At night

In general, abdominal cramps at night can have the same causes as during the day. In most cases it will be “simple” flatulence, which can come from certain foods, for example. However, if the cramps and pain occur more frequently at night and in the morning when you have not eaten for a longer period of time, a disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract may be a possible cause. This could be an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach or even a stomach ulcer. If the abdominal cramps occur very frequently and do not improve, they should be clarified in any case.

Diagnosis

Due to the large number of different causes of abdominal cramps, the doctor will first try to narrow down the possible causes in a general discussion about the exact nature of the complaints, the occurrence, concomitant and previous illnesses, illnesses in the family and the lifestyle. This is followed by a physical examination. In addition to inspection, auscultation, i.e.

listening with a stethoscope, and palpation, i.e. palpation of the abdomen, ultrasound is often used. Ultrasound can be used to detect the first changes in the abdomen. For further clarification, imaging procedures are then often used.

These include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography. If necessary, a puncture may also be necessary to take tissue samples or fluid for further examination. A scintigraphy may be performed.

Frequency

Abdominal cramps are one of the twenty most common complaints that cause patients to consult a doctor. However, the different causes of the occurrence of abdominal cramps vary greatly in their frequency. While in the majority of cases the causes are considered harmless and can be treated well, such as heartburn or constipation, serious triggers such as a tumour are also rarely present.

Abdominal cramps can present themselves in very different ways. Some patients report a dull pressing, others feel a sharp pain. Depending on the perception of pain, the symptoms can be differently pronounced in each patient even if the cause is the same.

On the other hand, different causes can also lead to different forms of abdominal cramps. In many cases abdominal cramps are accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If bloody traces are found in the vomit or during defecation, a doctor should definitely be consulted, as this can be an indication of a serious illness.

Unwanted weight loss can result from a lack of appetite in recurring abdominal cramps or the loss of fluid and nutrients in vomiting and diarrhoea. However, it can also be caused by a malignant disease such as a tumour of the stomach or intestine. A clarification by a specialist is recommended.

Another accompanying symptom is fever. In specialist circles, a fever is defined as a rectally measured temperature of over 38°C. The temperature range between 37°C and 37.9°C is understood as subfebrile temperatures. If the examination reveals a board-like abdomen during abdominal cramps, this condition, known as “acute abdomen“, is an emergency and requires immediate clarification of the causes. An inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis), which can be life-threatening, is a possible explanation for a massive immune response.