What does a sharp abdominal pain mean? Stomach pain is pain that takes place in between the chest and pelvic areas. Stomach pain can be crampy, throbbing, dull, intermittent or sharp. It’s likewise called a stomachache. Inflammation or diseases that affect the organs in the abdominal area can trigger stomach pain.
Causes of a Sharp Stomach Pain
Sharp stomach pain can leave an individual folded or briefly not able to move. When the pain reduces, anxiety about the next wave of pain can develop.
Sharp stomach pain is common and not generally a sign of a major medical issue. Even when there is a serious underlying cause, timely treatment can reduce the pain and prevent serious complications.
In this article, discover the reasons for sharp stomach pain that reoccurs, in addition to when to see a doctor.
It is hard to identify the reason for sharp, irregular stomach pain based upon that sign alone. Remembering of other symptoms and possible contributing elements is necessary.
Some reasons for sharp stomach pain that comes and goes include:
Gas
Gas and bloating are very typical issues. They tend to be cyclical.
Although gas does not cause long-term harm, the pain can range from dull and moderate to sharp and severe. It might get progressively even worse over a number of minutes, then improve, just to grow even worse once again.
Numerous problems can cause gas, including:
- indigestion
- stomach viruses
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- swallowing excessive air.
- food level of sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance.
Over-the-counter (OTC) gas treatments often help reduce this pain. A variety of gas treatments is available for purchase online. Some individuals also find remedy for heating pads or a gentle stomach massage.
People who frequently experience severe gas pain must see a medical professional, who can assist identify any underlying concerns and give guidance about how to lower symptoms.
Stomach viruses
Stomach viruses, such as norovirus, trigger extreme cramping that may reoccur. The cramping usually precedes vomiting, which uses temporary relief.
Symptoms of stomach viruses can last for a couple of days. Some individuals likewise develop a fever or muscle aches.
Stomach viruses typically clear in a few days, without medical treatment. It is vital to drink lots of water during this time. If symptoms become worse or an individual appears dehydrated, call a medical professional.
Muscle pain and injuries
Muscle overuse, a sedentary lifestyle, and trauma from falling or other injuries can trigger pain in the abdominal or back muscles. These injuries can trigger pain that reoccurs.
Pain that appears only in particular positions, while lifting, or after workout could be an indication of a muscle injury.
A muscle injury is not a medical emergency situation. Many people can deal with muscle injuries at home with rest, cold and hot packs, and mild massage. Ice packs for pain relief are available for purchase online.
If home treatment does not work or the pain is very extreme, it is best to see a doctor.
Liver and gallbladder issues
Pain in the upper right stomach that reoccurs might signify a problem with the gallbladder, such as gallstones.
Gallstones can block the ducts of the gallbladder, making digestion more difficult. This triggers pain quickly after eating, particularly after very fatty meals. People with gallstones might notice that the pain appears a few hours after eating, lasts for 4– 6 hours, and after that vanishes.
Gallstones sometimes hand down their own. If they do not, they can obstruct the biliary ducts, which can impact liver function. Neglected gallstones may likewise cause issues with the pancreas.
If a person experiences vomiting, pale stool, or a fever along with symptoms of gallstones, they need to look for emergency situation medical treatment.
Otherwise, see a medical professional for a medical diagnosis and treatment plan. Home treatment is not effective for gallstones.
Digestive disorders
A wide range of digestive conditions can trigger periodic acute pain in the stomach. In many cases, the pain worsens quickly after a meal, as the body works to absorb food.
Some possible perpetrators include:.
- IBS.
- inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn’s or colitis.
- food sensitivities.
- celiac disease.
These gastrointestinal conditions can be intensely painful, however they do not normally constitute a medical emergency situation.
Keeping a food log can help a medical professional diagnose the problem and offer a treatment plan. Pain medication, heating pads, and rest may likewise help in the short term. Pain medication is readily available for purchase nonprescription or online.
Ulcers
An ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or intestinal tract. Causes of ulcers consist of:.
- long-lasting use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
- a Helicobacter pylori infection.
- noncancerous stomach growths.
People with ulcers normally experience a sharp, burning sensation in the stomach. The burning might travel up the chest and into the mouth or throat, causing heartburn or indigestion.
Symptoms are normally even worse after a big or very acidic meal. The pain may reoccur. An individual may notice no symptoms for several months, then find that symptoms get steadily worse.
Antacids might assist. A variety of brands are available over-the-counter or online. A doctor can likewise prescribe medication to deal with the pain.
Menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps can feel sharp or dull. They may affect just one area of the abdomen or spread to the back and legs. Some people also experience diarrhea or nausea.
