Abdominal pain can be quite discomforting and debilitating. The sudden onset of abdominal pain could be a sign of a serious underlying health condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Below are some of the common causes of sudden abdominal pain:.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that occurs when the appendix gets inflamed. The inflammation of the appendix causes intense pain that starts around the navel and later shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen.
Other symptoms of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, and difficulty passing gas. In most cases, patients with appendicitis will require surgery to remove the inflamed appendix.
Diverticulitis
Another common cause of sudden abdominal pain is diverticulitis. This condition occurs when small bulging pouches (diverticula) lining the digestive tract becomes inflamed and infected.
Diverticulitis can cause sudden and severe pain in the lower left side of the abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Treatment of diverticulitis usually involves antibiotics, rest, liquid diet, and pain management medications.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are solid crystalline masses that form in the urinary tract or kidneys. The sharp edges on these stones can cause sudden and excruciating pain in the back, groin, or lower abdomen that comes and goes in waves.
Other symptoms of kidney stones include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and blood in the urine. Pain relief medications and fluids can help relieve symptoms of kidney stones. However, larger stones may require surgical removal.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. They can cause sudden and severe pain on one side of the lower abdomen that comes and goes. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and changes in menstrual periods.
Most ovarian cysts resolve on their own without treatment. However, larger cysts may require surgery.
Ectopic Pregnancy
If you’re a woman, sudden abdominal pain could also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus.
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The pain associated with ectopic pregnancy is usually sharp and sudden on one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis. Other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include vaginal spotting, dizziness, and shoulder pain. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that requires surgery to prevent serious complications.
Gallstones
Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. They can cause sudden and intense pain on the right side of the abdomen that comes and goes. Other symptoms of gallstones include nausea, vomiting, fever, and clay-colored stools.
Treatment of gallstones often involves surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Peptic Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a sore that develops in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. It can cause sudden and severe abdominal pain that feels like burning or gnawing.
Other symptoms of a peptic ulcer may include bloating, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. Treatment of a peptic ulcer often involves antibiotics, acid-reducing medications, and a change in diet and lifestyle.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning can cause sudden and severe pain in the abdomen, often accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. The pain usually comes on quickly and may last for several hours. Food poisoning is often caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
Treatment may involve rehydration, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medications.
Intestinal Obstruction
An intestinal obstruction occurs when the small intestine or large intestine becomes blocked, preventing food and fluids from passing through. It can cause sudden and severe abdominal pain, swelling, and constipation.
Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and difficulty passing gas. Treatment of intestinal obstruction may involve surgery to remove the blockage.
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen. It can cause sudden and severe pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back.
Other symptoms of acute pancreatitis may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and rapid heartbeat. Treatment of acute pancreatitis may involve hospitalization, medications, and lifestyle changes.
