Sharp pain in the upper abdomen. Pain in the upper abdomen: possible causes

Pain always takes us by surprise. Unpleasant sensations in the upper abdomen can ruin all plans and lead to real suffering. As you know, the upper abdomen is an area where several vital important organs, That's why painful sensations in this place may indicate a number of pathologies - from to.

Note: if the pain lasts more than half an hour, you should immediately consult a doctor, since taking analgesics will only temporarily relieve the symptoms, but will not eliminate the cause of the disease.

Overeating and stomach pain

Overeating is one of the most common and relatively safe reasons abdominal pain. In particularly difficult cases, it can lead to chronic pain and function failures digestive tract. Frequent consumption of other products containing lactose may result in intolerance to lactose-containing products.

Love to fatty foods can also cause heaviness. Such food provokes increased gas formation, which often leads to damage to internal organs and problems with stool. Abdominal pain associated with overeating is acute and can last 3-5 hours, after which it gradually subsides.

Pain in the upper abdomen: what do they indicate?

Most often, pain under the breasts indicates a dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.

Note! The strength and intensity of unpleasant sensations in this area can directly depend on the location nerve endings in a damaged organ.

To better understand how pain forms and spreads in this place, you need to get acquainted with different zones abdominal cavity. These include:

• epigastric or epigastric zone - covers the area from the sternum to the navel;
• left and right hypochondrium– located to the sides of the epigastric zone;
• mesogastrium - the area around the navel;
• lateral areas - located on both sides of the mesogastrium;
• suprapubic zone - covers the lower abdomen to the place where the pubic bones connect;
• iliac fossa - left and right suprapubic region.

Pain in the epigastric region is not necessarily associated with organs located in the upper abdomen; it can spread here and from other areas. Often it becomes difficult to determine its source.

The nature of pain in the upper abdomen in diseases of the esophagus

If the cause of pain is a dysfunction of the esophagus, then the pathologies most likely affect its peritoneal part. It is 1 to 3 cm long and occupies the area between the stomach and the diaphragm.

Another cause of pain is disruption of the sphincter - the muscle between the esophagus and stomach.

If the sphincter malfunctions, pain is often felt in the upper abdomen 1-2 fingers to the left of the center. For other pathologies of the esophagus - in the lower part of the sternum, behind it, at the top of the abdominal cavity. Sometimes it hits you in the back.

The stomach is one of the causes of pain in the upper abdomen

Above and to the right, the stomach is in contact with the liver, and the pancreas is located behind. Some parts of the organ are located near the spleen, intestines and omentum. It is worth noting that the size of the stomach, as well as its relationship with neighboring organs, changes depending on whether it is empty or full.

The stomach is connected on each side by sheets of peritoneum, so even the slightest spasms of this organ are accompanied by severe pain in the upper abdomen.

Pain due to spasm and stenosis of the gastric pylorus (sphincter pathologies) is characterized by:

• aggravated by overeating, after eating, especially solid foods ( usually after 1.5-2 hours);
• localization slightly lower and to the right of the epigastrium;
• average intensity and frequency;
• with sour contents (usually after a heavy meal);
• belching and...

Since the surface of the stomach is covered with mucous membrane from the inside, and between the outer and inner layers muscle fibers are located, spasms can be evidence of pathologies of the outer layer of the stomach and inflammation of the mucous membrane itself.

The mucous membrane of the stomach contains a huge number of cells that are responsible for the normal functioning of the organ. The most important role in the digestion process is played by cells that produce hydrochloric acid, necessary for the breakdown of food. At normal functioning organ acid does not damage the walls of the stomach, but disturbances acid balance often leads to inflammation of the gastric walls -. In this case, the patient complains of moderate, prolonged pain in the upper abdomen (under the stomach). Characterized by hunger pains that subside after small reception food.

With the development of destructive changes and the appearance of a defect in the mucous membrane, pain occurs either on an empty stomach or half an hour to an hour after eating. At the same time, hunger pains only intensify with eating. The patient may experience heartburn, vomiting of acidic contents, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen,.

When the ulcer is complicated by bleeding, the typical picture of pain does not change, but the stool becomes black and liquid, and the vomit resembles coffee grounds.

