Cramps after taking antibiotics- What can this be?
If intestinal cramps occur after a prolonged intake of antibiotics, the cause may be a bacterial infection. The trigger for this is a certain type of Clostridium difficile. These bacteria are known to damage the wall of the intestine after a long period of antibiotics, for example amoxicillin after pneumonia.
This leads to severe intestinal cramps. In addition, the digestive tract reacts with diarrhea, which is typically reddish and is also known as raspberry jelly. The antibiotic metronidazole helps well against these bacteria.
Intestinal cramps during pregnancy
Bowel cramps during pregnancy are less common than the usual complaints such as nausea and pain in the back, but are not unusual. Especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, gastrointestinal complaints can occur. While cramp-like pain and diarrhea are observed in some cases, others suffer from persistent constipation.
The pathogenesis is multifactorial and depends, among other things, on hormonal balance, nutrition and individual disposition. Intestinal cramps in combination with constipation must not be treated with commercially available laxatives. Instead, adequate exercise, fluid intake and a diet rich in fiber (vegetables, fruit, whole grain products) should be ensured.
Slight diarrhea can be treated with grated apple, bananas and other foods that thicken the stool. Intestinal cramps and severe diarrhea in the context of a viral infection should be the reason for a visit to the treating physician. For painful intestinal cramps, different therapeutic approaches are appropriate depending on the cause.
However, general measures often provide short-term relief of the symptoms. These include the use of a heat pad, for example a hot-water bottle or a cherry stone cushion. Heat stimulates the blood circulation and relaxes the abdominal muscles.
A supine lying position with legs tightened also relieves the pain. Home remedies such as the calming and anti-inflammatory chamomile tea help to relax the bowel’s activity. Peppermint tea or fennel tea also have an antispasmodic effect.
Alcohol, nicotine and high-fat and bloated food should be avoided. Sufficient fluid intake of at least two liters per day is also important. Tight-fitting clothing can further intensify the symptoms and should be avoided.Relaxing movement exercises help to relieve abdominal cramps.
Conscious deep breathing plays an essential role here. When breathing in, the abdomen bulges outwards. When the air flows outwards again, it flattens out.
Symptoms can be alleviated with medication such as butylscopolamine or mebeverine, which helps to relax the gastrointestinal muscles. Antibiotics and laxative as well as surgical measures are used depending on the cause. Many medications can help with intestinal cramps.
Buscopan®, for example, is very well suited for the acute treatment and resolution of cramps. This drug acts directly on the muscles of the intestine and leads to relaxation. It is therefore recommended for intestinal cramps, but also for inflammation of the pancreas, as it acts at many points in the digestive tract.
Another very effective drug is Iberogast®. It can be taken for various complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for cramps in the intestine. Other antispasmodic agents include Lefax® or Probielle®.
The latter can relieve the pain caused by cramps in irritable bowel syndrome. If the cause of the cramps is unclear, painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol should be avoided if possible. These so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause bleeding in various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Furthermore, depending on the cause, various other medications can be helpful. For example, if an infection exists, it should be treated accordingly depending on the pathogen. There are many home remedies that can alleviate the pain of intestinal cramps.
Warmth, for example in the form of a hot water bottle, can always be supportive. The warmth relaxes the bowel and is usually very helpful, especially if you are additionally bed-ridden. Drinking warm tea is also helpful due to the warmth in the stomach.
Certain types of tea, such as chamomile or ginger tea, additionally counteract a possible existing inflammation and relax the intestinal wall. Lightly stroking or massaging the abdomen can also help to relieve existing tension. Various herbs, such as caraway, can also have a calming effect and reduce existing inflammation.
Caraway can also help as an oil, just like camomile or sea buckthorn. Up to three half teaspoons can be taken in one day. Bitter substances, such as wormwood, can be helpful for some causes of intestinal cramps. In the intestine, they cause an increase in the production of digestive juices, which promotes the function and cleaning of the intestine. Occasionally, Schüssler salts can also help to relieve the pain caused by the cramps in the intestine.
