12 causes of upper abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is caused by many causes, most of which are diseases related to stomach, liver, pancreas and digestive system.

The cause of the upper abdominal pain

1. Worms

If upper abdominal pain is present in young people, it may be suspected to be caused by worms, as this is one of the leading causes of upper abdominal pain. Usually, abdominal pain caused by worms only causes abdominal pain around the navel, but others are painful in the area above the navel. When worms burrow into the bile ducts, the pain becomes more intense and writhes, the patient must lie on his back. Pain severity is relieved only when the person bends (buttocks).

2. Stomach - duodenal disease

Upper abdominal pain is a typical sign of diseases related to the stomach and duodenum. Symptoms of peptic ulcer include: abdominal pain in the umbilical area, pain spread on the breastbone, dullness or severe pain if pain appears after eating 1-2 hours, then it is a manifestation of stomach ulcers . The disease is accompanied by a number of other manifestations such as: bloating, indigestion, poor appetite, nausea or vomiting, belching, heartburn, nervous breakdown.

3. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a dysfunction of the colon, also known as spasmolic colonic syndrome, spasmolic colitis or functional colon disease. Although the disease is not dangerous, it affects much to the quality of life of patients. People with sensitive atopic risk are at higher risk.

People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome often experience symptoms such as exacerbation of abdominal pain, cramping in the lower abdomen, right or left abdomen, and possibly in the epigastric region. Others also experience loose, raw, apple stools.

4. Intestinal gas

Gut is the gas found in the human digestive tract. This gas comes out of the body either through the mouth when belching or through the anus when farting.

If an infection, virus, diarrhea or constipation can cause a person with severe abdominal pain. Gut may be the culprit if:

1. The pain is intermittent.
2. The pain caused the stomach to swell.
3. The person feels like something is moving in the stomach.
4. Burping or farting
5. Patients with diarrhea or constipation.

Upper abdominal pain due to intestinal gas is usually not serious and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine can be treated in this case. To prevent excessive gas in the intestine, the patient tries to eat slower to avoid swallowing air. Also, limit foods that increase gas in the stomach, such as broccoli.

Intestinal gas usually disappears within hours without treatment. If it occurs with fever, uncontrollable vomiting or severe pain, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Upper abdominal pain is caused by many causes.

5. Postpartum constipation

If an infection, virus, diarrhea or constipation can cause a person with severe abdominal pain. This is one of the diseases related to upper abdominal pain.

6. Indigestion

Indigestion is the feeling of discomfort or pain in the upper part of the digestive tract (stomach, esophagus or duodenum). The person may also feel that pain may originate in the chest. The disease usually occurs when there is too much acid in the stomach or can occur after eating high acidic foods.

Over-the-counter medications can be highly effective in controlling temporary indigestion. However, patients need to identify the triggers for indigestion, such as certain foods, from which to make healthier lifestyle changes to eliminate this phenomenon.

7. Gastritis

Gastritis causes swelling and pain in the lining of the stomach. Acute gastritis occurs briefly and appears quickly, usually due to a bacterial infection, such as Helicobacter Pylori (HP bacteria). Causes of chronic gastritis include:

8. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is caused by a virus in the stomach that leads to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, epigastric pain or abdominal pain near the evil beak. The consequences of dehydration may occur.

Most symptoms will resolve on their own within a few days. To alleviate symptoms, patients should avoid heavy meals and drinking only water can help stop vomiting.

The most important thing is to avoid dehydration, so consider drinking liquids to restore electrolytes, such as oresol, until your symptoms go away. In some cases, patients may need to go to an infusion medical facility to avoid severe dehydration, such as those with weakened immune systems, infants, young children and people with other serious illnesses, such as such as cancer.

9. Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix. If left untreated, the appendix can burst and endanger the lives of patients.

In the early stages of appendicitis, some people may feel dull pain around the navel, but this pain can spread to the abdomen above the navel. As the infection becomes more severe, the pain moves to the lower right.

In most cases, doctors treat appendicitis by removing the appendix.

10. Gallstones

The gallbladder is the organ located on the right side of the abdomen and below the liver. The gallbladder acts as a bile that forms from liver cells, and then carries the bile to the duodenum and small intestine to digest food. The basic components in bile include: bile salts, bilirubin and cholesterol. Gallstones form due to the imbalance of these components and create hard, solid particles like rocks or in the form of mucus like mud.

Gallbladder obstruction due to gallstones can cause severe pain in the upper right upper stomach, accompanied by vomiting, fatigue and exhaustion.

If untreated gallstones can affect the activity of the liver and pancreas. When this happens, the person may have jaundice, yellow eyes, or serious pancreatic infection.

11. Problems with the liver or pancreas

The liver, pancreas and gallbladder work together to aid in digestion of food and all three organs are located on the upper right side of the stomach. If untreated gallstones block the bile duct, causing pain in the liver or pancreas.

Liver disease (such as hepatitis) or pancreatitis can cause liver pain; There are also some other causes like liver cancer or pancreatic cancer, but less common.

Other symptoms of liver or pancreas problems include:

1. Jaundice, yellow eyes
2. Dark urine
3. Nausea
4. Vomit
5. The pain is getting worse

12. Bowel obstruction

Bowel obstruction is a syndrome caused by the disruption of the circulation of gas and digestive juices in the intestine leading to severe abdominal pain, constipation, making it difficult to digest and absorb food.

In addition to upper abdominal pain, other bowel symptoms include:

1. Extremely full stomach
2. Stomachache
3. Decreased taste buds
4. Nausea, vomiting
5. Constipation or diarrhea
6. Severe cramping abdominal pain
7. Swelling in the abdomen

Some symptoms may depend on the location of the blocked bowel, for example, vomiting is an early sign of small bowel obstruction. This symptom usually manifests later if the location is obstructed in the large intestine. Partial bowel obstruction can cause diarrhea while complete bowel obstruction causes constipation. Bowel obstruction can also cause high fever if part of the intestinal wall is perforation.

Bowel obstruction is the most dangerous cause of upper abdominal pain.

When to see a doctor?

Many people wonder if upper abdominal pain is dangerous? If the pain is persistent, constant, it is best to visit the hospital by abdominal ultrasound to know the condition of the liver, bile, urinary system (kidney, ureter), pancreas, spleen.

1. Patients should seek medical attention within 24 hours in the following cases:
2. Vomiting lasts more than 12 hours
3. There is a fever along with abdominal pain
4. Abdominal pain occurs after an injury, such as being hit in the stomach
5. Abdominal pain after taking a new medication
6. Stomach pain occurs in people with weakened immune systems due to HIV, chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy.

Particularly urgent emergency if the patient has the following symptoms:

1. Severe pain in the upper right abdomen
2. Stomach pain makes people unbearable
3. Stomach pain and white or pale stools
4. Severe abdominal pain in pregnant women
5. There are signs of severe dehydration such as not urinating, chapped lips, very dry skin, dizziness or sunken eyes
6. Infants with prolonged vomiting or high fever.

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