Severe stomach pain can be caused by various conditions, including pancreatitis, appendicitis, food poisoning, intestinal bleeding, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, ovarian cysts, and ovarian cancer. Diagnosis and treatment depend on the cause, and may involve medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
There are many causes of severe stomach pain, including gas and gallstones. Pancreatitis can cause severe stomach pain. Appendicitis is another cause of sharp pain in the abdomen, usually moving to the lower right side. In some cases, food poisoning can also cause sharp or burning pain in the stomach. Intestinal bleeding from trauma to the liver or spleen can also cause severe stomach pain.
Acute abdominal pain is not a disease, but a symptom or indication of an acute condition or disease. When an individual suffers from gastrointestinal discomfort or stomach pain accompanied by fever, this usually indicates the presence of an infection. A doctor will determine the cause of the infection and associated pain. Several factors may contribute to the diagnosis, including whether the severe stomach pain came on suddenly or was a gradual, ongoing process.
In many cases, indigestion can be due to gas-induced stomach cramps. This is usually not serious and can be relieved by taking an over-the-counter remedy. Some individuals may find relief from stomach pain associated with overeating by drinking herbal teas. If, however, sharp stomach pain occurs frequently, a doctor may need to perform tests to learn the cause and determine the proper treatment.
Diverticulitis is a condition known to cause severe stomach pain. This occurs when the pockets lining the colon become enlarged and inflamed. This condition, which is common in older people, may require a special diet.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause acute abdominal pain. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are known to cause severe pain or intestinal bleeding. These conditions will usually be helped by the use of prescription drugs. Modifying one’s diet may also be recommended for patients with IBD.
Women with ovarian cysts may experience severe pain in their stomach. Cysts on the ovaries, which are found on either side of the uterus, can be caused by benign tumors. If so, medications may help dissolve the cysts or surgery may be recommended.
A more serious condition for women is ovarian cancer. This tumor, which can produce one or more smaller malignant tumors on the ovaries, can cause severe or sharp pain in the abdomen. If not diagnosed and treated early, ovarian cancer can be life-threatening. Treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves surgery to remove the cancerous mass. This procedure may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation.
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