The treatment
Many symptomatic therapy options are used in the treatment of intestinal cramps with diarrhoea. Most of them are independent of the underlying disease. Since the symptoms are due to muscular cramps, relaxation and warmth (for example a hot water bottle) can alleviate the symptoms.
In addition, the digestive tract should not be burdened further by gentle foods, for example rusks or white bread are suitable for this. Diarrhoea often leads to pronounced fluid loss, which is why it is also important to drink enough. Especially teas (herbal, peppermint, fennel, chamomile tea) or a broth can additionally calm the intestine.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, antispasmodic drugs (Buscopan, magnesium) and painkillers (paracetamol; note that ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. can worsen the symptoms) can also be used. Paracetamol also has a simultaneous antipyretic effect.
Depending on the underlying cause, further treatment methods may be considered. In the case of food intolerances, for example, the food that triggers them should be avoided. Chronic inflammation in the intestine is often caused by autoimmune processes, and a therapy that shuts down the immune system may be required. In most cases, substances such as cortisone are initially used for this purpose; in advanced stages, immunosuppressive drugs can also be used. What helps best against intestinal cramps?
The diagnosis
Bowel cramps with diarrhea are a combination of symptoms that can indicate many different diseases. Since the spectrum of possible causes is broad, the anamnesis (i.e. the interview with the person affected) is of great importance. This is followed by a physical examination in which the abdomen is listened to, patted and palpated.
The suspected causes can be further specified, for example, by means of imaging procedures (often ultrasound, possibly additionally X-ray, rarely MRI or CT). A blood sample with laboratory tests can provide further information (here, for example, inflammatory processes or special antibodies can be detected). If this is not sufficient, a colonoscopy can be performed, in which the intestine can be examined from the inside with a camera.
The duration
The duration and prognosis of intestinal cramps with diarrhoea are strongly dependent on the cause. Infectious diseases are usually cured after a few days up to two weeks. Complaints due to spoiled food also usually last only a few days.
As long as there are no complications (pronounced loss of fluid, transfer of the pathogens into the blood, etc. ), these diseases heal without consequences. Food intolerances, on the other hand, often remain for a lifetime.
However, the symptoms can be completely avoided if the triggering food is avoided. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases often last for a long time and the symptoms occur in relapses. With an adequate therapy, however, the symptoms can be contained.