Perforation of the gastric lining leads to severe tension abdominal wall and bloating of the upper abdomen. The pain is unbearable, dagger-like.

How does it hurt in the upper abdomen if the large and small intestines are affected?

The small intestine begins after the gastric section, its walls are formed from smooth muscle tissue. The main task of this system is to continue digesting food and subsequently pushing its remains through the digestive tract.

Spasm small intestine can cause abdominal pain, which is called. In this case, cramping occurs painful sensations. Most often - in the middle of the abdomen, sometimes they radiate (give) to the upper parts of the abdominal cavity. In some cases, pain in the upper abdomen is evidence of inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, its ulcerations, and other pathologies of the organ.

As for the large intestine, most of it is located much lower in the abdominal cavity. In this case, pain in the upper abdomen is often associated with pathologies of the transverse colon, located below the stomach. These can be various dysfunctions caused by stretching of the walls and oncological pathologies.

Liver diseases, which may cause pain in the upper abdomen

The liver is located in the upper right part of the peritoneum. She performs a series important functions– excretion toxic substances, formation of bile and proteins, accumulation of glycogen, etc. are developing due to various reasons and can manifest themselves in different ways.

Unpleasant sensations are often associated with an enlarged organ, because it inner surface is devoid of nerve endings, and the destruction of the liver parenchyma is painless. However, the tissue that surrounds the organ is quite sensitive, so with moderate enlargement of the organ, the pain is insignificant - in the form of discomfort in the right hypochondrium. Its intensification is observed during bending, sharp turns, and physical activity.

Severe enlargement of the liver can lead to severe pain. Another reason why the liver hurts is a purulent accumulation (abscess) affecting the outer capsule.

Pathologies of the spleen

The spleen is located in the area of ​​the left hypochondrium. This organ is responsible for immune control of the blood - the accumulation of blood cells, providing protection to the body, etc. Considering that the spleen is covered with sheets of peritoneum on each side, the patient usually feels slight discomfort in the left hypochondrium, caused by an increase in the size of the organ. Acute severe pain are rare.

Palpable pain can be observed with such pathologies as:

Pain in the upper abdomen due to pathologies of the pancreas

The pancreas is located behind the stomach almost completely to the left of the midline of the abdomen. It comes into contact with the peritoneum only with the anterior wall, so painful sensations are felt precisely in this area. Almost all of the gland consists of alveoli, within which a digestive enzyme is synthesized, which activates bile.

At acute inflammation pancreas () the pain is sudden and intense from the first minutes of its appearance, intensifies with movement and deep inspiration. The main location is the epigastric and navel areas; pain often radiates to the back and hypochondrium. The pain is often accompanied by repeated pain.

Chronic pancreatitis characterized by milder pain, often worse after eating and lasting several hours or even days.

If bile gets inside the alveoli, this can cause necrosis of the walls of the gland, which leads to severe unbearable pain in the upper left abdomen.

Other causes leading to upper abdominal pain

If your stomach hurts in the upper part, this may be the body’s response to any irritants - getting into foreign body, cell necrosis, blood flow disorders. The nature of the pain and its intensity directly depends on the organ or system where inflammation develops. In this case, the following pathologies can be diagnosed:

• . Pain under the sternum is an atypical location for such a disease. It is not accompanied by other symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, but paleness of the skin, changes in blood pressure, pulse rate and rhythm, and increased sweating are observed.
• Mechanical abdominal injuries. The nature and intensity of pain depends on the location of the injury, its intensity, and the degree of damage to the affected organs.
• Diaphragmatic hernia. Extension hiatus diaphragm can be asymptomatic, sometimes with a slight feeling of discomfort behind the sternum or minor pain after eating in the upper abdomen. When food escapes beyond the diaphragm and such a hernia is strangulated, acute pain occurs, indicating a threat to the patient’s life.
• . In some cases, the onset of pain is observed not in the iliac fossa on the right, but in the epigastric region. The pain is moderate, and only after 30-60 minutes does it move directly to the location vermiform appendix and becomes intense.

Pain in the upper abdomen in pregnant women: what causes it?

Pregnancy is not only a wonderful time of waiting for a baby, but also long months fears, worries and anxieties. At this time health expectant mother requires special attention, so the appearance of even the slightest pain is already serious reason consult a doctor.

