Sharp pain in the stomach has several potential causes.
Some of these may resolve on their own without medical treatment, but others are considered a medical emergency.
It is important to pay attention to symptoms so a healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis.
Deepak Sethi / Getty Images
Deepak Sethi / Getty Images
Why Does Your Stomach Hurt?
Stomach pain may come on suddenly, or it might be an ongoing or recurring symptom.
Symptoms may include:
Treatment for indigestion varies based on the underlying cause.
Common symptoms may include:
In some people, symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening.
In most cases, a foodborne illness will resolve without medical treatment.
However, those with severe symptoms should see a healthcare provider.
Gastroenteritis
Also known as stomach flu,gastroenteritisis an infection of the stomach or intestines.
Symptoms may include:
There is no specific treatment for gastroenteritis, but rehydration solutions can be helpful.
Medications may also be recommended.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a punch in of sugar often found in dairy products like milk.
Several symptoms can occur together.
These symptoms can include:
Treating IBS may involve several approaches.
These may include:
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is considered a medical emergency.
The most common symptom of appendicitis is pain in the abdomen.
This pain may:
Medical Emergency
Appendicitis is a medical emergency.
Other symptoms that may accompany pain include:
Appendicitis is treated through surgery (appendectomy).
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cystsare sacs filled with fluid on theovaries(egg-producing reproductive organs).
Many people who have ovarian cysts experience no symptoms, but symptoms can occur.
Possible symptoms of ovarian cysts include:
If a cyst bursts, it can cause severe, sudden pain.
Treating ovarian cysts may involvesurgery, pain medicine, andhormonal birth control.
Ovulation Pain
Roughly 14 days before a menstrual period, the ovary releases an egg.
This is known as ovulation.
During this time, some people will experience pain on one side of their lower abdomen.
This is typically considered a normal part of the menstrual cycle.
The pain may feel sharp and sudden, or like a dull cramp.
Ovulation pain can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers or home remedies like a hot bath.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A UTI is an infection anywhere in the urinary system.
They more commonly occur in females than in males.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:
Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics.
Celiac Disease
Celiac diseaseis an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body.
There are more than 200 symptoms associated with celiac disease.
These may include:
The treatment for celiac disease is to adhere to a lifelong, strictgluten-free diet.
The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is a burning or dull pain in the stomach.
The pain most commonly shows up when the stomach is empty.
Food Allergies
Afood allergycan cause a variety of symptoms.
Anaphylaxisis a life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy pops up if a pregnancy develops outside the uterus (womb).
This most commonly occurs in a fallopian tube.
An ectopic pregnancy endangers the pregnant person’s life and will not result in delivery of a baby.
These may include:
Summary
Sharp stomach pain has a number of potential causes.
A healthcare provider may use a variety of tests to diagnose the cause of stomach pain.
A Word From Verywell
Dealing with sharp stomach pain can be upsetting and scary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pain in the stomach can have many causes.
Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Indigestion (dyspepsia).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of indigestion.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About food safety.
Nemours Kids Health.Gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Lactose intolerance.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Gallstones.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of gallstones.
Office on Women’s Health.Ovarian cysts.
Office on Women’s Health.Urinary tract infections.
Celiac Disease Foundation.What is celiac disease?
Celiac Disease Foundation.Symptoms of celiac disease.
Urology Care Foundation.What are kidney stones?
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).
NHS.Overview - ectopic pregnancy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Ectopic pregnancy.
