Stomachaches are a constant complaint in adults and children. The upper stomach houses several structures, including the upper intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. While several issues responsible for upper abdomen pain, such as gas or a stomach virus, are not cause for concern, others may need medical treatment.
Some conditions can cause upper abdominal pain. In several cases, one condition can lead to another. For example, ulcers cause indigestion, or gallstones may cause liver dysfunction.
This article teaches us about possible causes of upper abdomen pain, treatment, and when to see a doctor.
I had earlier shared Right Sided Abdominal Pain. I hope you read the post.
Table of Contents
What does bloating feel like?
When bloated, you feel as if you’ve eaten a big meal and there is no room in your stomach. As per result, your stomach feels full and tight, and it can be difficult or painful. In addition, your stomach may look more extensive.
Severe bloating symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vaginal bleeding
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Blood in your stool
- Fever
I also wrote a tutorial on Headache And Vomiting: How To Deal With It? that you can follow.
Causes of upper abdominal pain can include:
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Gas
Gas occurs in the intestines and digestive tract. When this gas accumulates, it causes feelings of pressure, fullness, or bloating.
An infection, diarrhea, virus, or constipation can cause gas pain to become intense.
- The pain comes in waves.
- It feels something is moving in the stomach.
- Stomach to swell.
- Burping or passing of gas.
- A person has constipation or diarrhea.
Must read: Gastro Intestinal Bleeding
Gas pain is not severe, and over-the-counter medicines can help. A person can try eating slowly to avoid gas from worsening. Some people notice that some foods, such as broccoli are likely to cause gas pain.
Gas goes away, without any treatment, within a few hours. However, if it occurs with a fever or vomiting, it is best to see a doctor.
To learn more, you can read this post: How To Relieve Gastritis Pain Fast?
Indigestion
It is a burning feeling in the upper abdomen and seldom in the mouth or throat. The pain also feels like it stems from the chest.
The medical word for indigestion is dyspepsia. It appears when there is too much acid in the stomach after eating acidic foods.
Indigestion can result from a stomach ulcer, stomach cancer, or acid reflux. However, indigestion that is painful or occurs with unexplained weight loss could be a sign of concern.
I recommend you to read following posts that will help you: Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea Definition and All About Dyspnea
Gastritis
Gastritis causes the abdomen wall to become painful and swollen.
Severe gastritis occurs in the short term and bacterial infection, such as with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Causes of gastritis include:
- Crohn’s disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Allergies
- Viruses in people with weakened immune systems
- Autoimmune diseases
Must read: Crohn’s Disease And Covid-19
People reducing abdomen acid by eating an acidic diet or taking medications can also help. In addition, pain relievers also help with symptoms, while medicines that protect the abdomen lining prevent the symptoms from getting worse.
Stomach viruses
Gastroenteritis is an abdominal virus that can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, in addition to upper abdomen pain. People with an abdomen virus also have headaches and low energy.
It is essential to avoid dehydration, so consider drinking something that restores electrolytes, such as a sports drink, until the symptoms pass.
Also see:
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix. Without any treatment, it can cause the appendix to rupture, and the condition can become very life-threatening.
In the beginning stages of appendicitis, a person notices a dull pain around their belly button, but it can spread to the upper abdomen. As the infection gets worse, and the pain moves to the lower-right side.
In many cases, a doctor treats by removing the appendix.
I recommend you to read following posts that will help you: Can Appendicitis Pain Come And Go?
Muscle pain
Muscles continue to the upper abdomen. Therefore, pain from a mild muscle injury can cause temporary pain in the upper abdomen.
The pain gets better with gentle massage and proper rest.
However, if muscle pain is intense, see a doctor for an evaluation.
I also wrote an article on Covid Muscle Spasms: All You Should To Know also you can read.
Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction in the intestines, making it challenging to pass through. This can cause intense pain and trouble digesting and absorbing food.
symptoms include:
- Vomiting bile, a greenish-yellow substance
- Intense cramping
- A swollen stomach
- An inability to pass gas
To learn more, you can read: Apple Cider Vinegar For GERD
Gallstones
Gallstones are solid formations of cholesterol that can develop in the gallbladder. They do not cause problems, but they block a biliary duct.
A blockage from a gallstone causes intense pain in the upper stomach and vomiting, fatigue, and exhaustion.
In some cases, a doctor removes the gallbladder, and a person can live without this organ. Or, a doctor also prescribes medication to dissolve the stones.
Liver or pancreas issues
The liver or pancreas and gallbladder work together to support metabolism. All three organs are in the upper side of the abdomen.
Seldom, untreated gallstones block biliary ducts, causing pain in the liver or pancreas.
symptoms of liver or pancreas include:
- Yellow eyes or skin
- Dark urine
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Very pale or white bowel movements
- Pain that gets progressively worse
To learn more, you can read this post: Can Stress Cause Nausea?
Cancers of the liver or pancreas can need chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Although the cause of pain in the liver and pancreas, a prompt diagnosis can be life-saving.
When to see a doctor
In some cases, it is safe to see if upper abdomen pain goes away without any treatment. However, if the pain becomes worse, it is best to see your doctor.
See a doctor if 24 hours:
- Vomiting in 12 hours.
- There is an abdominal fever pain.
- Abdominal pain after taking a new medication.
Conclusion
Abdominal pain can be an inconvenience or intense that it makes functioning difficult. Therefore, it is required to pay attention to symptoms before deciding whether medical attention is necessary.
In several cases, those due to minor infections or gas, upper stomach pain will go away in a few days.
Still have any questions about upper abdomen bloating, Ask in the comments section!
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