The upper part of the abdomen hurts: 12 possible reasons
[ad_1]
Upper abdominal pain can have many causes, from indigestion to gallstones.
Pain in the upper abdomen can also be a symptom of a heart attack or a serious lung problem.
But in most cases, this pain is temporary and goes away on its own, according to a medical review by Jay Yepuri, MD, USA, writes Verywell Health.
Jay Yepuri singled out the most common causes of pain in the upper abdomen:
| Photo: Xavier Lorenzo/gettyimages |
Indigestion
Symptoms of indigestion:
- abdominal pain or bloating;
- heartburn;
- vomit;
- burning in the esophagus or stomach;
- excessive gas formation;
- nausea.
Indigestion is usually caused by overeating, eating too quickly, or eating spicy and fatty foods.
You should not go to bed immediately after eating, as this can complicate digestion.
Treatment of indigestion depends on lifestyle changes and a balanced diet.
To avoid indigestion, it is important to chew your food thoroughly.
Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach. Classification of gastritis – erosive and non-erosive.
The causes of erosive gastritis are stress, excessive alcohol consumption and some medications (including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
The causes of non-erosive gastritis are common digestive bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. Infection with this bacterium can lead to gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, gastric lymphoma, and gastric cancer.
Symptoms of gastritis:
- pain in the upper central part of the abdomen (often described as sharp, burning, aching);
- nausea or vomiting;
- eructation;
- flatulence;
- loss of appetite;
- weight loss
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in which the contents of the stomach and duodenum back up into the esophagus and damage its lining.
Symptoms of the disease:
- heartburn;
- nausea;
- chest pain;
- difficulty swallowing;
- pain or discomfort in the abdomen (especially when bending over);
- vomit;
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- cough.
- Wheezing
- Worsening of the course of asthma.
Reflux disease treatment includes improving nutrition and quitting smoking.
In severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary.
Stones in the gall bladder
The gallbladder is an organ located on the right side of the abdomen below the liver. When the bile in the gallbladder hardens, stones are formed.
Symptoms of gallstone disease:
- sudden and intense pain in the upper right part of the abdomen or in the center;
- back pain between the shoulder blades or right shoulder;
- nausea or vomiting.
If stones from the gall bladder do not come out on their own, they can be “dissolved” with the help of appropriate drugs prescribed by the doctor.
Otherwise, surgical removal is necessary.
Liver abscess
A liver abscess is an inflammatory disease in which a pus-filled cavity forms in the organ.
Symptoms of liver abscess:
- fever or chills;
- nausea or vomiting;
- weakness;
- jaundice;
- weight loss
If the abscess is severe, surgery may be required.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation and infection of the appendix, which swells and fills with pus. In the absence of proper treatment, the appendix can rupture.
Symptoms of appendicitis:
- sudden pain that starts around the navel and often “migrates” to the lower right part of the abdomen;
- pain that worsens with coughing, walking or sudden movements;
- low-grade fever;
- constipation or diarrhea;
- bloating and gas;
- nausea and vomiting;
- loss of appetite
Appendicitis is usually removed surgically.
Gastric ulcer disease
An ulcer is an open wound that develops in the stomach or duodenum. If only the stomach is affected, it is a stomach ulcer. If only the duodenum is affected, it is a duodenal ulcer.
The most common causes of the disease are bacterial infections H. pylori and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease:
- pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, anywhere between the navel and sternum;
- flatulence;
- eructation;
- a quick feeling of satiety while eating;
- feeling of discomfort after eating;
- nausea and vomiting;
- burning in the chest.
Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is a mechanical or functional blockage of the intestine.
Symptoms of the disease:
- abdominal cramps;
- bloating;
- constipation;
- loss of appetite;
- vomit;
- impossibility of bowel movements or passing gases.
Intestinal obstruction requires urgent medical assistance.
Heart Attack
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, is the result of a blockage in an artery in the heart.
Symptoms of a heart attack:
- tightness and pain in the chest;
- dyspnea;
- cold sweat;
- feeling dizzy;
- pain spreading to the left arm;
- heartburn or indigestion;
- nausea.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an acute infectious inflammatory process in the lungs that causes breathing problems and can be life-threatening.
Pneumonia can be a complication of the flu, COVID-19, etc.
Pneumonia often presents with sharp or stabbing pain in the chest that may worsen with coughing or deep breathing.
Symptoms of pneumonia:
- surface breathing;
- loss of appetite;
- fatigue;
- nausea and vomiting;
- fever;
- chills;
- excessive sweating;
- cough with green, yellow or bloody mucus.
Thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lungs. The condition can be life-threatening and cause lung damage due to restricted blood flow and reduced oxygen levels.
According to Dr. Jay Yepuri, up to 30% of people who suffer from a pulmonary embolism die.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism:
- dyspnea;
- cough with blood;
- fever;
- pain in the legs;
- abdominal pain.
Injuries
Injuries can also cause upper abdominal pain.
Abdominal trauma is one of the leading causes of death for young people worldwide, Dr. Jay Yepuri notes.
Therefore, if you were in an accident or were injured elsewhere, it is better to consult a doctor.
When abdominal pain is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention:
- vomiting for several days;
- blood in stool;
- difficulty breathing;
- vomiting with blood;
- severe pain when someone touches your stomach;
- pain due to injury;
- the pain lasts for several days;
- severe pains during pregnancy.
Read also: “Which services at the Cancer Institute are free of charge for patients – explained at the National Health Service“
[ad_2]
Original Source Link