Most often during pregnancy, a woman feels sharp pains that quickly pass. They usually accompany stretching of the uterus, which presses on the peritoneum, causing discomfort. This kind of pain in the upper abdomen in a pregnant woman can intensify with sneezing or a sudden change of position. In this case, you should not immediately take painkillers - just calm down and accept the fact that the body is changing in anticipation of the birth of the baby.

Unfortunately, sometimes it is also threatening. So, sharp unpleasant sensations on early stages may indicate a threat of miscarriage, as well as gynecological problems. In this case, the pregnant woman’s stomach ache, and it seems that contractions are starting.

Important! Pain in various parts of the abdomen may also indicate

Pain in upper section abdomen is a dangerous symptom that is a harbinger of many dangerous diseases. There are many reasons for this condition to occur. Unpleasant sensations can overtake you suddenly and pass quickly, or they can annoy you for a long time.

Despite the intensity and accompanying symptoms, any health problems must be addressed. may be an indicator of various conditions, which we will discuss below.

A gastroenterologist will help you return to an active life.

Unpleasant sensations in the upper abdomen can occur for various reasons. This may be eloquent evidence of the presence of pathology of internal organs.

Problems with the stomach and intestines can also cause pain. A man suffers from cramping, burning, drawing or pressing pain. Contacting will help you return to an active life.

Unpleasant sensations are possible due to stretching of the organ capsule, which resembles a dense shell, paved connective tissue. A tumor, injury, or inflammation can be a trigger that causes the capsule to stretch. The severity of symptoms can range from moderate to severely painful.

If the capsule ruptures, the patient's condition worsens. Poor circulation can also cause these conditions. Atherosclerotic lesion, blockage of a blood clot is responsible for the deterioration of the condition.

With a stomach ulcer, your health worsens 15-45 minutes after a meal. Defeat duodenum is marked by delayed symptoms, making themselves felt after 1-1.5 hours. In the presence of ulcers, unpleasant symptoms appear on an empty stomach and before bedtime, discomfort is felt in the shoulder blades.

A person develops signs of bloating and bowel movements are disrupted. For problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it improves the patient’s condition, while the symptoms of problems with other parts of the body do not depend on this action. If you suddenly feel sharp sharp pains, it is better to call a specialist, as ulcers are not to be trifled with. The right treatment tactics will help you recover quickly.

Do you feel belching, burning and pain behind the sternum? It is necessary to exclude inflammation of the esophagus. Other symptoms that confirm the presence of GERD include increased symptoms when lying down, bending over, and physical activity.

Liver problems

With cholelithiasis, patients describe the presence of bursting pain.

Muscle pain

To understand whether painful conditions are associated with muscle strain, it is worth elevating the lower limbs. If the answer is positive, the pain will intensify. Pain in muscle tissue is a response to hypertonicity; Muscle strains accompanied by internal microtraumas are often diagnosed.

The cause may be physical overload, sports training And physical labor. Worst option is a rupture of the abdominal ligaments that occurs with intense excessive stress on atrophied muscles.

The video will tell you more about pain in the upper part of the stomach:

Problems in neurology

With osteochondrosis, compression of the spinal cord roots occurs. Pain occurs, concentrated in the spine. Infringement of the nerve roots makes the nervous supply of the spleen and intestines defective.

The person begins to complain of cutting and stabbing sensations. Others appear neurotic symptoms, which signal that it’s time to take care of yourself. Massage, physiotherapy and special drugs will slow down progression a popular disease today and will significantly improve the condition.

The appearance of a hernia

When organs are compressed, a hernia is formed. The person feels pain around the formation. When pressed, the round formation disappears. Patients with hiatal hernias face all the troubles that arise from problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

The increase entails expansion of the gate and stretching of the structures surrounding the abdominal wall defect. Dangerous phenomenon It is considered that organs enter the abdominal sac, which is also accompanied by pain. Local sensations or pain throughout the abdomen may be diagnosed.

Metabolic disorders

If ketoacidosis occurs and thyrotoxic crisis, the peritoneal receptors are irritated. Sharp pain is accompanied by tension in the peritoneum. To clarify the diagnosis of a patient with the listed symptoms sent to hospital.

