What To Expect At Your Office Visit
Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. Your specific symptoms, the location of pain and when it occurs will help your provider detect the cause.
LOCATION OF YOUR PAIN
- Where do you feel the pain?
- Is it all over or in one spot?
- Does the pain move into your back, groin, or down your legs?
TYPE AND INTENSITY OF YOUR PAIN
- Is the pain severe, sharp, or cramping?
- Do you have it all the time, or does it come and go?
- Does the pain wake you up at night?
HISTORY OF YOUR PAIN
- Have you had similar pain in the past? How long has each episode lasted?
- When does the pain occur? For example, after meals or during menstruation?
- What makes the pain worse? For example, eating, stress, or lying down?
- What makes the pain better? For example, drinking milk, having a bowel movement, or taking an antacid?
- What medicines are you taking?
OTHER MEDICAL HISTORY
- Have you had a recent injury?
- Are you pregnant?
Heartburn And Indigestion Causing Upper Gastric Pain:
Heartburn or indigestion is characterised by a burning sensation in the chest with pain on top of the stomach. The cause of this condition is closely related with acid reflux, wherein there is upward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus. This condition can be a temporary issue or it may occur repeatedly over a period of time.
Common Causes Of Upper Stomach Pain
Gas: This is perhaps the most common and benign cause of Upper Stomach Pain. Gas is present naturally in the stomach and in the digestive tract on the whole. Excess accumulation of this can at times puts pressure on the upper half of the stomach causing the individual to have Upper Stomach Pain along with a feeling of pressure on the stomach and bloating. If gas is coupled with infections causing diarrhea or constipation then the pain tends to get worse .
A gas is believed to be the cause of Upper Stomach Pain if the pain waxes and wanes. There is visible swelling along the abdomen when the pain occurs. The patient will also pass gas frequently. There is also presence of excessive burping. Gas causing Upper Stomach Pain can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications. It is also recommended that the patient eats food that are less gassy like avoiding potatoes or food products containing them .
Eating more slowly is also recommended to prevent gas from entering the stomach through the mouth while eating. It is common for gas to resolve spontaneously within a few hours. However, if Upper Stomach Pain due to gas occurs with nausea, vomiting, and fever then a consultation with a physician is warranted .
A visit to the emergency room is recommended in cases where an individual experiences severe pain in the right upper quadrant, the pain is severe in nature, there is yellowing of the skin, and the color of the stool is persistently pale .
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Organs In The Upper Abdomen
Your upper abdomen contains a number of organs. These include:
- Gallbladder
- Upper GI tract
Many conditions, such indigestion and heartburn, are minor and go away on their own. Persistent pain, however , could be a sign of something more serious. If your pain doesn’t resolve on its own, see your healthcare provider.
Severe pain may also be a sign of a serious condition. If you have severe pain in your upper abdomen, seek medical attention right away.
When Should You Be Concerned About Abdominal Pain
01|18|2019
Abdominal pain is common, and everyone experiences it at times. In fact, it is the most common reason people are evaluated in most emergency rooms. While most abdominal pain resolves on its own, it can represent something serious or even deadly.
So, how can one know when to be concerned? Below are some characteristics that can help a person decide when evaluation is necessary.
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Signs Of Upper Left Side Abdominal Pain
Pain in the upper left abdomen can be severe. It can be caused by a range of issues, most commonly stomach problems or conditions that affect the internal organs in that area.
Signs of pain in the upper left abdominal area can include:
- Tenderness near the left portion of your rib cage
- Burning feeling in the chest area
- Stabbing sensation under the left rib cage
- Discomfort when lying down
Abdominal Pain Treatment And Home Remedies
The treatment for abdominal pain depends on its cause, and may include:
- Medications to lower inflammation, prevent acid reflux, or treat ulcers or infection
- Surgery to treat a problem with an organ
Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate your stomach and worsen your pain. Donât take them unless a doctor has diagnosed the cause of your belly pain and recommends their use.
Some diet and lifestyle changes may help belly pain caused by gas and indigestion. Here are some things you can try:
- Eat smaller portions at more frequent meals
- Eat slowly
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Pregnancy As A Cause Of Upper Gastric Pain:
Pregnancy is accompanied by wide range of health issues. Some women experience pain in the upper portion on the stomach with pregnancy. This is possibly due to exertion of pressure over the abdominal wall by the growing foetus. Hormonal changes brought in by pregnancy can also lead to digestive issues and acid reflux causing pain on top of stomach.
