There are many possible causes of sharp stomach or abdominal pain. According to Medline Plus, abdominal pain is pain that's felt anywhere between a person's chest and groin, including the stomach and other organs in the abdominal cavity. In some cases, what feels like stomach pain may be pain from another organ, such as the intestines. Abdominal pain ranges from mild to severe and may be indicative of a serious underlying condition.
ESOPHAGITIS
Esophagitis can cause sharp stomach or abdominal pain. Esophagitis is characterized by an inflammation of the esophagus' inner lining. The esophagus is the tube that links the throat and stomach. Esophagitis can be extremely painful and, if left unchecked, it can lead to swallowing problems and esophageal ulcers. Esophagitis can be caused by the reflux of stomach acid and bile into the esophagus; vomiting; certain medications; and infections--viral, bacteria and fungal--and diseases that weaken a person's immune system. Common signs and symptoms associated with esophagitis include the following: painful swallowing or difficulty swallowing, sharp pain in the esophagus and acid reflux. The Cleveland Clinic states that, with proper treatment, the prognosis for a person with esophagitis is usually good, although if acid reflux is the principle causative factor of esophagitis, it may take more time to control symptoms and resolve the condition.
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INTESTINAL PSEUDO-OBSTRUCTION
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction can cause sharp stomach or abdominal pain. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare disorder that causes symptoms similar to a bowel obstruction, although no blockage can be found upon examination of the intestines. Intestinal pseudo-obstruction-related symptoms are caused by nerve and muscle problems that impair the transit of food, fluid and air through the gut. Common signs and symptoms associated with intestinal pseudo-obstruction include the following: abdominal cramps and pain; nausea; vomiting; bloating and constipation; or diarrhea. Possible complications of intestinal pseudo-obstruction include bacterial infections, malnourishment and weight loss. Some individuals with intestinal pseudo-obstruction experience problems with other organs such as the bladder and esophagus.
AMEBIASIS
Amebiasis can cause sharp stomach or abdominal pain. Amebiasis is a gut infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Although amebiasis is found anywhere in the world, it's most common among people living in overpopulated areas in the tropics where there is poor sanitation. The bacteria responsible for amebiasis are passed from one person to the next by stool-contaminated food or water. There are numerous risk factors for amebiasis such as alcoholism, cancer, malnutrition, advanced age, pregnancy and corticosteroid-induced immune system depression. Common signs and symptoms associated with amebiasis include the following: sharp abdominal cramps; diarrhea; fatigue; flatulence; tenesmus, or rectal pain during defecation; unintentional weight loss; fever; vomiting; and bloody stools.
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