Rules of conduct for abdominal pain

Only when feeling acute pain does a person begin to pay attention to problems in the body.

Regardless of the intensity and characteristics of the pain, it is necessary to consult a medical institution in order to prevent serious complications and deterioration of the condition.

It is worth trying not to take pills before the initial consultation so that the doctor can make the most accurate diagnosis.

The heating pad must not be used until the initial verdict has been issued. To somehow alleviate the condition, you can use ice. You should be wary if vomiting or fever appears.

These additional symptoms may indicate the seriousness of the situation. Irregular pain of moderate intensity, appearing from time to time, gives hope for a happy outcome. It is worth contacting a specialist if the pain becomes more frequent and interferes with normal life.

It is important to tell the doctor in detail about the nature, intensity of pain and events preceding the deterioration of the condition. Treatment should be aimed at eliminating the underlying cause that causes similar conditions. Modern man lives in a special rhythm. It is difficult for him to take time and listen to his own body.

Aching pains are often ignored, and malaise is attributed to poor quality food. Only when experiencing acute pain does a person begin to pay attention to problems in his own body. Painkillers are used, although the right step would be to call a doctor and visit a specialist.

The collected analysis, examination and diagnostic procedures help to set an accurate one, since abdominal pain can be the cause of many ailments that require drug treatment or surgery. It is important to pay attention to additional symptoms: presence of vomiting, stool disorders, pain in the hypochondrium. Accurate writing of symptoms helps to quickly find the root cause and begin the fight against the developing disease.

Pain in the upper middle of the abdomen is very dangerous symptom, which is a harbinger of the development of various pathologies and dangerous diseases.

Negative manifestations can form suddenly or increase gradually. Some go away in a short period of time, others annoy the patient for a period of time. long period. With increasing intensity and intensification of symptoms, you should contact a professional specialist. The patient must undergo a diagnosis of the body and find out why certain symptoms appeared. After passing diagnostic methods, appropriate treatment should be prescribed.

The upper abdomen hurts for various reasons. They are an indicator of all kinds of conditions. Diseases may manifest differently in each patient. Some patients experience more pain, while others experience less pain.

Since pain itself is considered a subjective feeling, relying on just one symptom is not recommended. It is impossible to make a correct diagnosis based only on the manifestations of pain. Therefore it is necessary to take into account individual characteristics body. It is also worth considering that diseases have a specific nature of pain.

Pain in the center (middle) of the upper abdomen is divided into types of pain. They have corresponding symptoms. Patients with certain actions or changes in body position experience stomach pain in the upper middle. Not every person knows what to do and what actions to take.

1. First of all, it is necessary to determine the location of the pain. To do this, you need to lie on your back and palpate the abdominal cavity. Using palpation, the most vulnerable painful spot is located.
2. It is necessary to understand what preceded the onset of pain. It is necessary to establish why they began to develop Negative consequences. May be caused by excessive physical exercise, nervous breakdowns, improperly selected diet, intake of alcoholic beverages.
3. Next, the type of discomfort is determined. Depending on the symptoms that appear, pain is divided into several categories. Let's look at the most common ones.

It's a dull pain

The aching pain is not expressed by bright intensity. Therefore, most patients call such manifestations the most harmless. They can occur periodically or appear constantly.

It is worth considering that this type of pain indicates the initial development of the disease and negative changes in the body.

• Aching pain from above can be caused by poor circulation.
• It also manifests itself due to mechanical damage to internal organs. They can be obtained as a result of a fall from a height, strong blow into the abdominal cavity.
• Aching pain occurs due to stretching of muscles and tendons of internal organs. The manifestation of unpleasant sensations is influenced by strong inflammatory processes.
• The cause may be a malfunction gastrointestinal tract. Such diseases include gastritis, duodenal ulcers, and infectious processes.
• The pain occurs due to inflammation of the pancreas.
• Development may be affected by diseases of the pelvic organs.
• Nerve endings in the spine may become pinched, causing pain in the upper abdomen.
• The cause may be pathologies of the central nervous system.
• Heart pain radiating upward to the abdominal cavity.
• Unpleasant sensations in solar plexus irradiating into the abdominal cavity.
• Aching pain occurs due to infection of the abdominal cavity;

Acute pain

This type of discomfort is usually called “ acute stomach" Acute sharp pain requires immediate medical attention. Such patients require surgical treatment.

