Why Do I Have Sharp Stabbing Pain In My Stomach?

We all have had our experience with stomach pain at least once in our lifetime. Stomach pain can be often difficult and prevent you from completing your usual everyday activities. Sometimes it is usually the sign that is pointing out that sometimes more serious is going on in the background. Today we will explore the most common causes of sharp abdominal pain as well as offer some effective tips on what are you supposed to do at times like these.

What Are The Possible Causes Of Sharp Stomach Pain?

Abdominal pain or more commonly known as stomach pain is defined as pain that develops in the area between the chest and pelvic region, or more simply said a pain that occurs in your stomach. The stomach pain can be dull, sharp, or accompanied by stomach cramps, etc.

There are many different causes of stomach pain. Most commonly, it is an infection, inflammation, obstruction, or other disorders that are responsible for the development of stomach pain. In the following, we will explore the most common possible causes behind sharp stomach pain.

1. Gas

Struggling with gas and bloating can be often accompanied by stomach pain. The pain can vary from mild to more severe and from dull to sharp stomach pain. Indigestion, stomach viruses, irritable bowel syndrome, and lactose intolerance are the most common causes for gas and bloating, including sharp stabbing stomach pain as well. The pain is often controlled with the use of over-the-counter medications and home remedies.

2. Muscle Pain

Sharp stomach pain can be caused by a muscle injury that has happened due to muscle overuse and trauma. The pain characteristically occurs at certain positions such as lifting heavy weights, or after a workout. The muscle pain, and with that, the sharp stabbing pain in stomach can be treated by resting, applying cold and warm packs, and a gentle massage.

3. Ulcers

Ulcers are among the most common causes of sharp stabbing apin in stomach. Ulcers represent a sore that has formed in the lining of the stomach or intestines. Long-term use of NSAIDs and Helicobacter pylori infection are often the reasons for ulcer development. Ulcers characterize themselves with sharp, burning pain and sensation that can travel up to the chest and can be even felt inside the throat and the mouth. Ulcers are effectively treated with the use of antacids and prescription medications.

4. Stomach Virus

Stomach viruses are known to cause sharp stabbing pain in stomach that can last up to a few days and be accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, etc. The pain usually is caused by the intense cramping in the stomach. Stomach viruses often require no medical treatment whatsoever, but drinking lots of fluids and resting is a must at a time like this.

5. Menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps in women during menstruation period are often linked to the occurrence of sharp abdominal pain. The reason for that is because menstruation causes inflammation in the abdomen, which is usually accompanied by bloating, gas, and constipation as the common symptoms of the menstrual period.

6. Food poisoning

If your abdominal pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever, then the chances are that you are dealing with food poisoning. Foods such as uncooked poultry, eggs, and seafood are the most common foods that are linked to food poisoning. Although there is no specific treatment for food poisoning, it is of vital importance that you consult one of the best doctors or you can also ask a doctor online. He/she can recommend some effective methods to relieve the symptoms and improve your health.

7. Digestive Disorders

Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and food sensitivities are often blamed for the development of sharp pain in the stomach. In fact, these conditions are known to cause quite the intense stomach pain. These conditions cause sharp pain in the middle part of the stomach, so it can take a while to eliminate other possible causes. There is a treatment plan that needs to be followed in cases such as these in order to prevent stomach pain in the future.

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There are many other possible causes of sharp stomach pain. It is important to describe where you have been feeling a sharp pain so that your doctor can determine the right diagnosis. Appendicitis is often linked to sharp pain in the lower stomach, whereas pneumonia and gallstones are often the causes of sharp pain in the upper stomach. Cancer, heart attack, and kidney infection are often linked as the common causes of sharp pain in the left side of the stomach. On the other hand, a sharp pain on the right side of the stomach results from hernia and hepatitis.

When To See A Doctor

Mild stomach pain often goes away without any medical treatment. However, if you are experiencing a long-lasting, intense sharp stomach pain, please do inform your doctor right away. Seek immediate medical help if you are experiencing other symptoms as well, including bloody stools, vomiting up blood, swelling of the abdomen, high fever, etc.

Conclusion

Sharp pain in the stomach can be caused by a number of things, and today we got to go through the most common causes linked to sharp stomach pain. From gas and bloating to digestive disorders, and even stomach viruses, these are all well-known factors that contribute to the development of stomach pain.

Dr. Ahmed Zayed

Doctor, author and fitness enthusiast, Ahmed Zayed, MD, is a surgery resident with a passion for helping people live a happy healthy life. He is the author of numerous health-related books and contributor to several medicine, health and wellbeing.