Stomach pain is a common and pesky annoyance and it has happened to all of us. Usually, stomach cramps and discomfort indicate digestive disorders. But then there is the sharp and piercing pain that rises and repeatedly ebbs, which can alarm you. If you have been witnessing this kind of pain over a long period of time, then it is time you visit the doctor, especially if your stomach pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and disorientation.

Here are a few likely causes behind stomach pain that comes and goes:

 1. Appendicitis –

Sometimes the appendix, an abdominal organ, swells up and this could lead to stabbing pains that intensify and ebb. The pain usually originates in the lower right side of the abdomen. There might be other symptoms like bloating and vomiting. The symptoms begin to show up almost right after the appendix swells up. Seek help from a doctor because a swollen appendix may burst and cause severe health issues.

 2. Ovarian Cysts –

It is a common cause of shooting stomach pain in women because an overwhelming majority of women have ovarian cysts. Usually, they are harmless. But sometimes they enlarge and this is when they trigger pain. 

In such cases, the epicentre of the pain is in the lower abdomen where the ovaries are. You may also notice bloating and a sensation of pressure in your tummy. You can use hot compresses as a temporary measure to deal with the pain.

 3. Gallstones –

Sometimes bilirubin or cholesterol accumulates to form stone shaped objects inside your gallbladder. They may even obstruct the duct of your gallbladder and this prompts intense shooting pain. Other indicators of gallstones are a yellowish tinge in the eyes, nausea, vomiting, sweating and fever. To ease the discomfort, you can sip peppermint or turmeric tea.

 4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome –

You will know that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome if, after every meal, you experience pain in your stomach. Or the pain might appear during specific times of the day. Other symptoms of this disorder are pain accompanying defecation, presence of mucus in faeces, diarrhoea and flatulence.

 5. Urinary Tract Infection –

UTIs are a very tortuous disease. Usually, it is the bladder that gets infected, but actually, any section of the tract can bear the brunt of the infection. Not only does it trigger pain in the abdomen, but you might also feel a burning sensation when you urinate.

In my experience the major causes of abdominal pain in children are behavioural, lymph nodes in intestines and worms. All should be evaluated and treated by a pediatrician.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Also Read: 10 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection

 6. Peptic Ulcer –

This ulcer develops on the lining of your stomach. Prolonged usage of specific medicines can cause it to grow. They do not go away on their own and prompt a constant burning sensation in your abdomen. 

Some other sources of Stomach Pain can be:

• Gastroenteritis
• Food allergies
• Pain arising from ovulation

Children, especially in the early ages, frequently suffer from stomach aches.If their stomach ache is accompanied by weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, you should always consult a pediatrician to diagnose the cause and provide the treatment for the same.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

Signs You Need to Go See a Doctor for Your Abdominal Pain Right Now!

If you face any of these signs while dealing with abdominal pain then don’t wait any longer. Consult a doctor immediately!

• Constant pain lasting for long periods of time
• Scrotum pain for males
• Vaginal bleeding for pregnant women
• Pain, nausea followed by difficulty in breathing
• Blood in vomit
• If you spot blood in your urine or bowel
• Pain that spreads from your abdomen to other parts of your body like the chest, shoulder, neck etc.
• If you are developing a fever during your abdominal pain
• If you are facing issues with passing urine or bowel

Also Read: Why Is My Upper Stomach Bigger Than My Lower? Understanding Body Composition

How to Reduce Abdominal Pain at Home:

Unless you are facing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, your abdominal pain will most likely go away without the need for any special medical treatment. However, here are a few ways you can deal with abdominal pain yourself at home to reduce the pain:

• Use hot water bags to alleviate the pain. Place it on your abdomen and let it work its magic.
• Stay hydrated! Make water and other healthy clear fluids your best friend.
• Try to minimise your consumption of coffee, alcohol and tea as they can contribute to increasing the pain.
• Don’t stress yourself out. Rest as much as you can.
• Ask your doctor to prescribe you a mild painkiller.
• Over-the-counter antacids help in reducing abdominal pain.

Since ignoring abdominal pain that comes and goes can lead to medical complications in the future, you really should consult a doctor to find out if any one of the above-mentioned disorders is at the root of your tummy ache. Some of them need immediate medical treatment. Don’t wait till the symptoms become even more prominent because the longer you wait, the longer it will take for you to heal completely.

Also Read: Stabbing Pain Left Side Under Ribs: Possible Causes and Solutions

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.