HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinestomach painWhat is the reason for the severe stabbing pain in my stomach?

I had a severe stabbing pain in my stomach. Is that something I should be worried about?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 17, 2017
Reviewed AtAugust 18, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

This has happened to me twice now. This feeling usually lasts for about five to 10 minutes. It felt like a knife was pushed into my stomach and was being twisted. The pain is at the center of my upper stomach. Other than frequent heart burn, I am or at least I feel, healthy. I am not taking any medication. I never had any medical issue in the past. It is just these two episodes hurt so bad, it got me worried.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you mentioned, you have a stabbing pain in the upper abdomen, that lasts for five to 10 minutes. From your description as well as a history of frequent heart burn, the probable reason could be:

  1. A gastric or a duodenal ulcer.
  2. Biliary colic.
  3. Pancreatic pain.

I suggest you consult a gastrointestinal physician and undergo the following tests:

  1. USG (ultrasonography) abdomen.
  2. UGI (upper gastrointestinal) endoscopy.

Until then, presuming it to be an ulcer related pain, the management will be with:

  1. Tablet Pantoprazole 40 mg twice a day before meals.
  2. Tablet Drotaverine SOS for pain in the abdomen.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

My stools are never hard. Is that something I should be worried about?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Since you have had two such episodes of a severe pain in the epigastrium, I suggest you do not ignore any symptom.

As I mentioned earlier, it could be an ulcer-related pain, which can be seen only on an endoscopy. The treatment of an ulcer depends upon its appearance. At least go for an ultrasound of the abdomen. We might get some more information.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Chandra Prakash Tanwar
Dr. Chandra Prakash Tanwar

Internal Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

General Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy