Stomach cramps at nighttime is a very common problem and can occur for a variety of reasons
Most of the times, the stomach issues we experience all through the day and also night, such as stomach cramps and inconsistent pain are caused by digestive problems. These issues can possibly improve with simple lifestyle changes or eating habits.
Sometimes, these issues are very minor that they go away in a day or two without any medical guidance but sometimes, they don’t go away. Stomach issues specifically faced during the night can not only be digestive issues but can be a sign of more serious health conditions, such as cancer or a cardiac event. Such cases are usually accompanied by additional, more severe symptoms.
If you are facing similar issues, log on to Marham.pk or install our mobile app to look up to hundreds of best Gastroenterologists around you, in Pakistan, or wherever you are. Moreover, you can look up to doctors by diseases i.e Gastroenterologist in Lahore for stomach issues. This will help you find the right doctor for you!.
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What Can Be The Common Causes?
Digestive problems are considered the most common cause of stomach pain at night. Eating close to bedtime means digestion is more likely to occur while lying down, making it easier for stomach acid to travel back up the digestive tract. Lying down can also greatly increase the pressure put on some muscular, joint, or bone injuries. This can make associated pain and discomfort more intense.
The most common causes of stomach cramps that we experience at night are:
1. Acid Reflux
The stomach acid travels up to our food pipe and causes an excessive burning sensation. Acid reflux causes nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, sore throat, and cough.
The factors that can possibly increase the risk of acid reflux can be:
- Too much alcohol intake
- Overeating near bed time
- Lying down immediately after eating
- Spicy and fried foods
2. Gallstones
Gallbladder is an organ, small in size and located beneath the liver. It functions to release bile. Gallstones can range in size from a bit of sand to a ping pong ball. The pain that we experience occurs when gallstones cause a blockage in the duct system of the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Some people who experience pain and stomach cramps at night might also suffer from IBS. Having a large evening meal may make nighttime abdominal pain worse in individuals with IBS.
4. Period Cramps
Cramping, bloating, gas, and discomfort is a very common condition faces in the time of periods.
5. Food Allergies
People who are unable to properly digest or process foods often experience pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and gas. Moreover, lactose intolerance can also cause stomach cramping and pain.
The Other Possible Causes
- Gas
Sometimes at night, the stomach cramps that we experience can be gas. It is a very common cause of stomach pain specially at night. - Constipation
When we are unable to dispose off the built up waste in our colon, stretching at night and pressure at abdomen can cause pain throughout the abdomen. - Strained Or Tensed Tissues
Lying down can change the blood flow to and can cause sore tissues throughout the body followed by intensifying pain and discomfort. - Kidney Stones
The sharp stabbing pain that begins in the from our mid-back and spreads to the stomach area indicates kidney stones which also sometimes cause blood in the urine. - Food Poisoning
Sudden consistent vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and fever are the symptoms of food poisoning and should be addressed immediately if they last more than 24 hours. - Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer can cause nearly all the symptoms associated with abdominal or digestive pain.
Do I Need To See A Doctor?
There are most of the stomach pain cases that occur at night but are not anything that required immediate concern. If the symptoms that you are experiencing last more than once a week or are becoming long-term, you should immediately consult a gastroenterologist. Moreover, if they are upsetting your everyday activities, specifically sleep, and eating routine, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
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