Other Symptoms Of Gerd
Treatments for GERD may include:
- antacids for very mild symptoms
- over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors that reduce the acid production in your stomach
- OTC H2 blockers, which also reduce your stomachs acid production
- prescription-strength H2 blockers
- prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors
- motility drugs, which are prescription drugs that help your stomach empty faster so theres less time for reflux to occur
- prescription mucosal protectors, such as sucralfate
Talk with a doctor about which of these options may help reduce acid production that can harm your esophagus as well as help relieve your stomach pain.
Also ask a doctor about possible side effects of different treatments. For example, proton pump inhibitors may upset your stomach.
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Symptom: Unusually Heavy Pressure On The Chest Like Theres A Ton Of Weight On You
Most heart attacks involve chest pain or discomfort in the center or left side of the chest. It usually lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. It may even feel like the worst heartburn or indigestion youve ever had. Women may be more likely to use words like crushing or pressing to describe heart attack chest pain. Some women say it is discomfort or a very bad ache.4
When To Call The Doctor About Abdominal Pain
If your abdominal pain is serious, doesn’t go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain.
You should also contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as:
- Can’t keep food down for more than 2 days
- Signs you’re getting dehydrated, including not urinating frequently, dark-colored urine, and being very thirsty
- Can’t have a bowel movement, especially if you’re also vomiting
- Pain when you pee, or you need to urinate often
Also call your doctor if:
- Your belly is tender to the touch
- Pain lasts more than a few hours
You may have other symptoms that could be a sign of a problem inside your body that needs treatment as soon as possible. Get medical care right away if you have abdominal pain and you also:
- Have unexplained weight loss
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How Can I Get Rid Of Stomach Flu
The most important things you can do to feel better faster are rest and staying well hydrated. Between diarrhea and vomiting, your body loses a lot of water and electrolytes. If your belly is still upset, you can take small, frequent sips of water, sports drinks, juice or broth, or chew on ice chips. It is important to know that water alone may not be enough to keep you hydrated in severe cases of diarrhea so make sure to take in electrolyte balance hydration . Eat a normal diet when you feel hungry again.
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider About My Abdominal Pain
Always see your doctor if your pain is unexplained, persistent or severe, or if you have been injured or are pregnant.
Also, see your doctor if your pain is accompanied by any of these symptoms:
- Persistent fever.
- Blood in your stools, urine or vomit.
- Swelling and tenderness to the touch.
- Jaundice .
- Pain in any other part of your body.
- Shortness of breath or symptoms that get worse with exertion.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
So many things can cause abdominal pain that its inevitable well all experience it from time to time. Common causes, such as gas and indigestion, menstrual cramps, or even food poisoning and the flu may be instantly recognizable. Other causes may be more mysterious. And sometimes stomach pain is a sign of an unsuspected or serious condition.
Your healthcare provider will always be interested in your abdominal pain, especially if its unexplained. Common causes are often easy to treat, and having your condition diagnosed can help you find relief. Even if your stomach pain is mild, make sure you see your healthcare provider if it doesnt go away, keeps coming back or gets worse.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/18/2022.
References
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How Is The Cause Of Abdominal Pain Diagnosed
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms seen by GPs .
They may suggest you have some blood tests or other diagnostic procedures done, especially if you have had the symptoms for some time.
Tests and procedures that may help in diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain include:
Other procedures that may be suggested, depending on your gender, include:
- pregnancy test and/or pelvic ultrasound
- ultrasound of the scrotum
Common Causes Of Right
The common causes for pains on the right side of the abdominal area are gallstones and appendicitis. The pain associated with gallstones originates in the upper right of the abdomen area and can spread to the right shoulder blade.
The pain associated with appendicitis begins at the lower right side and is not constant. As the pain moves lower, it becomes constant and severe.
The symptoms of both conditions are:
- feeling sick
- shivers and sweats
If any of these symptoms and pains are experienced, medical attention at an emergency room in New Braunfels, Texas, should be sought immediately.
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What Causes Sudden And Severe Abdominal Pain
Sudden and severe abdominal pain should never be ignored. Steadily worsening abdominal pain may also be a sign of a serious condition.
If you have these symptoms, go immediately to your nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero and ask for an ambulance.
Some of the causes of serious abdominal pain include:
What Is Abdominal Pain
The abdomen is that part of your body which is below your ribs and above your hips. Some people call it the tummy, trunk, belly or gut. When you have a pain in that area, doctors will call it abdominal pain. However, other popular terms for abdominal pain include tummy pain, tummy ache, stomach ache, stomach pain, gut ache, belly ache and gut rot.
