Stomach cramps and a change in bowel habits

Cramps may occur when the bowel contracts around gas, stool, irritation, or infection. Constipation, diarrhoea, food intolerance, and medicines can all alter bowel habits. A change may involve frequency, stool form, urgency, or unusually narrow stools. Colorectal cancer can present with a persistent change in bowel habits, and rectal cancer can also cause altered stool passage or bleeding, but these symptoms are not specific to cancer. The pattern, duration, associated symptoms, and examination help a clinician judge the cause.

Note when the cramps began, where they occur, and how your bowel movements differ from usual. Record blood, black stool, fever, vomiting, weight change, or a feeling that the bowel does not empty. Drink fluids unless a clinician has restricted them, and avoid taking repeated laxatives or anti-diarrhoeal medicines without advice. Arrange a medical appointment if the change continues, returns repeatedly, or interferes with eating, sleeping, or daily activities.

Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly increasing pain, a swollen or rigid abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, heavy rectal bleeding, or black tar-like stool. A fever with significant abdominal pain also needs prompt attention. These warning signs indicate a need for examination and treatment, regardless of the eventual cause.

Ask which causes fit the timing and pattern of your symptoms, whether an abdominal or rectal examination is needed, and which tests could clarify the cause. Ask how to manage constipation or diarrhoea safely, what changes should prompt earlier review, and when follow-up should occur.