Many health conditions can lead to acute pain in the upper abdomen. But in many cases, the causes of this discomfort are factors that can be controlled. Therefore, it is important to assess your own health history, ask questions about your pain, and seek medical help if necessary. In addition, people who do strenuous exercise, such as marathon runners and triathletes, often complain of GI distress more often than people who don’t engage in these activities. Around 30% to 50% of marathon runners report experiencing GI distress.
Gallbladder diseases
Gallstones are the most common cause of gallbladder disease. These crystal-like masses can form inside the gallbladder when there’s too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the blood. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for gallstones, and they can be hereditary. Other causes include gallbladder cancer and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Pain caused by gallbladder disease can come on suddenly. The pain can be sharp or dull. It may radiate to the right shoulder or back between the shoulder blades. It may also be accompanied by nausea. Pain may last for several hours. It is very important to see a doctor if you experience upper abdominal pain that doesn’t go away after a few days.
In most cases, gallbladder problems are diagnosed during diagnostic imaging or abdominal surgery. If you experience pain while consuming food, it is important to seek medical care immediately. In severe cases, gallbladder rupture or blockage may result in severe pain.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a painful condition that occurs when the LES, or lower esophageal sphincter, is too weak or relaxes too often, allowing stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. About 15 million Americans experience heartburn once a month, and more than 60 million have the condition on a regular basis. This disease can cause a range of symptoms, including coughing, sore throat, and chest pain.
Patients often experience pain during swallowing and eating, as well as during acid regurgitation. Acid-related pain is usually relieved with antacids, although proton pump inhibitors may also be used to ease the symptoms. Because symptoms can be nonspecific, further testing is necessary to exclude conditions like heart disease or other cardiac conditions.
Lifestyle changes can help manage GERD symptoms and even eliminate them completely. The first goal of treatment is to prevent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. This is achieved by altering your diet, avoiding large meals and eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis can cause severe short-term pain, but it can also lead to chronic problems if left untreated. While acute pancreatitis can be treated effectively, some patients require a hospital stay to recover fully. In the meantime, they should avoid alcohol, strenuous exercise, and any diet that will damage their pancreas. In some cases, patients can return home in a few days, but if the pain is severe, a hospital stay can last up to five days.
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, a large organ located behind the stomach. It is responsible for producing the digestive enzymes and hormones that help the body digest food. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it no longer produces these vital substances. In severe cases, the inflammation can last for days or even years. Fortunately, this condition is treatable without invasive surgical procedures.
People with pancreatitis typically experience upper abdominal pain that comes on suddenly or slowly over several days. In severe cases, the pain may also spread to the back or other areas. The pain can be severe enough to prevent a person from sitting or finding a comfortable position. In either case, a physician should be consulted as soon as possible.
Irritation of the upper abdomen
If you’re experiencing pain in the upper abdomen, you should seek medical attention right away. If it is severe and continues for more than a few days, it could be a sign of a more serious health problem. A doctor will examine your body and conduct tests to determine the underlying cause.
The first step to finding out the cause of your pain is to determine which organs are involved. Identifying the source of your pain will help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis. The upper abdominal organs are divided into nine different areas. These include the right and left hypochondria, the epigastric region, the lumbar region, the umbilical region, and the lower abdominal organs – the hypogastrium and iliac crest.
Symptoms of irritation of the upper abdomen are similar to those of the lower abdominal area, but a doctor will have to check your entire body to determine the exact cause. The upper right quadrant contains the gallbladder and the head of the pancreas. It also includes some of the stomach and small intestine. Several common bacterial infections in the upper abdomen can cause this condition.
