Symptoms
Pulling, stabbing or pinching cramps in the intestine can occur as the only symptom or in combination with other complaints. These include general symptoms of illness such as fever and fatigue, but also vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and flatulence as well as bleeding. Constipation and tension of the abdominal muscles can also be observed. In addition, attention should be paid to unintentional weight loss. For general information on the topic of abdominal cramps, please see Abdominal cramps.
Diagnosis
The anamnesis is the first diagnostic step. Questions about the quality and quantity of pain, food dependency, other symptoms, stool color and consistency, previous illnesses and the last menstrual period are often groundbreaking in finding a diagnosis. This is followed by a physical examination of the abdomen, during which the doctor palpates the rectum with his finger if necessary. Further examination methods such as laboratory diagnostics, stool samples, sonography and x-rays are performed depending on the previous result. Colonoscopies, special test procedures for chronic intestinal diseases and other imaging procedures such as MRT and CT are used as required to determine the cause of the disease.
Duration
If cramps occur in the bowel during bowel movement, irritable bowel syndrome may be responsible. This is a frequently stress-related functional disorder of the colon that lasts at least 12 weeks a year. Diarrhea and constipation can alternate and are accompanied by painful cramps.
The symptoms occur before and during bowel movements and usually subside after stool has been removed. Often it is not possible to set an exact time limit for the symptoms. Cramps occurring before bowel movement due to adhesions in the abdominal cavity, inflammatory or chronic intestinal diseases or meteorism usually subside during the process.
Cramps in the bowel before bowel movement
Cramps that start before the bowel movement, continue throughout the process and then subside, are due to increased intestinal activity. The stool collects in the rectum and triggers a reflex stimulus to defecate. The greater the quantity of stool, the higher the intestinal activity and the stronger the simultaneous cramps that may occur.
Cramps in the intestine are sometimes triggered by adhesions (so-called bridging), inflammatory and chronic intestinal diseases as well as strong meteorism. Irritable bowel syndrome is also accompanied by cramping pain before bowel movement. A gastrointestinal infection with symptoms of diarrhea is often announced by increased “rumbling” of the intestine, which can be accompanied by pulling cramps. This is followed by rapid emptying of the bowel.