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

Question

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.

Answer 1

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:

A gastric or a duodenal ulcer.
Biliary colic.
Pancreatic pain.

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

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

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

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

Answer 2

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.