Sharp stomach pain can come from something minor like gas, indigestion, constipation, or a stomach bug, but it can also signal a more serious problem like appendicitis, gallstones, ulcers, a urinary tract infection, a hernia, bowel obstruction, or, in people who could be pregnant, an ectopic pregnancy. Sudden severe pain, pain with vomiting, fever, blood in stool or vomit, or pain that won’t go away needs urgent medical attention.

Common causes

  • Gas or indigestion. This can cause sharp, crampy pain that comes and goes, especially after eating.
  • Constipation. Backed-up stool can cause pressure and stabbing discomfort.
  • Gastroenteritis or food poisoning. These often cause sharp pain along with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or fever.
  • Appendicitis. This often causes worsening pain, commonly in the lower right side.
  • Gallstones or ulcers. These can cause upper abdominal pain and may be linked with burning, gnawing, or pain after eating.
  • UTI, ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, or bowel obstruction. These can also cause sharp abdominal pain and may need prompt treatment.

Get urgent help if

  • The pain is sudden and severe.
  • You have vomiting, bloody stool, black stool, or bloody vomit.
  • You have fever, dizziness, confusion, or cannot pass gas or stool.
  • The pain is in the lower right abdomen , especially if it is getting worse.

Quick self-check

If you want, I can help you narrow it down by asking:

  1. Where exactly is the pain?
  2. Is it constant or does it come and go?
  3. Any nausea, fever, diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting?
  4. How long has it been happening?