What Causes Pain in the Upper Stomach?

Stomach pain is a common medical ailment characterized by discomfort or pain in the upper or lower abdominal region. It is a symptom that could be associated with a huge range of underlying medical conditions, such as digestive disorders, infections, inflammation, injuries, or other illnesses. The pain can be light or heavy, and it may vary in intensity and duration. 

Stomach pain can be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, fever, and fatigue. These symptoms can provide clues about the underlying cause of the pain. For example, nausea and vomiting may indicate a gastrointestinal infection, while bloating and gas may suggest digestive issues. 
 
Stomach pain can occur in different areas of the stomach, and the location of the pain can also provide diagnostic information. Upper abdominal pain may suggest problems with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas, while lower abdominal pain may indicate issues with the intestines, bladder, or reproductive organs. 

Pain in the upper stomach can be caused by a multitude of factors, including digestive disorders, infections, inflammation, injuries, or other medical conditions.

Some common causes of upper stomach pain include:
 
1. Acid reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease): Acid reflux or GERD is when the stomach acid comes back into the esophagus, causing irritation and pain in the upper abdomen.
 
2. Peptic ulcers: Peptic ulcers are open sores that attach to the lining of the stomach or small intestine. 
 
3. Gallstones: Gallstones are hard deposits in the gallbladder and can cause mild to intense pain in the upper right abdomen.
 
4. Pancreatitis: It is inflammation in the pancreas, a gland that produces digestive enzymes. 
 
5. Gastroenteritis: It is an infection of the stomach and intestines that can cause upper stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
 
6. Heart attack: In some cases, upper stomach pain could be a warning sign of a heart attack.

Upper stomach pain can be a symptom of several medical conditions, and in some cases, it can indicate a life-threatening emergency.

These symptoms may include:
 
1. Chest pain or pressure: Upper stomach pain along with chest pain or pressure could indicate a heart attack, which requires immediate medical attention.
 
2. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, along with upper stomach pain, can indicate a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or other serious medical conditions.
 
3. High fever: A high fever, along with upper stomach pain, may indicate a severe infection that requires emergency medical care.
 
4. Vomiting blood: Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools can indicate internal bleeding, which is a medical emergency.
 
5. Abdominal trauma: Upper stomach pain caused by abdominal trauma, such as a severe blow to the abdomen, requires immediate medical attention.
 
6. Severe dehydration: Severe dehydration, along with upper stomach pain, can indicate a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

Pain in the upper stomach, also known as the upper abdomen, can be a symptom of several medical conditions.

Some common signs and symptoms of upper stomach pain include:
 
1. Pain or discomfort: Upper stomach pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. It may be sharp, dull, burning, or cramping.
 
2. Nausea and vomiting: Upper stomach pain may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can be caused by several medical conditions, such as gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers, or gallstones.
 
3. Bloating and gas: are common symptoms of digestive disorders that can cause upper stomach pain, such as acid reflux or GERD.
 
4. Indigestion: also known as dyspepsia, is a common symptom of upper stomach pain. It can cause a feeling of fullness, discomfort, or burning in the upper abdomen.
 
5. Loss of appetite: It is a symptom of several medical conditions that can cause upper stomach pain, such as gallstones, pancreatitis, or gastroenteritis.
 
6. Fever: A fever can be a sign of an infection or inflammation that is causing upper stomach pain.
 
7. Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be a symptom of upper stomach pain caused by conditions such as GERD or esophagitis.

8. Jaundice: yellowing of the eyes and skin which can be a symptom of liver disease, which can cause pain in the upper stomach.

Immediate Care of Oklahoma can assist you if you are feeling pain in your abdomen. Our board-certified physician Dr. Kevin Penwell, D.O., and his dedicated team are committed to providing comprehensive treatment to manage your concerns. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Oklahoma City, OK. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Tecumseh OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, and Bethany OK.