We all get stomach aches all the time. But sometimes this pain comes from the upper part of the stomach. To be precise, from the area just below your ribs, above your stomach. Although some people think of this as "gastritis", not all stomach aches are caused by gastritis. In fact, there can be many causes for this pain. So today, let's talk about what can cause this upper stomach pain, when it can be dangerous, and what we should do.
Where does pain in the upper abdomen come from?
To understand this, we first need to know what organs are located in our upper abdomen, because pain is most likely to occur due to a problem related to these organs.
The organs that can be mainly involved in this pain are:
- Stomach: The main place where we begin to digest the food we eat.
- Liver: One of the largest organs in our body.
- Gallbladder: A small sac-like organ that stores bile from the liver.
- Pancreas: An organ located behind the stomach, important for digestion and hormones.
- Spleen: An organ located on the left side of the abdomen that functions in the blood.
- Parts of the intestines: The first part of the small intestine (Duodenum) and part of the large intestine (Transverse Colon) pass through here.
In addition to these organs, pain in this area can also be caused by other things.
- Abdominal muscles: If a muscle in the upper abdomen is pulled, pain may occur.
- Kidneys: Although the kidneys are located behind the abdomen, close to the spine, kidney pain can sometimes feel like it's coming from the abdomen.
- Heart or lungs: This is very important. Sometimes chest pain, especially heart pain, can feel like pain in the upper abdomen. We call this `referred pain`.
Very important: If you experience upper abdominal pain along with shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in your chest, this could be a sign of a heart attack. In such a case , go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Should we guess the cause based on where the pain comes from?
One thing your doctor will definitely ask you is, "Where exactly does it hurt?" That can give you an idea of the severity of the condition.
| Painful area | Organs that may be involved |
|---|---|
| Right side of the upper abdomen | Liver, gallbladder, part of the intestine, part of the pancreas. (The pain from gallstones is felt most in this area.) |
| Right in the middle of the upper abdomen. | Pain originating from the stomach (gastritis), pancreas, and heart. This is also called the `epigastric region`. |
| Left side of the upper abdomen | Stomach, pancreas, spleen. |
What kind of pain are you feeling?
The way the pain feels is also important. Imagine how you feel...
- Like inflammation?
- Does it feel like they are being held captive?
- Is it a sharp pain like stabbing with a knife?
- Or is it just a heaviness, a throbbing pain?
- Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
- Does the pain get worse or worse after eating?
If you tell your doctor about things like this, it will be a great help in diagnosing the exact cause of your illness.
What are the most common causes of upper abdominal pain?
Now let's look at some of the most common causes that can affect this pain.
- Indigestion and Gastritis: This is the first cause that most people think of. This is an inflammation caused by the acid released by our stomach to digest food. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as fullness, burning, and heartburn after eating (GERD).
- Gallstones: Gallstones can cause severe pain if they become lodged in the bile ducts. This usually starts in the right side of the abdomen and can sometimes spread to the back. This pain can be especially severe after eating fatty foods . This can even cause the pancreas to swell (Gallstone Pancreatitis).
- Peptic Ulcer: A sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, caused by excess acid or a bacterial infection (H. pylori). This causes a burning, stabbing pain that may be felt before or after eating.
- Muscle Strain: If you lift a weight incorrectly, exercise, or cough hard, you can strain the muscles in your upper abdomen and experience pain.
- Hernia: A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue from the inside of the body. If the protrusion becomes trapped, it can cause pain.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, as the baby grows, the organs in the upper abdomen may press on them, causing pain. However, if the pain is persistent or severe, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Other less common, but cause for concern
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, this pain can also be caused by other serious conditions.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption, can cause severe pain. This pain can radiate directly to the back.
- Liver Disease: Inflammation of the liver (Hepatitis) can be caused by viruses, alcohol, or other causes. This can also cause pain in the right side of the abdomen.
- Spleen swelling or rupture: The spleen can become swollen due to conditions such as infection. Also, if the spleen is damaged in an accident, it can burst and bleed. This is a life-threatening emergency.
- Intestinal Obstruction: If there is a blockage in the upper part of the intestine, it can cause abdominal distention and pain.
- Kidney diseases: Kidney stones or infections can cause pain that starts in the back and radiates to the abdomen.
How do you know if the pain is serious? - Red lights to pay attention to!
Sometimes, no matter how severe the pain, it can be due to a simple cause. Also, a mild pain can be a sign of a serious illness. Therefore, if you have any of the following symptoms along with your stomach pain, see a doctor or go to the hospital without delay.
| Attention! Be careful of these symptoms | |
|---|---|
| 🔴 | Unbearable, severe, or increasing pain. |
| 🔴 | Blood in the vomit or stool (black, tarry stools are also a sign of blood). |
| 🔴 | High fever. |
| 🔴 | Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice). |
| 🔴 | Difficulty breathing. |
| 🔴 | Dizziness, feeling like you're losing consciousness. |
| 🔴 | Visibly swollen abdomen. |
If it's just simple indigestion, an antacid may help. However, if the pain is frequent or severe, you should definitely see a doctor to find out the cause instead of taking any over-the-counter medications. Some painkillers (NSAIDs) can make conditions like gastritis worse. So, don't use them without medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- There can be many causes of upper abdominal pain beyond gastritis, so don't assume that all pain is the same.
- Pay attention to things like where the pain comes from, how it feels, and how it changes after eating. This information is very important for your doctor.
- If the pain is accompanied by "red flag" symptoms such as fever, vomiting blood, yellowing of the eyes, and difficulty breathing, it could be a serious condition. Seek immediate medical attention.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath accompanied by upper abdominal pain may be a sign of a heart attack. In such cases, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you have frequent pain that cannot be ignored, do not self-medicate, but see a qualified doctor to find the correct cause and receive treatment.
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