Usually, pain that you feel here will be caused by a problem in your gut. Sometimes it can be caused by problems in other organs.
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What Are The Treatments For Causes Of Abdominal Pain
The treatment of abdominal pain will depend on the cause. You can treat some causes at home. For non-serious causes, such as stomach flu, treatment includes resting and taking on fluids until your body clears the viral infection.
Some types of treatment, along with their causes, include:
- antacid medications for heartburn
Treatments For Pain In Upper Stomach
Treatments for pain in the upper stomach depend on the underlying cause. Some pain in the upper stomach can be treated with over-the-counter medicine or a simple lifestyle change. Other pain in the upper stomach may be cause for a more extensive treatment administered by your doctor.
Some other treatments for pain in the upper stomach could include prescribed medication, surgery, or changes to your diet. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist, or a doctor who specializes in digestive tract disorders.
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Know When To Talk To A Doctor
Keep track of your symptoms. A good understanding of your symptoms lets you know when to see a doctor, and it can help your doctor provide proper treatment.
- When did the pain start?
- Does it persist, or does it go away and return?
- Did the pain occur suddenly or slowly?
- Is it mild or severe?
- Does the pain move around?
- Does it occur after you eat?
- Do you experience additional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, increase heart rate, diarrhea, weight loss, shortness of breath, or swelling?
Communicating this information to your physician can improve the level of care that your receive.
Talk to your doctor if:
- you experience severe abdominal pain
- the pain moves to different areas
- the pain that does not go away after one or two days
- you experience pain with additional symptoms
Your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive tract disorders.
Common Causes Of Lower Abdominal Pain
The common causes of lower abdominal pain are the menstrual cycle, urinary tract infection and constipation. The common symptoms include:
- painful urination
- painful sex
The management of the associated pains with the above symptoms can typically be accomplished with over-the-counter pain relievers or antacids. A person should seek medical attention at an urgent care center in New Braunfels, Texas if any symptom does not improve within three days, or at the first indication of a painful urination.
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You Have A High Fever
Pain thats accompanied by a fever can be difficult to diagnose. Fevers are a sign of possible infection, and, while some infections are serious, some, like stomach viruses can be milder and are not of serious concern, says Jaclyn Kline, MD, an emergency medicine physician at the Childrens National Health System. Stomach viruses often cause intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The best treatment for this is drinking fluids to stay hydrated while the virus runs its course. If you have a high feverhigher than 102 Fwith severe upper abdominal pain, you may have a more serious infection, and you should be concerned enough to see a doctor, she says. These are the things you must do right away for stomach pain in the morning.
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About Upper Stomach Pain:
Stomach pain is perhaps the most common complaint that both children and adults have. While stomach pain around the abdominal region is quite common, having pain on the upper half of the stomach might have some concerning causes. This is because the upper part of the stomach houses many vital organs of the body to include the liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder. Indigestion, gas, and infections are some of the more benign causes for upper stomach pain there are also certain medical conditions that cause it that need medical treatment. In many cases, upper stomach pain caused due to underlying medical conditions is interrelated. This means that one condition leads to the development of the second condition and so on .
As an example, upper stomach pain caused due to ulcers often leads to problems with digestion, and gallstones as a cause of upper stomach pain can cause problems with liver function. The diversity of the causes of upper stomach pain makes the cause of this condition a challenge for physicians to diagnose. Upper GI endoscopy for infections and other imaging studies are quite useful tools for an accurate diagnosis but accuracy of the diagnosis is always debatable .
However, early endoscopy is preferred in cases when patients show other symptoms along with upper stomach pain that may be a cause of worry. This is especially necessary for people above the age of 55. This article highlights the 10 most common causes for upper stomach pain .
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Wheres Your Abdominal Bloating And Pain
Pain in different areas of the abdomen can mean different things.
Abdominal pain can be anywhere between the chest and the pelvis. People often call it a stomachache. The pain can also be:
- cramp-like
Causes of abdominal bloating and pain can vary from mild to severe. Most of the time, abdominal bloating and pain occur due to:
- overeating
- indigestion
This kind of bloating or pain is usually normal and will go away within two hours.
In cases of the stomach flu, you may feel intense pain or bloating that comes and goes before each episode of vomiting or diarrhea. Stomach viruses usually go away with rest and home care.
This guide lists the organs associated with different locations of abdominal bloating or pain: