Many people suffer from the problem of abdominal pain, specifically in the upper area, i.e. in the stomach, with a feeling of shortness of breath. This is due to many reasons, most notably liver disorders and stomach infections. Sometimes the matter is simple and goes away by simply taking painkillers, but other times the problem develops and the pain increases. Here it is necessary to consult a doctor and go to Al-Mousa Specialist Center in order to receive health care immediately before the condition deteriorates and many complications occur. For more details about upper abdominal pain, follow the article with us until the end. 

What is upper abdominal pain?

It is a feeling of pain and discomfort in the area above the navel and below the rib cage, along with a feeling of nausea, a desire to vomit, and shortness of breath. The pain is sometimes severe and other times mild and may last for a long time or be mild and go away once you take painkillers. 

There are many types of abdominal pain, especially the upper part, and the cause is usually due to problems in the stomach, kidneys, or liver. 

The upper abdomen contains a group of vital parts of the human body, the most important of which are the digestive system, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and others. 

In addition, treatment is not determined correctly unless the cause behind this pain is known. 

There are many symptoms that appear on the patient when suffering from this pain, including a feeling of fullness and discomfort after eating small amounts of food, the desire to vomit, in addition to nausea and severe pain in the upper abdomen.

What are the causes of upper abdominal pain?

There are many causes that lead to upper abdominal pain, the most important of which are the following:

• Gastritis is one of the causes of upper abdominal pain and is the result of taking painkillers or the presence of a bacterial infection. 
• Indigestion is accompanied by some bloating, as well as pain and discomfort in the upper part of the abdominal area. 
• The presence of liver problems such as infections, cirrhosis, or liver abscess. 
• Splenomegaly. 
• GERD causes a burning sensation in the upper abdomen due to stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus. 
• Gallstones cause severe pain in the upper abdomen, especially when the patient eats a fatty meal. 
• Pneumonia causes upper abdominal pain as well as difficulty breathing. 
• Appendicitis and muscle strain. 
• Pregnancy and irritable bowel syndrome. 
• Hiatal hernia. 

Read also: Treatment of intestinal inflammation Its causes and symptoms

Symptoms of upper abdominal pain

A clear set of symptoms appear on the patient when he feels pain in the upper abdomen, which are as follows:

• There is pain in the upper abdomen, along with gas and bloating. 
• Nausea and loss of appetite. 
• Desire to vomit as well as heartburn. 
• Pain in the chest area and difficulty breathing. 
• Difficulty swallowing and loss of consciousness. 
• Blood coming out in vomit or stool. 
• الحمى وارتفاع درجة الحرارة. 

Complications of upper abdominal pain

The patient who suffers from upper abdominal pain suffers from a group of complications, which are as follows:

• Feeling short of breath with intense pressure on the abdominal area. 
• Cold sweat with stool color changing to black. 
• Dizziness, vertigo, and coma when the condition worsens. 
• Rapid heartbeat and bruising. 
• Dehydration and the appearance of some symptoms such as fatigue, chapped lips, and not urinating. 
• Fever and diarrhea. 
• Hearing a whistling sound in the chest when coughing. 
• Feeling sharp pain when breathing deeply. 
• Vomiting blood or coughing it out. 

Diagnosis of upper abdominal pain

Upper abdominal pain is diagnosed through an important group of methods, which are as follows:

1.Blood tests 

Doctors resort to conducting a series of comprehensive blood tests for the patient in order to find out the cause of upper abdominal pain. 

2.Endoscopy

Endoscopy is used inside the stomach or colon in order to detect whether there are problems with these organs or not. 

3.X-rays 

X-rays are used to image the stomach and colon to discover any internal problems in them, through a detailed image. 

4Diagnostic radiology 

Diagnostic imaging includes ultrasound imaging in order to ensure that there are no serious problems in the upper abdominal area.

5. الفحص السريري 

The doctor works to discover the exact location of the pain by conducting a comprehensive examination of the patient and inspecting the location of the pain. 

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Treatment of upper abdominal pain

Doctors resort to prescribing many methods to treat upper abdominal pain, which depends on determining the cause. The most important of these methods are the following:

First: Treating liver inflammation and abscess 

Surgery is used if the patient has a liver abscess in order to remove it. 

In the case of infections, some medications are prescribed that usually last a lifetime. 

Second: Treatment of hiatal hernia

 Treatment of upper abdominal pain resulting from a hiatal hernia depends on taking antibiotics under medical supervision and resorting to surgery if necessary. 

Third: Treating gastritis 

Gastritis is treated with medications that eliminate bacteria, such as antibiotics, and avoiding eating spicy foods and other types that cause gastritis. 

Fourth: Treating pancreatitis and spleen enlargement 

Treatment of splenomegaly depends on medications most of the time, but when the condition worsens and medications are ineffective, splenectomy surgery is resorted to. 

Likewise, the pancreas, where treatment depends on some medications, but when the condition is delayed, surgical intervention is resorted to. 

Fifth: Treating peptic ulcers 

Peptic ulcers cause severe pain in the upper abdomen, requiring the treating physician to prescribe effective treatment so that the condition does not worsen. 

Sixth: Treatment of esophageal reflux 

The doctor prescribes some medications to relieve the pain and completely stop eating some foods that irritate the esophagus. 

Learn about: Symptoms of gallbladder and colitis Causes and treatment methods

In conclusion, we emphasize that upper abdominal pain is not a stand-alone pain, but occurs as a result of many causes. In all cases, it requires resorting to the treating physician because treatment depends on knowing the main cause of it, whether the stomach, pancreas, or inflammation of the liver and other common causes. However, it is necessary to choose the appropriate place for treatment well in order to ensure obtaining the best possible degree of health care at the hands of the best doctors, and this matter is available in high quality at Al-Mousa Specialized Center. 

Frequently asked questions

Does the colon cause upper abdominal pain?

Yes, definitely, the colon causes pain in the upper abdomen, specifically on the left side, with bloating, as well as gas, and a change in the color of the stool. 

What causes upper abdominal pain under the rib cage?

This is sometimes due to appendicitis, as well as gastritis, esophageal reflux, or gallstones, in addition to indigestion. 

What is upper colon pain like?

It is a moving pain with cramps and spasms in the upper abdomen, with a feeling of heartburn and acidity, and the pain sometimes extends to the middle of the abdomen. 

Sources:

What causes upper stomach pain – medicalnewstoday