Acute pain includes a complex clinical signs, which must be confirmed by instrumental or laboratory data. Acute pain can be life-threatening. They appear due to dangerous diseases, injuries or damage to the abdominal or pelvic organs.

Let's look at the most common causes of discomfort:

Sharp, sudden pain can occur when moving or changing body position. It penetrates the ligaments and muscles of the organs. That’s why the common people call it “dagger”. The intensity of this manifestation varies, since each patient perceives the pain threshold in his own way.

Such a negative manifestation may indicate the development of severe pathologies and diseases that threaten human life.

Such diseases include:

1. Damage to the spleen;
2. Epigastric hernia of the white line of the abdomen;
3. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;
4. Signs of appendicitis;
5. Intestinal obstruction;
6. Chronic stage of enteritis;
7. Chronic stage of colitis;
8. Acute diverticulitis;
9. Intestinal infections;
10. Intoxication;
11. Renal colic;

Blunt pain

On initial stage This type of discomfort is hardly noticeable. But as pathologies and diseases develop, the intensity of pain begins to increase. It is continuous. It goes away only after using painkillers. It can intensify with sudden movements, heavy lifting, and excessive fluid consumption. Also, dull pain can be the result of sharp, sharp or cutting pain

In this case, the subsiding unpleasant manifestations can last for 12-18 hours.

Diseases accompanied by dull pain include:

1. Chronic cholecystitis;
2. Urolithiasis;
3. Pyelonephritis;
4. Chronic stage of peptic ulcer;
5. Stomach cancer;
6. Pyloric stenosis;
7. Gastritis, which is accompanied by a reduction in pancreatic secretion;
8. Increased pressure in the portal vein, which can lead to deposition of blood flow in the spleen. In this case, stagnant enlargement of the organ may occur. The condition is characteristic of liver cirrhosis:

• Latent stage;
• Subcompensation stage;
• Decompensation stage;

Girdle pain

This manifestation is a painful condition that has varying degrees intensity. The pain may be short-term or last for a long period. The pain can be paroxysmal, surrounding the entire upper abdomen. Unpleasant sensations appear after eating fatty, overcooked or spicy foods. Can occur after drinking alcohol.

In this case, patients feel an unpleasant taste and dry mouth, weakness, increased blood pressure. Repeated vomiting is observed, after which the pain subsides. They separate girdling skin pain, as well as pain emanating from the internal organs. In this case, nerve endings are damaged or diseases dangerous to human health develop.

Pain can radiate to the lower back, spine, and lower abdomen.

Unpleasant sensations can result from the following negative manifestations:

• Gallbladder dysfunction, manifested as cholecystitis;
• Impaired functioning of the pancreas in the form of acute pancreatitis;
• Ulcerative lesions of the duodenum;
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• Development of herpes zoster;

Stitching and cutting pain

Such a negative manifestation is considered a signal of the development of pathological processes in the human body. They have different localization. It can prick both in the upper abdomen and below. The left one may hurt Right side. They radiate to the back sacral region, spine, chest area and hypochondrium. Pain intensifies with movements, incorrectly selected physical activity, shaking in transport, stress. But most important reason The occurrence of painful sensations is caused by incorrectly selected food. Cutting syndrome occurs due to the consumption of overcooked, spicy, oversalted, burnt food, carbonated drinks, and fast food.

Pain may occur periodically. Therefore, if there is pain in the upper abdomen, then it is necessary to find out the reasons by undergoing a complete diagnosis of the body.

All pathological changes are accompanied by diarrhea and nausea. A person's body temperature rises. Attacks of sudden and stabbing pain can cause worms, problems with the genital area, various inflammations gastrointestinal organs. Stitching syndrome appears due to the formation of the following diseases:

• Pancreatitis in the acute phase;
• Attack of appendicitis;
• Inflammation of the pancreas;
• Acute or chronic form gastritis;
• Perforation of gastric and duodenal ulcers;
• Development of intestinal infections;

Nagging pain

Such unpleasant sensations bother patients for a long period. They do not have a pronounced intensity. But they cause great discomfort. Pain indicates the presence of early-stage pathologies. Can occur due to stretching of the liver capsule or spleen. May be a consequence of sprained ligaments that secure organs in the pelvis. Unpleasant manifestations can radiate to the left or right side, lower abdomen, and back. The stomach, right or left side may hurt. In this case, the patient feels heaviness, increased negative manifestations during physical activity and lifting weights.

