Sharp abdominal pain may be related to eating high-carb foods or lactose, which can lead to more intestinal gas or constipation.

However, sharp abdominal pain accompanied by other symptoms, like diarrhea, vomiting, fever and general malaise may be a sign of another health condition, like gallbladder stones, appendicitis or a UTI.

If your abdominal pain does not resolve on its own or if pain is gradually worsening or accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult your doctor for further assessment possible treatment.

What does sharp abdominal pain mean?

The most common causes of sharp abdominal pain are:

1. Intestinal gas

Intestinal gas can be produced in the stomach or gut and is usually the result of the fermentation of high-carb foods or lactose. Some types of legumes (like beans, chickpeas and lentils), some vegetables (like cabbage and cauliflower) and fizzy drinks can also lead to increased intestinal gases. Learn more about what can cause excess gas.

In some cases, intestinal gas can be related to a health condition like lactose intolerance, hypochlorhydria, parasites or IBS. When intestinal gases are excessive, they can cause symptoms like sharp abdominal pain, throat burning, sharp chest pain and constant burping.

What to do: Intestinal gases usually do not lead to other health problems, however they can be uncomfortable and cause anxiety and general malaise. To relieve and eliminate intestinal gas, you should increase you water intake, eat slowly, chew thoroughly and avoid drinking fluids during meals. You can use medications like simethicone to relieve symptoms.

Check out these home remedies for gas so that you can relieve discomfort naturally.

2. Constipation

Constipation is characterized by a reduction in bowel movements, or very hard stool that requires excessive straining to eliminate.

This condition can occur for many reasons, which are mainly related to inadequate fiber and water intake and lack of physical activity. Symptoms of constipation include bloating and sharp abdominal pain, which occur due to fecal accumulation and gas production.

What to do: Treatment for constipation consists of lifestyle changes, like increased fiber intake and drinking more water (about 2 liters per day). You should also have also have bowel movements when you have the desire to, as holding stool in can change its consistency and make it harder to pass.

Frequent constipation or irregular bowel movements should be assessed by a family doctor or gastroenterologist. The doctor will assess the underlying cause, and may prescribe laxatives to help with bowel elimination.

3. Appendicitis

Appendicitis is characterized by inflammation of the appendix, which is a small organ located at the end of the large intestine. This inflammation can be caused by a obstruction in the appendix due to to stool, and can cause symptoms like sharp abdominal pain that is specifically felt in the lower right abdomen, as well as vomiting, fever, loss of appetite and general malaise.

If you notice symptoms of appendicitis, you should seek urgent medical attention. Appendicitis that is left untreated can lead to a rupture appendiz, which can contaminate other abdominal organs with harmful bacteria. To confirm appendicitis, the doctor may order tests like an ultrasound, urinte test and blood work.

What to do: Once confirmed, treatment for appendicitis consists of surgical removal of the appendix. The doctor may prescribe medications like analgesics to relieve pain and antibiotics to prevent the emergence of other infections.

4. Irritable bowel syndrome

Intestinal bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal illness characterized by abnormal bowel habits. Patients will typically present with periods of diarrhea that alternate with periods of constipation. This condition causes symptoms like bowel urgency, mucus from the anus, abdominal discomfort, floating and sharp abdominal pain.

These symptoms tend to come on gradually, and many people may not have all of these symptoms. The cause of IBS is not fully known, however it may be related to hypersensitivity to certain foods at an intestinal level.

IBS is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist through assessing the patient’s health history and ordering tests to rule out other illnesses.

What to do: To treat IBS, the doctor will likely fiber supplements to regulate bowel movements and intestinal flora, as well as antispasmodics to reduce bloating, distension and gas. It is important to see a registered dietitian as well to help guide an eating plan that prevents worsening and eases symptoms. Read more about the IBS diet and how to incorporate it into your eating routine.

5. Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when the urinary tract becomes contaminated by bacteria (like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus) or fungus (like Candida sp.). Women are more susceptible to UTIs due to anatomivally shorter urethras, which allows for microorganisms to enter the urinary tract easily.

UTI symptoms include burning and sharp abdominal pain when urinating. UTIs that reach the kidneys can also cause lower back pain. Diagnosis can be confirmed through a positive urine test.

What to do: UTI treatment is usually aimed at eliminating bacteria in the urinary tract with antibiotics, like timetoprim and ciprofloxacin. Home remedies, like cranberry juice, can be used as a complement to medical therapy to speed-up recovery.

