Cramping pains in the lower abdomen, sometimes with constipation or diarrhoea, are often due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The cause is not known, although stress, diet and lack of regular physical activity may be involved.

*Prevention*
Eat a high fibre diet with whole grain bread, pasta, fresh fruit and vegetables. Try cutting out coffee, red meat and dairy products from your diet. Cutting down or stopping smoking, taking time to relax, and doing some exercise may also help.
*Home treatment*
Try putting a hot water bottle on the sore area. If you have severe pain, your doctor may prescribe an anti-spasmodic drug (also available from your pharmacist). Mild anti-diarrhoeal medicines or laxatives may help but must not be used long term.
Massaging the stomach in a clockwise direction can ease the pain.
 

Tracy.