What does it mean when your stomach suddenly hurts, as if you've gotten a stitch?

Oct 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Chao

Introduction

Sudden stomach pain resembling a side stitch may be caused by physiological factors such as excessive exercise, or by conditions like gastrointestinal spasms or mechanical intestinal obstruction. Active treatment based on the underlying cause is necessary. During recovery, it is important to get plenty of rest, minimize physical activity, and avoid heavy labor. A well-balanced daily routine should be maintained to promote a quicker recovery.

Sudden abdominal pain resembling a side stitch may be caused by physiological factors such as excessive exercise, or by conditions such as gastrointestinal spasm or mechanical intestinal obstruction. Active treatment based on the underlying cause is necessary.

1. Overexertion

This may result from excessive physical activity, leading to improper strain on the abdomen and overstretching or injury of abdominal muscles, causing pain similar to a side stitch. Yuanhu Zhitong Pian (Yuanhu Pain-relieving Tablets) can be taken for relief.

2. Gastrointestinal Spasm

This is mostly due to poor eating habits, such as frequent overeating or consuming cold and raw foods, which cause sudden temperature changes in the stomach along with alternating hunger and bloating. These fluctuations lead to spasmodic contractions of the smooth muscles in the intestinal wall, resulting in abdominal pain resembling a side stitch. Hyoscyamine tablets or racemic anisodamine tablets can be taken to effectively relieve symptoms.

3. Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction

Above the obstructed segment, strong intestinal peristalsis causes abdominal pain. Later, due to excessive fatigue of the intestinal muscles, a temporary relaxed state occurs and the pain subsides. Therefore, pain in mechanical intestinal obstruction is typically paroxysmal colicky pain. If the intervals between episodes of pain progressively shorten, evolving into severe continuous pain, it may indicate progression to strangulated intestinal obstruction. Treatment includes fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, correction of fluid, electrolyte imbalances, and acid-base disturbances. After controlling infection, surgical interventions such as sigmoid colostomy may be performed.

During recovery, it's important to get adequate rest, minimize physical activity, and avoid heavy labor. A well-balanced daily routine will facilitate a quicker recovery.

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What medicine should I take for sudden stomach pain?

Sudden stomach pain requires appropriate medication based on the specific underlying cause, common ones including indigestion, gastritis, acute gastroenteritis, and gastric ulcers. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive proper treatment under a doctor's guidance, avoiding self-medication that may lead to adverse drug reactions. During treatment, maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods to help relieve symptoms.