A number of different medical conditions can cause pain in the upper abdomen. These include Appendicitis, Cholecystitis, and Gallstones. However, you should first see a doctor for a diagnosis. The doctor will present you with a treatment plan based on the underlying condition.
Gallstones
A pain in the upper stomach under the ribs may be a sign of gallstones. These are small stones that develop in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. The gallbladder is responsible for removing excess cholesterol, and gallstones can become stuck if the gallbladder entrance becomes blocked. Gallstones can cause severe pain and sometimes require surgical removal.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is a common medical condition that causes pain in the upper stomach. This pain may be constant or come and go. If the pain is frequent, it could mean that you have an acute cholecystitis. In acute cholecystitis, the pain is often severe, affecting the right upper quadrant. It may be sharp or dull and worsen when you take a deep breath. The pain may also radiate into the right shoulder blade or back. In addition, it is common to have a tender right upper quadrant. The pain may last for 24 hours or more and may be accompanied by a mass that cannot be felt by the patient.
Pancreatitis
Pain in the upper stomach under the ribs can be a sign of a number of conditions. Some of these conditions are quite serious and require medical attention. There are also conditions that are not life threatening, such as upper respiratory infections. These problems can also cause pain in the left upper abdomen, but they can be easily treated.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a very painful condition that affects the appendix, a pouch of tissue attached to the large intestine. It develops when the appendix becomes inflamed and becomes infected. The first symptom of appendicitis is pain in the upper abdomen. While there are many possible causes of abdominal pain, acute appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Pleuritis
Pleuritis is a condition that causes pain in the upper stomach and can radiate to the back. It may be accompanied by fever and clay-colored stools. In severe cases, surgery may be required. Other possible causes of this pain include gallstones and liver diseases.
Choledocholithiasis
Choledocholithiasis is a painful condition in which gallstones lodge in a bile duct. This duct connects the liver with the gallbladder. Bile is essential to digestion and the gallbladder pushes it into the small intestine. If the bile duct becomes blocked, it can cause cholecystitis and gallbladder swelling. However, the condition is not always caused by gallstones, and in some cases, choledocholithiasis patients do not have any symptoms.
Aspirin
Aspirin is a common pain reliever used to treat aches and pains in the upper stomach and rib cage. However, it can also cause ulcers in the gut and stomach. If you’re using this medication regularly, it may be time to find a more effective medicine.
Functional dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia is a condition in which you experience pain in the upper abdomen, but there is no obvious cause. You may also experience bloating, belching, and heartburn. The pain is chronic and often comes and goes, but there is no structural abnormality in the stomach or intestines.
