Upper Stomach Pains

Upper stomach pains occur in the abdominal region between the rib cage and the belly button. Stomach pains in this region are very common. Upper stomach pains can vary from mild short-lived pains to severe pains that last over a period of time. Pains in the upper stomach can be chronic or acute. Chronic upper stomach pains are pains that continue over a long period of time. Acute pains are sudden pains that may indicate serious medical problems.

These pains can be caused by many reasons such as indigestion, appendicitis, gallbladder diseases, kidney stones, peptic ulcer, liver disease or heartburn. Any injury to the organs located in this area can also cause upper stomach pains. In addition, pains in the upper stomach can also be caused by problems with the skin, muscles or bones in this area. Pains from organs that are located outside this area such as heart attacks and chest infection can often cause upper stomach pains as well. Pains in the right upper stomach are commonly caused by liver conditions, hepatitis, gallbladder diseases, kidney condition, colon cancer and appendicitis. Some causes of left upper abdominal pains are spleen conditions, pneumonia and stomach cancer.

The cause of upper stomach pains can be diagnosed by the location in which the pain occurs, timing and severity of the pain and additional symptoms that occur with stomach pain. Upper stomach pains may often occur with diarrhea, back pain, breathing difficulty, fever or vomiting.

Upper stomach pains are common among children. Chronic upper stomach pains in children can be caused by organic disorders or functional dyspepsia. Organic disorders are identifiable problems in the body such as constipation. Functional dyspepsia does not have an identifiable cause and often is the reason for chronic abdominal pains among children and adults. Functional dyspepsia causes pain or discomfort in the upper stomach and in often accompanied by bloating, upset stomach and feeling full after a small meal.

Upper stomach pains during pregnancy can be caused by preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy which causes changes in the blood vessels. This condition can cause severe upper stomach pains and tenderness during pregnancy.

Common home remedies for mild upper stomach pains include drinking fluids and antacids. For severe persisting pain medical advice is needed. Treatment for upper stomach pains can begin after diagnosing the cause.

Reviewing the patient’s history, physical examination and other tests and examinations may be necessary to diagnose the cause of upper abdominal pains. Physical examination will examine the patient for presence of tenderness, signs of inflammation and blood in the stools. Some of the examinations and tests that are needed for the diagnosis are laboratory tests, x-rays, radiographic studies and endoscopic procedures. Diagnosis may even require surgery at times.