The upper abdomen may be pulled due to the development of pathologies and an increase in the size of organs.

The main causes of nagging pain:

1. Enlargement of the uterus during pregnancy;
2. Development of an ovarian cyst;
3. Inflammation of the appendix;
4. Inflammatory processes in the intestines, including:

• Crohn's disease;
• Diverticulitis;
• Duodenitis;
• Enteritis;
• Colitis;

1. Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
2. Prolonged tonic tension of organs;
3. Chronic prostatitis;
4. Formation of malignant tumors;
5. Chronic stage of sigmoiditis;

Features in men

Pain in men occurs when the prostate becomes inflamed. They can provoke development acute stage prostatitis, urethritis, ascending infections, sexual disorders, physical inactivity. The reasons may be:

• Interrupted sexual intercourse;
• Rare or violent sex life;
• Sedentary “office” lifestyle;
• Presence of chronic constipation;
• Drinking alcoholic beverages;

Pain may occur behind or above the pubis.

They radiate into groin area, sacrum, perineum, lower back and rectum. They can be combined with painful frequent urination. At the same time, a person’s body temperature may rise, weakness may develop, and performance may decrease.

Features in women

If it hurts in the upper abdomen, this may be a consequence of inflammatory processes in the internal reproductive organs - the uterus, tubes, ovaries. Unpleasant manifestations are felt in the upper or lower abdomen in the iliac regions. May be accompanied by intoxication syndrome in the form of:

• Chills;
• Weaknesses;
• Loss of appetite;
• Dizziness;
• Fever;

The localization of pain occurs above the womb, upper and lower abdomen.

Are being formed purulent discharge with blood clots, having bad smell. Unpleasant sensations can radiate to the perineum, sacrum and lower back. Pathologies include:

• Intra-abdominal bleeding;
• Ovarian rupture;
• Ectopic or ectopic pregnancy;

Stomach hurts when critical days, after blows, falls, complications after a tubal abortion.

In what cases should you urgently see a doctor?

The patient should consult a professional specialist in the following cases:

• When the intensity of the pain defect increases;
• If there is a weak effect after taking medications;
• If there are symptoms of intoxication in the form of diarrhea, vomiting;
• With severe sharp or cutting pain during urination;
• In the presence of blood clots in feces or urine;
• If your stomach hurts when moving or changing body position;
• If the patient's age is less than 10 and more than 65 years;
• If you have received severe abdominal injuries due to an impact, injury, fall from a height, or compression;
• In case of sudden acute pain that provokes awakening during sleep, insomnia;
• In the presence of pain accompanied by fever;
• With severe tension in the abdominal muscles, in which the middle of the abdominal cavity is hard and painful. There is a restriction in the respiratory movement of the abdomen;
• If it hurts in the upper abdomen, pain syndrome accompanied by rapid heartbeat;

The patient can consult a therapist, then contact a gastroenterologist, surgeon, allergist, neurologist, or oncologist. The choice of specialist depends on the developing disease.

Diagnostics

Pain in the center of the abdomen causes patients discomfort and unpleasant sensations, which disappear only after treatment. But before you prescribe necessary procedures, you need to undergo a diagnosis of the body. Diagnostics will help identify the causes of pain. It is very difficult to make a correct diagnosis, since today various diseases are known that cause identical pain syndrome.

1. First of all, an initial examination should be carried out, during which simple manipulations are applied. The specialist can:

• Palpation, which reveals pain, the consistency of the liver and spleen. You can determine whether the pain intensifies when pressed.
• Visual inspection, due to which increased gas formation and a change in shade are determined skin, rashes and allergic reactions.
• Auscultation, through which noise is heard using a stethoscope.
• Percussion, with the help of which tissue density and pain in the upper abdomen are detected.

