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What Causes Stabbing Pain Below The Sternum?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Jan 2018
Twitter Wed, 3 Jan 2018 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 6 Jun 2018 Last reviewed on
Question : I’m having severe stabbing pain intermittently in my epigastric area about 1-2 inches below my sternum. Could this be serious? It’s every 15-20 minutes.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
gastric issues

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
In this age, this type of pain is usually related to gastriti, GERD or hiatal hernia. Less common this can be sign of cholecystitis or pancreatitis especially if this is associated with nausea, vomit or fever. Otherwise, you should take antiacid medications such as ranitidine 150mg or pantoprasole 40mg. You need to avoid fried food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. You should eat more milk products, vegetables and boiled food.

In cases of severe pain, diagnosis should be established with endoscopic tests which include gastroscopy or barium swallow test.
If there are associated symptoms as i have mentioned then you should do ultrasound and check pancreatic markers. Wish you good health. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13886 Questions

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What Causes Stabbing Pain Below The Sternum?

Brief Answer: gastric issues Detailed Answer: Hi and welcome. In this age, this type of pain is usually related to gastriti, GERD or hiatal hernia. Less common this can be sign of cholecystitis or pancreatitis especially if this is associated with nausea, vomit or fever. Otherwise, you should take antiacid medications such as ranitidine 150mg or pantoprasole 40mg. You need to avoid fried food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. You should eat more milk products, vegetables and boiled food. In cases of severe pain, diagnosis should be established with endoscopic tests which include gastroscopy or barium swallow test. If there are associated symptoms as i have mentioned then you should do ultrasound and check pancreatic markers. Wish you good health. Regards