What Causes Sudden Stomach Pain?

Stomach pain, which is also referred to as abdominal pain or stomachache, is a common condition that can occur in anyone. Although some people with sudden stomach pain may feel better with rest or home remedies such as ginger ale, sudden stomach pain that is severe, gets worse or persists may need urgent treatment. Information derived from the Mayo Clinic and the University of Michigan Medical System further reveals the causes of sudden stomach pain.

Food and Beverages

• People may experience sudden stomach pain after consuming fatty or fried foods. Drinking too many caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can cause sudden stomach pain as well as heartburn. People who are not used to consuming certain types of seasonings or ingredients may experience sudden stomach pain from eating spicy or ethnic foods .

Infections

• People with certain types of viral or bacterial infections may experience sudden stomach pain. Viral gastroenteritis, which is commonly referred to as food poisoning, can cause sudden stomach pain along with diarrhea, vomiting and fever in people who consumed contaminated foods or drinks. Other infections that may cause sudden stomach pains include urinary tract and bladder infections, viral hepatitis, infections of the kidney or spleen and shingles.

Medications

• Certain medications may cause sudden stomach pain and can promote the development of ulcers, which can cause persistent stomach pain. People with sensitivities to aspirin may experience sudden stomach pains after taking it, especially when taking uncoated tablets. Other medications that may cause sudden stomach pains include ibuprofen and antibiotics.

Mental Health Disorders

• People who experience emotional stress or have certain mental health disorders may experience sudden stomach pain. Panic attacks can cause sudden stomach pain, and people who have phobias such as claustrophobia may have sudden stomach pain when in a situation that triggers their condition. People anticipating or experiencing a stressful event such as a death, being fired from a job or getting into an auto accident may have sudden stomach pain.

Personal Habits

• People who eat too much food at once or who eat their food too quickly may get sudden stomach pain. Overdoing exercises such as sit-ups or weight-lifting may cause sudden stomach pain, especially in people who do not usually do those types of exercises. People who get involved in physical altercations or are victims of violence may experience sudden stomach pain after getting hit, kicked or punched in the stomach.

Illness

• People with sudden stomach pain that is worse than any other stomachache they have experienced may be suffering from a serious illness that is a medical emergency. People with appendicitis may experience sudden and severe stomach pain that gets worse with movement or touching the area. People having a heart attack may experience pain from the stomach area that may be accompanied by difficulty breathing, sweating and anxiety.