6. Gallbladder stones

Gallbladder stones, also known as cholelithiasis, is characterized by the formation of small masses (or calculi) within the gallbladder or biliary tract. The gallbladder is essential for fat digestion, and if it becomes blocked, symptoms like nausea, vomiting and sharp abdominal pain can be felt.

Gallbladder stones can form when bile becomes overloaded with fat from the liver. The condition is diagnosed by a family doctor or gastroenterologist through assessment and testing, like an abdominal ultrasound.

What to do: Treatment should be guided by a gastroenterologist and usually involves the use of painkillers and antiemetics to relieve symptoms. You can also incorporated natural remedies for gallstones to help manage mild symptoms or prevent flare-ups from occurring.

Larger stones can be dissolved with medications, like ursodeoxycholic acid, while frequently recurring cases may require gallbladder removal surgery.

7. Period cramps

Period cramps can cause an intense, stabbing abdominal pain, which can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, diarrhea or back pain.

This discomfort is related to the release of inflammatory substances in the uterus, called prostaglandins, which cause uterine contractions to promote the shedding of the endometrium.

What to do:You can place a warm water bottle on the abdomen to help relieve muscle tension. Ginger tea and valerian tea can also help to relieve menstrual cramps. Check out other natural remedies for period cramps that you can prepare at home.

However, if your period cramps last more than 72 hours and are very strong, you are advised to see a gynecologist to assess for another condition that could be contributing to pain, like endometriosis.

8. Round ligament pain

In the end phases of pregnancy, some woman may notice a very quick, sharp abdominal pain felt in the lower belly. This pain is often described as a "lightening bolt", as it comes on suddenly and disappears, and is referred to as round ligament pain

The round ligaments are two bands of tissue that hold the uterus in place and connect it to the pelvis. Normal fetal growth and development will lead to stretching and thickening of the round ligaments, especially when the mother or fetus are moving. Round ligament pain will typically present on its own with no other symptoms.

What to do: Round ligament pain can be treated conservatively with rest and by reducing heavy activities. Some women may find relief with a heating pad or warm shower, however moderate pain can also be managed with acetaminophen, as guided by your OBGYN.

However, if you notice sharp abdominal pain with vaginal bleeding, nausea and vomiting, you should seek urgent medical attention, as these are signs of an ectopic pregnancy.

9. Ovulation

Some women may experience pain during ovulation, which is also designated as the fertile period in a menstrual cycle. It occurs about 14 days after the first day of your period, and is characterized by the release of an egg from the ovary into the fallopian tubes.

This pain can be mild to intense and described as sharp. In some women, it may last for minutes to hours, and may be accompanied by slight bleeding as well as nausea.

Read more about ovulation pain and what it feels like.

What to do: Generally, ovulation pain can be managed with conservative measures, like rest and hydration. However severe discomfort can be treated with painkillers, anti-inflammatories or contraceptives as prescribed by your gynecologist.

10. Ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form in or around the ovary and can cause stabbing pain during ovulation. The pain can become especially sharp and intense if the cyst ruptures, although this is not very common.

Other symptoms of an ovarian cyst include a late period, increased breast sensitivity, vaginal bleeding, weight gain, or difficulty getting pregnant. Learn more about ovarian cyst symptoms and complete our online symptoms quiz to determine whether your abdominal pain may be related to one.

What to do: Ovarian cysts usually shrink without medical intervention and will typically be monitored over a period of time. However, if the cyst causes symptoms or worsens, the cyst may be treated with the birth control pills or a surgical intervention.

A very large that shows signs of cancer or has caused ovarian torsion may require a complete removal of the ovary.

11. Stomach ulcer

Sharp abdominal pain can also be caused by a stomach ulcer, which is a wound in the lining of the stomach. These wounds can appear due to an H. pylori infection or with excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Other symptoms that may occur are heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or a feeling of bloating, which usually worsen after eating or when eating very spicy or fatty foods.

Learn more about the symptoms of a stomach ulcer and complete our online symptoms quiz to determine whether your pain may be related to this condition.

What to do: You are advised to consult a gastroenterologist, as stomach ulcer treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. In many cases, the doctor will prescribe medications to reduce stomach acid production (like omeprazole) and antibiotics.

Ulcer surgery may be considered in cases of severe bleeding and/or a stomach perforation.

When to see a doctor

You should seek urgent medical attention if your abdominal pain is sharp and accompanied by symptoms like:

Fever
Anal bleeding
Vomiting for over 24 hours

These signs may be a sign of other health conditions, which require immediate diagnosis and treatment.