Sharp Stomach Pains

Causes Of Sharp Stomach Pains

When describing sharp stomach pains, it helps to define exactly which area of your body is in question. Some people describe any sharp pain that originates in the area between the bottom of the breastbone and the groin as "stomach" pain. Others might limit their description of stomach pain to the area between the bottom of the breastbone to just below the naval.

Still others might insist the word "stomach" should only describe the organ itself - in other words, that pouch in our midsection that holds food after we eat it

For purposes of this article on sharp stomach pains, we'll arbitrarily take the second description: the area just below the breastbone to just below the naval. That still gives us plenty to talk about.

Keep in mind, sometimes you experience what doctors call "referred pain." This is pain you feel in one place that actually originates with a problem somewhere else. You might have a problem with a disc in your back that creates sharp pains in the stomach region. You can also have heart problems that cause referred pain below the chest in the "stomach" region.

That said, let's consider some of the most common problems that cause sharp stomach pains due to organ diseases and conditions.

Sharp stomach pains from organ disorders When you have sharp stomach pains, your first concern probably relates to the major organs in the area: stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas.

Cancer - Many cancers don't cause pain until they've advanced to a dangerous stage. But once they've progressed to a certain point, sharp pain is a common symptom. To learn more, click on stomach cancer.

Pain from stomach conditions Even a simple case of upset stomach can cause sharp stomach pains sometimes. Other symptoms of upset stomach include belching, bloating, a feeling of fullness and stomach gas. The medical name for an upset stomach is dyspepsia.

Gastritis is a disorder that means something is the stomach is inflamed. This includes stomach ulcers, which can certainly cause sharp stomach pains, especially a bleeding ulcer.

Stomach flu, or a stomach virus, is known to doctors as gastroenteritis. Sharp stomach pains can be typical when you have the stomach flu, and it usually comes with diarrhea and vomiting.

Most people are familiar with a condition called heartburn. This condition, which is also known as acid reflux, happens when powerful stomach acid works its way up into the esophagus. Since tissue in the esophagus is much more sensitive than stomach tissue, parts of the esophagus can sting or burn.

Stomach cancer is relatively rare now in the United States, buy anyone who has it is likely to experience sharp stomach pains. See stomach cancer.

Gallbladder trouble If you suddenly start to feel sharp stomach pains shortly after you've eaten a rich, fatty, high cholesterol meal, you may have gallbladder problems. A gallbladder attack not only causes stomach pains, but may cause side and back pains between the shoulder blades. Gallstones may also cause sharp stomach pains. Gallstones can also cause severe upper stomach pain and discomfort.

Liver disorders Cirrhosis of the liver is likely to cause upper abdominal pain. Some hepatitis patients experience stomach pains, while others don't.

Upper stomach pain is a typical symptom of a liver-related condition called ascites, which happens when fluid in the peritoneal cavity (the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs).

The pancreas Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, and it is the most frequent cause of pain involving the pancreas. The pancreas helps regulate the way your body processes sugar, and when it becomes inflamed, it causes sharp stomach pains. Severe cases of pancreatitis can cause extremely dangerous complications.

The spleen Splenomegaly is the medical word for an enlarged spleen. When you have Splenomegaly, it's usually a sign that there's some other underlying problem. An infection, anemia, or cancer are among the possibilities. A ruptured spleen, which can cause intense stomach pain, can be a serious medical emergency. A ruptured spleen is usually caused by a blow or injury or some kind.

Conclusion This article is intended strictly to give you an overview of some possible causes of sharp stomach pains.

In many cases, even sharp stomach pains disappear after time without treatment, as in the case of stomach flu or certain other disorders. But intense stomach pain, or moderate stomach pain that persists for more than a day or so, is worth a call to your doctor.

Click on Causes Of Stomach Pain for additional information.