Diagnosis
The diagnosis of intestinal cramps without diarrhoea is based on many individual steps. Since intestinal cramps can be a symptom of many diseases, the interview of the affected person (anamnesis) is the first important part of the diagnosis. This is followed by an examination in which the abdomen is palpated and listened to.
Depending on the presumed underlying cause, an imaging (ultrasound, X-ray, if necessary also MRT or CT) should then be carried out. In addition, blood values can be determined in the laboratory, which can provide information about inflammations in the body, for example. In the summary of the complaints and the findings, a diagnosis can usually be made.
Duration / Forecast
The duration of the symptoms depends on the cause of the intestinal cramps. In many cases the symptoms last for several days. With symptomatic treatment, the disease is usually completely healed after one to two weeks.
However, if the intestinal cramps are caused by chronic diseases, the disease can last for months or years. In most cases the symptoms are treatable, but they recur over time. Most of these diseases can be treated causally.
The course of the disease and the prognosis depend on the cause of the intestinal cramps. Most diseases have a sudden onset, last for a few days and subside within one to two weeks. The chronic diseases of the digestive system usually progress in phases, so that symptom-free intervals alternate with symptoms. Food intolerances usually remain for a lifetime, but if you do without the triggering foods, no more symptoms occur.