Abdominal and Intestinal Spasms: Causes and Colic in Adults

Cramping abdominal pain can arise for various reasons — from intestinal colic to diseases of other organs in the abdominal cavity. Below is a description of which causes occur in adults and in which cases an examination should not be delayed.

What intestinal spasm and abdominal colic are

Colic (from the Latin colica, from the Greek "intestinal disease") refers to attacks of acute pain that follow one another rapidly. Renal, hepatic, and intestinal colic are distinguished, with lead colic considered separately.

The abdomen extends from the lower border of the chest to the inguinal region; some call it the stomach, but many other important organs are located in it. Abdominal pain can originate from any of them, and its source is sometimes located outside the abdomen — for example, in the chest. Therefore, the complaint of "abdominal spasm" and intestinal spasm are not always the same thing. Infant colic is distinguished separately — a complex of painful symptoms in children during the first months of life, the origin of which is unknown and which is associated with immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Why abdominal spasms occur

The causes differ by type of colic.

• renal colic — passage of urinary stones through the ureters;
• hepatic colic — passage of gallstones through the biliary tract;
• intestinal colic — hard fecal matter, worms;
• lead colic — chronic lead poisoning, pain occurs in different parts of the abdomen.

Lower abdominal colic in women

Lower abdominal pain can arise for various reasons, so its cause is determined by a doctor during examination.

How spasms differ from dangerous pain

Severe pain does not always mean a serious problem, and mild pain does not rule it out. One has to rely not on the intensity of sensations but on their character, duration, and combination with other symptoms. Immediate help is needed if the pain arose suddenly and was sharp, if it radiates to the chest, neck, or shoulder, if blood is visible in vomit or stool, if the abdomen feels hard and sharply painful, and also if there is an inability to empty the bowels, especially when vomiting is added to this. If the pain is mild but persists for a week or longer, or if other symptoms are added to it, this is a reason to see a doctor, even when the attack does not appear severe. A cramping attack in intestinal colic recurs, but any abdominal pain is assessed as a whole, not by a single sign.

When to see a doctor

At the appointment, the character and localization of the pain, the duration of attacks, and accompanying manifestations are assessed; if necessary, examinations are performed — ultrasound of the abdominal organs, computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis, endoscopy.

Intestinal colic by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if the pain is sudden and sharp, if it radiates to the chest, neck, or shoulder, if there is blood in vomit or stool, if the abdomen is tense, hard, and painful to touch, if there is no bowel movement, especially with repeated vomiting.

The material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: the described signs help one orient oneself, but the scope of examination is determined by the doctor.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer