Abdominal pain is fairly common and the most likely cause may be an upset stomach or case of bad gas. The exact location of the pain and its accompanying symptoms provide a clue towards the likely cause of pain. Here, a brief description of the causes, and remedies for cramps experienced in the lower quadrants and accompanying nausea has been provided.
Lower abdominal or lower quadrant cramps are basically cramps that occur in the lower stomach in the area just below the umbilical (navel) region and the parts surrounding it. In some cases, the pain in this region is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The lower abdomen consists of organs such as the intestines, parts of the colon, cecum, appendix, and the rectum. When an individual experiences lower abdominal cramps accompanied by nausea, one of these organs could possibly be affected.
Before we begin, let me put forth a rule of thumb before you. Any symptom, may it be cramps, nausea, vomiting or even simple stomach pain, that persists even after 2-3 days is not healthy. In such a case, rush to the doctor and make it a point to find out the reason behind the ailment.
Infectious Diarrhea, Indigestion and Other Minor Causes
The most common cause of this is the presence of parasitic microbes in the digestive tract. In such a case, nausea, lower abdominal cramps, diarrhea and a minor fever are observed. Spoiled food, abnormal, unhealthy, and incompatible eating are some common reasons which lead to the symptoms. Apart from that, indigestion, sudden environmental as well as weather change causes abdominal pain, cramps, and nausea, which may be followed by diarrhea or vomiting, or both. A visit to the doctor, some light food, rest, and a liquid diet would help you recover quickly. In case you experience the symptoms even after 2-3 days you need to visit the doctor as you might need antibiotics or other medications to set your digestive system on track.
Gastrointestinal Causes
Since the lower abdominal part is made up of organs of the digestive system, a considerable number of gastrointestinal ailments lead to a lower abdominal cramps and nausea. Here are a few common ones along with their remedies.
Appendicitis
It involves the inflammation of the appendix, which leads to pain in the right lower abdominal region, which in some cases is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The cramps are chronic and in several cases occur periodically. They also occur with very minor intensity in the regions surrounding the belly button. This kind of inflammation is commonly caused as a result of blocked feces and/or infection. In very rare cases, tumors and cancers may also be present. If such symptoms are observed then it is absolutely essential to rush to a doctor, because if the appendix ruptures, it can cause peritonitis or poisoning within the body. On the whole, it is better to visit a doctor and undergo either proper medical treatment or a surgery.
Intestinal Obstruction
Complications in the digestive system such as hernia, presence of foreign bodies, impacted feces, gallstones, infection in the tract, injury, etc, lead to obstruction of the digestive tract. Cramps in the lower abdominal area, accompanied by nausea, are common symptoms of this ailment. The best and also the only way to get rid of the obstruction is to visit your doctor, who will either prescribe some medication or will recommend you to undergo a surgery.
Colitis
It involves swelling of the large intestine as a result of infections and inflammatory conditions. Curing the causative agent is the only way to treat this condition.
The gastrointestinal causes, if left untreated, can get serious and one may also start experiencing other more severe symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, hence if symptoms persist after 1-2 days, consult a doctor immediately.
Renal Causes
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
It is caused as result of bacterial and fungal infections. Lower abdominal cramps, pain, and nausea are often accompanied by foul-smelling urine, which is the primary indicator of a UTI. This ailment can be treated with the help of different dosages of antibiotics which are prescribed for a period of 7-10 days. To get the right dosage, you will need to get your urine tested and discuss the results with your doctor.
Kidney Stones
Sharp lower abdominal pain and cramps, can be experienced, as the stone causes the upper ureter, renal pelvis, and the kidneys to stretch. The ureter also goes into spasm as it tries to move the stone. Drugs, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), laser lithotripsy, and surgery are some of the common methods of treatment for kidney stones.
Gynecological Causes
Ovarian Cyst
It refers to the formation of fluid-filled sacs on the surface of the ovary. Typically, an ovarian follicle which is larger than about 2 centimeters is a cyst, and a cyst that is bigger than 5 centimeters in diameters requires surgery and quick removal. Apart from bleeding, pain, and cramps, cysts can turn cancerous. If you experience persisting symptoms,please rush to your gynecologist.
Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases
It involves the inflammation and infection of uterus, ovaries, and/or the fallopian tubes. Infecting microbes include N. gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, etc.
In case you experience abdominal cramping accompanied by nausea, and suspect the occurrence of any of these condition, consult a doctor as soon as possible, and do not delay in getting diagnosed and treated.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.