Sudden and severe abdominal pain is referred to as an “acute abdomen.”

Abdominal pain, one of the most common health issues in society, can signal various serious conditions, ranging from tonsillitis to appendicitis.

This type of abdominal pain can be a significant indicator in diagnosing diseases of the stomach and intestinal system. Serious diseases such as appendicitis, gallbladder inflammation, stomach perforation, pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, or occlusion may underlie sudden onset of severe abdominal pain.

Sudden-onset abdominal pain can sometimes result from intestinal obstructions caused by adhesions from past surgeries, even years after the procedure. Obstructions can also occur due to tumours in the small or large intestine.

On the other hand, abdominal pain may not always originate from abdominal organs. For example, pain caused by kidney stones can be felt in the abdomen. Abdominal pain can also be the first symptom of a heart attack.