Severe abdominal cramping
Type: Symptom
Definition
Intense, sharp, and twisting pains occurring deeply within the lower abdomen.
Clinical Details
The profound structural damage and resulting chemical inflammation cause the muscular walls of the large intestine to contract erratically and violently. These powerful, uncoordinated spasms are the body's frantic attempt to clear the highly irritating infection from the digestive tract. The pain typically peaks sharply just prior to a diarrheal episode.