Upper abdominal pain typically implicates the digestive system or the biliary system, though occasionally it may stem from other sources. Determining the specific location of the pain—whether it's on the right, left, or in the middle—can aid in identifying potential causes.
What Is Upper Abdominal Pain?
Upper abdominal pain refers to discomfort or pain felt in the area of the abdomen located between the ribs and the belly button. This region of the abdomen encompasses various organs, including the stomach, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
Source: Most of us can remember waking up at some point during the night in our lives with abdominal pain.
When experiencing upper abdominal pain, it may indicate issues related to these organs or surrounding structures, such as the biliary system or muscles. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the underlying cause. Or learn more about related peptic ulcer symptoms.
Which Organs Can Cause Upper Abdominal Pain?
Upper abdominal pain can originate from various organs, including:
- Stomach
- Spleen
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
- Bile ducts
Additionally, other organs and tissues that might contribute to upper abdominal pain include:
- Abdominal muscles: Injury to the main abdominal muscles meeting in the upper abdomen can cause discomfort.
- Peritoneum: The tissue lining the upper abdominal cavity and surrounding the organs can be affected, leading to pain.
- Intestines: Parts of the intestines, such as the transverse colon and duodenum, passing through the upper abdominal region may be involved in causing pain.
- Kidneys and ureters: Pain from the kidneys, located behind the abdominal organs, or the ureters connecting the kidneys to the urinary tract, may manifest as discomfort in the upper abdomen or back.
- Heart or lungs: Chest pain may sometimes be felt in the upper abdomen due to nerve pathways, potentially involving the heart or lungs.
Note: It's essential to be aware that chest pain can sometimes be felt in your abdomen, leading to confusion between symptoms of a heart attack and a stomachache. If you experience a stomach ache along with symptoms like shortness of breath or a tight, squeezing sensation, it could indicate a heart issue. In such cases, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
What are the different types of upper abdominal pain?
Once you've pinpointed the location of the pain in your upper abdomen, your healthcare provider will further narrow down its specifics.
Here are the common types:
1. Upper Left
- Located on the left side of your upper abdomen, near your stomach and spleen.
- Can involve the pancreas, which runs behind the stomach.
- May include the spleen, positioned on the far left.
Source: It's important to put any signs or symptoms in perspective.
2. Upper Right
- Situated on the right side of your upper abdomen, housing most of your biliary system.
- Contains the gallbladder on the far right, part of the pancreas, liver, and bile ducts.
3. Upper Middle (Epigastric)
- Overlaps with the stomach, liver, and pancreas in the middle of your upper abdomen.
- Known as the epigastric region in healthcare terms.
- Pain here may relate to issues with the biliary or digestive system.
Your healthcare provider may inquire about the nature of your pain, asking if it feels:
- Mild, moderate, or severe.
- Dull or sharp.
- Widespread or pinpointed.
- Burning or gnawing.
- Achy or crampy.
- Steady, progressive, or colicky (coming in waves).
Additionally, it's essential to inform them if you experience repeated episodes of pain at certain times or under specific circumstances, such as after eating, lying down, bending over, or lifting something.
6 Common Causes of Upper Abdominal Pain
Here are common causes of upper abdominal pain:
1. Indigestion
- Epigastric pain after eating, often accompanied by a burning sensation.
- Associated with stomach acid during digestion, potentially leading to gastroesophageal - reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn.
2. Abdominal Muscle Strain
- Resulting from activities like lifting, sports, exercise, or coughing.
- Characterized by achy discomfort in the upper abdomen.
3. Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Caused by erosion from stomach acid or bacterial infection, leading to ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.
- Typically manifests as a burning, gnawing, or penetrating stomach pain.
4. Hernias
- Occur when internal organs or tissues protrude through a weakened muscle wall.
- Can cause pain if the hernia becomes trapped or pinched, most commonly in the abdominal region.
5. Gallstones
- Formation of stones in the gallbladder or biliary tract, causing inflammation and pain.
- Leads to biliary colic, characterized by intense abdominal pain that peaks and then subsides, often occurring after eating.
6. Pregnancy
- As the fetus grows, it can exert pressure on upper abdominal organs, leading to discomfort.
- Growing pains from stretching muscles, ligaments, and tissues are common.
- Persistent, severe, or sharp pain during pregnancy may indicate complications and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Source: From gas to cholestasis, several factors may cause upper abdominal pain during pregnancy.
7. Other possible causes
Other causes of upper abdominal pain include:
- Liver disease: Pain in the liver typically results from inflammation, known as hepatitis, which can have various causes, including toxic substances, alcohol, or viral infections. Liver cancer is a less common but serious cause of upper abdominal pain.
- Pancreas diseases: Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, can occur due to factors other than gallstones. Pancreatic cancer, although rare, can also cause pain in the pancreas, often felt in the back or the upper left side of the abdomen.
- Stomach diseases: Temporary inflammation of the stomach or intestines, such as in cases of a stomach bug or viral infection, may lead to upper abdominal pain. Chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases, bile reflux, and stomach cancer can also cause persistent inflammation and pain.
- Intestinal obstructions: Blockages in the colon or small intestine passing through the upper abdomen can cause pain. Accumulated food and gas may result in bloating and swelling, pressing against other organs and causing widespread pain.
- Enlarged spleen: Swelling of the spleen can cause upper left abdominal pain. Infections and liver disease are common culprits, and injuries near the spleen may lead to a ruptured spleen, causing severe internal bleeding, which is a medical emergency.
- Upper urinary tract and kidney diseases: Infections in the kidneys or ureters, as well as the presence of kidney stones, can cause inflammation and pain. Kidney pain often starts in the back and may spread to the front.
- Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue lining the abdomen, can cause diffuse pain throughout the abdomen. It's usually due to a bacterial infection but can also result from reduced blood flow to the tissues, known as mesenteric ischemia.
- Heart and lung conditions: Although less common, conditions affecting the heart or lungs can sometimes cause pain that refers to the upper abdomen. Examples include a pulmonary embolism, chest infections, heart attacks, or pericarditis.
How to Relieve Upper Abdominal Pain
Relieving upper abdominal pain depends on its cause. For mild cases of indigestion, over-the-counter antacids may help.
NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation, but they're not long-term solutions.
If you need frequent pain relief or if OTC options aren't effective, consult a healthcare provider.
Treatment by Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam to diagnose the cause of your pain. They may order imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or CT scans, to assess your organs and tissues.
Blood tests can also detect infections or inflammation. Based on the diagnosis, they'll devise a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or further medical interventions.
When to Call the Doctor
Determining the seriousness of upper abdominal pain can be challenging, as severe conditions may cause mild symptoms, and temporary issues can be highly uncomfortable. If you experience persistent or recurrent pain, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.
Seek immediate medical care for severe or worsening pain, or if you experience any of the following red flag symptoms:
- Presence of blood in your stool or vomit.
- High fever.
- Dizziness or confusion.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- Pain that intensifies with physical activity.
- Noticeable swelling in the abdomen.