Menstrual cramps may take place throughout or right prior to a period. They typically come in waves, improving and even worse again throughout the day.
A heating pad, OTC pain relievers, and gentle stretching can help ease menstrual pain. Heating pads for pain relief are available for purchase online.
Menstrual cramps are not unsafe, however extreme camps can make every day life tough. An individual must see a physician if menstrual cramps are severe, have actually worsened, or hinder work or school.
Ovarian cysts
Cysts in the ovaries are common and generally harmless. The majority of people do not even understand that they have them. Numerous ovarian cysts form after ovulation, then vanish a few months later on.
Often, ovarian cysts can cause periodic pain. The pain from an ovarian cyst is often low in the abdominal area and on just one side. It might be worse throughout specific times of the menstrual cycle.
If a person believes that they have a painful ovarian cyst, they may wish to talk to a medical professional. The physician can detect a cyst utilizing imaging tests.
OTC pain medication and using warm compresses can help eliminate the pain.
Sudden, intense pain in the lower hips may be a sign of ovarian torsion, which is when the ovary twists. This is often a complication of a cyst.
Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency. Without treatment, it can cause extreme internal bleeding, damage to the ovary, or an infection.
Ovulation
During ovulation, an egg ruptures from its follicle in the ovary and goes into the fallopian tube. Some individuals experience ovulation pain, or mittelschmerz, which a brief pain around ovulation.
Pain that happens regular monthly toward the middle of the menstrual cycle might be ovulation pain. Ovulation pain is not unsafe and can even be a practical fertility cue if the person is attempting to conceive.
Labor or Braxton-Hicks contractions
In pregnant women, sharp abdominal pain might indicate labor or Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Braxton-Hicks contractions prevail and are sometimes called “incorrect labor,’ as they might feel like real contractions.
They are often irregular or appear only at particular times, such as if a woman is dehydrated.
By contrast, labor contractions get progressively more intense. Signs that a woman remains in labor consist of:
- a discernible pattern to the contractions.
- contractions that get closer together.
- bleeding or discharge from the vagina.
- pain that starts at the top of the uterus.
Call a physician or midwife at any signs of labor, particularly if the pregnancy has actually not reached full term.
Numerous causes of periodic stomach pain, such as ovulation pain, do not need treatment. Others, such as food level of sensitivities, are not medical emergencies.
It can be tough to choose when to see a medical professional and when to wait, so it is essential to take note of any additional symptoms. Look for medical care for serious pain or pain that gets worse with time.
Speak with a physician about:
- unexplained stomach pain that gets gradually worse gradually.
- getting worse menstrual cramps or cramps that are frequently serious.
- getting worse digestion symptoms.
- symptoms of an ulcer or a digestive disorder.
- periodic, moderate pain in the upper right abdominal area.
Symptoms that may require emergency medical attention include:
- intense stomach pain during pregnancy.
- symptoms of early labor.
- extreme pain in the upper right abdominal area.
- bloody diarrhea.
- vomiting and symptoms of dehydration, such as sunken eyes or dry lips.
- sudden, intense, unusual stomach pain.
Sharp, intermittent stomach pain is hard to ignore, particularly when it accompanies other symptoms.
Although numerous reasons for this pain are not hazardous, others can result in extreme complications. If an individual is uncertain about their stomach pain, it is best to speak with a physician.
It is almost impossible to identify the cause of stomach pain based upon symptoms alone. A medical professional may perform imaging scans, inquire about an individual’s medical history, or analyze the stomach to get the right diagnosis.
Prompt treatment can reduce or alleviate pain and prevent complications most of the times.
Treatment for Stomach Pain
Your treatment depends upon what is causing your pain, but may include:
Pain relief: your pain may not go away fully with painkillers, but it needs to relieve.
Fluids: you might have fluids offered into a vein to remedy fluid loss and rest your bowel.
Medicines: for instance, you may be offered something to stop you throwing up.
Fasting: your physician may ask you not to consume or drink anything until the reason for your pain is known.
Taking care of yourself in your home
- Many stomach pain disappears without unique treatment. Be directed by your doctor, but there are some things you can do to assist alleviate the pain, consisting of:
- Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdominal area.
- Take in a warm bath. Make sure not to scald yourself.
- Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water.
- Decrease your consumption of coffee and tea as these can make the pain even worse.
- When you are enabled to consume once again, start with clear liquids, then progress to dull foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast. Your medical professional might advise you to avoid specific foods.
- Get a lot of rest.
- Attempt over the counter antacids, to help in reducing some types of pain.
- Take moderate painkillers such as paracetamol. Please examine the package for the right dosage. Prevent aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs unless encouraged to take them by a physician. These drugs can make some kinds of abdominal pain even worse.
