What medical condition causes a stabbing pain in the stomach and abdominal bloating?
Patient: I have severe stabbing pain in my stomach area every 20 minutes. it lasts only about 15 seconds. A few days ago when it started my stomach was bloated and very hard. Not it is only a little bloated but the stabbing pains are still coming. Any thoughts? Doctor: Hi,  The recurrent stabbing pain in the abdomen that last for 15 seconds and comes every 20 minutes indicates that this is a spasmodic pain.  The associated bloating indicates a possibility of sub-acute intestinal obstruction.   I would advise you the following in such a situation:  Rush to ER or nearby hospital for urgent clinical evaluation and investigation to know the cause as intestinal obstruction needs urgent care.   X-ray of the abdomen in standing position can help to get an exact diagnosis aided by an Ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen.   If there is an intestinal obstruction, you need to get admitted and may need a surgery for cure.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Take care  Regards, Dr T Chandrakant, General Surgeon