomen for tenderness and asking age-appropriate questions about their symptoms. They'll provide care and determine whether your child needs a specialist. Bringing your child's medical history or current medications helps ensure efficient care.

FAQ

What's the difference between abdominal cramps and abdominal pain?

Abdominal cramps are a specific type of abdominal pain that comes in waves, tightening and releasing rather than staying constant. Cramping feels like squeezing in your stomach, while other types of abdominal pain might feel like a steady ache, burning or sharp stabbing. Cramps often relate to your digestive system or reproductive organs, where muscles contract and relax.

Can kidney stones cause abdominal cramping?

Yes, kidney stones can cause severe abdominal cramping that comes in waves and spreads from your back to your lower abdomen and groin. The cramping happens when the stone blocks your urine flow and irritates the ureter. Other symptoms you might experience include blood in your urine, nausea and an urgent need to urinate.

Can digestive issues cause cramping that feels like period pain?

Yes, digestive issues like constipation, bloating or gas can cause cramping that feels very similar to menstrual cramps. Inflammatory bowel disease can also cause lower abdominal cramping that mimics period pain.

Does acid reflux or GERD cause abdominal cramping?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, can cause upper abdominal cramping along with heartburn and chest pain. When stomach acid flows back into your oesophagus, it can cause cramping, bloating and a feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen. The cramping usually worsens after you eat fatty, spicy or acidic foods.

When should I worry about abdominal cramps and seek medical attention?

You should seek medical attention if your cramping is severe and lasts more than a few hours, is accompanied by a high fever above 38°C, includes blood in your stool, involves persistent vomiting, or shows signs of dehydration.

How are diagnostic tests used to find the cause of abdominal cramping?

Doctors use several diagnostic tests to identify the cause of your cramping. Blood tests and urine tests check for infection, inflammation and urinary tract infections. Imaging like X-rays or ultrasound can spot kidney stones, blockages or organ problems.

What's the connection between inflammatory bowel disease and abdominal cramping?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, commonly causes abdominal cramping. The cramping happens because inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract affects how your intestinal muscles work. During flare-ups, inflammation increases and cramping worsens.

The information is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.