The burning, gnawing, sharp or pulsating pain that can suddenly appear in the stomach can be a signal of infection, an ulcer or a stone formation in the body. This pain can radiate to other regions of the body, such as the back or shoulder. Stomach pain is typically accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Appendicitis
The Mayo Clinic says appendicitis is a medical problem in which the appendix (located at the end of the colon) becomes inflamed. This inflammation can lead to such additional symptoms as pain that surrounds the belly button and relocates to the lower right region of the stomach. Appendicitis also causes nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach swelling, diarrhea and a fever. Appendicitis is a result of an infection or a blockage of a cavity near the appendix with stool or other waste products. It's treated with an appendectomy (surgical removal of the appendix).
Kidney Stones
According to MedlinePlus, four types of kidney stones exist: calcium, cystine, struvite and uric acid stones. MedlinePlus says calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stones. Cystine stones are found in people who suffer from cystinuria, a type of condition in which elevated levels of cysteine (an amino acid) exist in the blood. Struvite stones are typically found in women who suffer from a urinary tract infection, and a uric acid stone typically occurs in people who have gout or are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Symptoms of having a kidney stone include lower stomach or flank pain, testicular or groin pain, nausea, fever, vomiting and chills.
Dehydration is the typical cause of kidney stones. Sometimes, kidney stones can form due to a gastric bypass, kidney problems or bowel problems.
MedlinePlus says that treatment for kidney stones involves drinking six to eight glasses of water daily. Medications such as ibuprofen can be taken to manage the pain. Drugs such as allopurinol, diuretics or antibiotics can help break up the kidney stone. Some other treatments include using ultrasonic shock waves to break up the kidney or surgery to remove the stone.
Peptic Ulcer
The Mayo Clinic says a peptic ulcer is a sore that develops on the esophagus, stomach or small intestines. Specific symptoms of a peptic ulcer include stomach pain that can flare up at night. Other peptic ulcer symptoms include nausea, vomiting, unintentional weight loss and black or bloody stools. Smoking, stress, bacteria called H. pylori and alcohol consumption are some causes of peptic ulcers.
Treatment involves taking medications such as antibiotics, antacids, acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors.
