When most individuals complain of harsh stomach pains, they may really be describing the pain that did is not coming from the actual organ known as the stomach. Terms like stomachache, stomach pains and stomach discomfort can describe any pain that is felt in the area between the bottom of the sternum and groin.

For our purposes in this article, we'll, concentrate only on disorders that cause discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen - more or less surrounding the navel. We'll refrain from discussing conditions like appendicitis or pains in the area of the groin that are normally felt in the lower sections of the abdomen.

With that in mind, here are the most typical causes of sharp pains in the stomach.

"Letting yourself go" - This basically means you ate more than you should have, or ate faster than you should have.

You can also eat something you shouldn't have - certain foods cause adverse reactions, or maybe they're just too difficult for your digestive system to handle.

Viral gastroenteritis - There are brief stomach sicknesses that can result in sharp upper abdominal discomfort. At the top of this list is a stomach virus (usually referred to as the stomach flu), which typically produces nausea, vomiting and frequent trips to the bathroom.

Gastritis - Gastritis is a problem characterized by inflammation or erosion in part of the stomach lining. Peptic ulcers are a kind of gastritis, which can actually cause severe, extremely sharp abdominal pain.

Acid reflux - Most people are familiar with a condition commonly known as heartburn. Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid erupts past the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus. The tissues of the esophagus are significantly more sensitive than those in the stomach, so part of the esophagus becomes damaged by an acid burn. This causes tingling or burning discomfort in the upper abdominal area.

Cancer - Regrettably, many types of cancer do not cause pain until they reach an advanced stage. But at a certain point, sharp pain begins to occur. The same is true with stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is not as common as it used to be in the U.S., but all have it are likely to experience sharp pain in the stomach.

Gallbladder trouble - Sharp stomach pains that occur not long after you have a greasy or fatty meal, it may very well be a gallbladder attack. Gallbladder problems usually occur when too much cholesterol flows into the gallbladder all at once, and the gallbladder has difficulty processing it properly. not only cause abdominal pain, but can also cause discomfort in the side and back near the shoulders.

Gallstones, another type of gallbladder problems, can cause severe stomach pain as well.

Liver diseases - There are many different forms of liver disorders that cause upper abdominal pains. Liver diseases may include cirrhosis and hepatitis, which are types of liver inflammation. abdominal pain is a common sign of another liver-related condition known as ascites. Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.

Pancreas disorders - Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The function of the pancreas is to help regulate the way the human body processes sugar.

Spleen - Splenomegaly is the medical term for an enlarged spleen. When you have splenomegaly, it is generally a sign that there is some other underlying disorder or disease. Infection, anemia, or cancer are possibilities. A ruptured spleen, which is usually caused by a traumatic injury of any type, will cause abdominal pains.

The list above are just some of the possible causes of sharp pain in the stomach. In many cases, such pain is temporary and will pass without treatment. However, extremely intense pain in the upper abdomen, or moderate upper abdominal pains persisting longer than a few hours is worth a consultation with your doctor.