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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sudden Stabbing Pain Below The Rib Area?

My 16yr old son had a stabbing pain this morning. It came on all of a sudden and he said his stomach hurt. When he points at the area of the pain, it s just below his rib cage, center of his torso, so I would say very top of the stomach. He said it felt like something was poking him from the inside. Pain level was really bad . Pain subsided slowly and was gone a couple of hours later. He had not eaten breakfast.
Tue, 17 Jan 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The area that you indicated is likely the stomach.

Pain in the stomach can be due to different possible causes such as: (1) infection (viral or bacterial), usually resolves on its own

(2)severe reflux causing gastritis (inflammation of the stomach). In this cases there would usually be a history of previous reflux

(3)nerve related pain. Nerves control sensation in the different areas of the body. If there is abnormal function of the nerves , this can cause pain
This can be temporary or permanent

Since the pain has resolved, you may want to consider monitoring him unless he develops other symptoms that concern you.

I hope this helps
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What Causes Sudden Stabbing Pain Below The Rib Area?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The area that you indicated is likely the stomach. Pain in the stomach can be due to different possible causes such as: (1) infection (viral or bacterial), usually resolves on its own (2)severe reflux causing gastritis (inflammation of the stomach). In this cases there would usually be a history of previous reflux (3)nerve related pain. Nerves control sensation in the different areas of the body. If there is abnormal function of the nerves , this can cause pain This can be temporary or permanent Since the pain has resolved, you may want to consider monitoring him unless he develops other symptoms that concern you. I hope this helps