Upper Abdominal Pain Treatment Q&A

Upper abdominal pain can result from many digestive and systemic conditions. Common causes include:

Digestive Causes

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often with nausea, bloating, or discomfort.

• Peptic Ulcers: Sores in the stomach or upper small intestine causing burning or sharp pain.

• Gallstones: Blockage of bile flow leading to sharp pain, often after fatty meals.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn or burning in the upper abdomen.

• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, with severe pain that may radiate to the back.

• Liver Disorders: Conditions such as hepatitis or liver congestion cause right upper abdominal pain.

Other Possible Causes

• Indigestion or Gas: Can cause temporary discomfort or bloating.

• Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain originates from other organs. For example, a heart attack—especially in women—may present as upper abdominal pain rather than chest pain.

When to Seek Care

• Persistent, severe, or unexplained pain.

• Accompanied by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, jaundice, or chest pain.

• If pain interferes with daily activities or worsens over time.

At Digestive Disease Care, specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the underlying cause of upper abdominal pain and provide tailored treatment for effective relief.

At Digestive Disease Care, we often see patients confused between these two symptoms. While they may feel similar at times, there are key differences.

Upper Abdominal Pain

• Location: Felt between the bottom of the rib cage and the belly button.

• Types of pain: Can be sharp, dull, cramping, or achy.

• Possible causes: Gastritis, peptic ulcers, gallstones, pancreatitis, or liver conditions.

• Involves multiple organs: the Stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and intestines.

Heartburn

• Location: Burning sensation behind the breastbone or in the lower chest.

• Timing: Often occurs after eating, lying down, or bending over.

• Cause: Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus (acid reflux).

• Related condition: Commonly linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Key Difference

• Upper abdominal pain: Discomfort in the abdomen with various possible digestive origins.

• Heartburn: Burning chest sensation specifically caused by acid reflux into the esophagus.

When to Seek Care

• If symptoms are persistent, severe, or confusing.

• If accompanied by vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw.

At Digestive Disease Care, our specialists provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans to relieve discomfort and improve digestive health.

Yes, a stomach ulcer (gastric ulcer) can cause significant upper abdominal discomfort. At Digestive Disease Care, we frequently evaluate patients with this condition.

How Stomach Ulcers Cause Pain

• Primary symptom: Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

• Pain is often described as a burning or gnawing sensation.

• Typically felt between the breastbone and the navel.

• May worsen when the stomach is empty or at night.

• Some patients notice temporary relief after eating or taking antacids.

Other Possible Symptoms

• Bloating and nausea.

• Loss of appetite.

• Severe signs such as vomiting blood, black stools, or unexplained weight loss may indicate serious complications.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Persistent or severe upper abdominal pain.

• Presence of alarming symptoms like bleeding or unexplained weight changes.

• Any worsening or unrelieved discomfort.

At Digestive Disease Care, our gastroenterology specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to detect stomach ulcers and provide tailored treatment to relieve pain and protect digestive health.

Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) can cause a range of symptoms that should be taken seriously.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Upper right abdominal pain: Often sudden, severe, and may radiate to the back or right shoulder blade.

• Pain after fatty or greasy meals: Gallbladder attacks are frequently triggered by certain foods.

• Nausea and vomiting: Especially common during gallbladder flare-ups.

• Fever and chills: May indicate infection associated with gallbladder inflammation.

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes): Suggests a blocked bile duct.

• Bloating and indigestion: General discomfort in the upper abdomen.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Severe or persistent upper abdominal pain.

• Accompanying symptoms such as fever, chills, or jaundice.

• Signs of infection or worsening discomfort.

At Digestive Disease Care, our gastroenterology specialists use advanced diagnostic methods to identify gallstones and gallbladder inflammation and provide comprehensive treatment options. Prompt care helps prevent complications and restores digestive health. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY, New Hyde Park NY, and Riverhead NY.