1. After initial examination the patient may be redirected for radiography. The study lasts no more than ten minutes. This method The study involves passing micro-rays of X-ray through body tissue. The method is able to identify:

• Malignant tumors of the abdominal cavity;
• Formed stones located in the gallbladder or kidneys;
• Pathology of changes in the spine;
• Stomach ulcer;
• The presence of abscesses located in the abdominal cavity and liver;
• Diaphragmatic hernia;
• Developing pathologies in the spine;

Depending on the results of the examination, the patient may be prescribed:

1. Computed tomography;
2. Magnetic resonance imaging;
3. Ultrasonography;
4. Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy;
5. Microbiological research methods, including:

• Microscopy;
• Cultural examination;
• Detection of antigens and antibodies;
• Polymerase chain reaction;

1. Clinical and biochemical blood test;
2. Clinical and biochemical urine analysis;

What medications can be prescribed?

Traditional therapy can be medication or surgery. Tablets or surgery prescribed depending on the developing disease. If there is pain in the upper abdomen, surgery is prescribed in the following cases:

• With peritonitis;
• Acute pancreatitis;
• Ulcer or cholecystitis, which are accompanied by internal bleeding;
• When cancer pathology is detected.

In other cases, drug therapy is prescribed.

Analgesics for pain relief. They are available in the form of injections, tablets or syrups.

Prevention of the condition

In order to avoid pain, you need to monitor your health and follow simple recommendations:

• More to be on fresh air. Oxygen nourishes blood vessels, improving blood circulation;
• Watch your diet. Excessive consumption of spicy, overcooked, over-salted, smoked foods should be avoided. You should not consume chips, sweet carbonated drinks, fast food;
• Monitor the quality of received products. You should not consume stale food or eat from dirty dishes;
• Do not overeat, do not swallow air while eating;
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol;
• Do not be near chemical compounds. Do not inhale poisons, steam, exhaust;
• When performing medical procedures, follow the rules of antiseptics and asepsis;
• Spend more time healthy sleep, eliminate insomnia;

If it hurts in the upper abdomen, this indicates the presence of pathological changes in organism.

Be sure to watch the next video

If painful sensations appear and increase in intensity, you should contact a qualified specialist for advice. If there is acute unbearable pain, you must call an ambulance.

A rather vague complaint called “pain in the upper abdomen” is equally characteristic of men, women and children. The causes of such pain are varied, ranging from appendicitis to various infectious diseases. If the pain lasts for a few seconds or a minute, then this is not a cause for great concern.

Types of pain

The first one is visceral pain. It occurs when nerve endings in the walls of internal organs are irritated. Such pain is directly associated with spasms or stretching, for example, of the stomach.

This type of pain is almost always colic of varying strength. They are often diffuse and dull. They can be localized not only directly at the site of the lesion, but also radiate to other parts of the abdomen.

Somatic pain, which is also called peritoneal, often makes itself felt when the peritoneum is irritated. In this case, the endings of the spinal nerves located in the peritoneum are irritated.

This type of pain, unlike the previous one, is always constant. The pain is sharp, cutting, intensifying with any movement or inhalation/exhalation. The muscles of the anterior abdominal wall are very tense. People suffering from these pains are afraid to make unnecessary movements, since it only increases the pain.

Cramping pain attacks often occur if a person’s intestine narrows due to certain pathological processes.

Constant pain in the abdomen may indicate serious inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Regardless of the type and nature of such pain, if it lasts more than 30 minutes, you should seek qualified medical advice as soon as possible. medical care. Taking painkillers will only temporarily help cope with unpleasant sensations, but will not cure.

Causes

IN modern medicine There is a whole list of diseases that can lead to pain in the upper abdomen. Among the common causes, medical science identifies the following:

• Ulcerative processes. If perforation begins, there is a risk of stomach contents escaping into the abdominal cavity.
• Gastritis. In this case, damage to the mucous membrane occurs. The pain often becomes stronger after a person has eaten (see also -).
• Inflammation in the gallbladder. Painful sensations are often inspired by the presence or movement of stones.
• Inflammation of the pancreas. This organ often becomes inflamed due to alcohol abuse, in some cases important role the hereditary factor plays a role. Against the background of pain, patients experience frequent vomiting and nausea.
• Problems with the spleen. In general, this organ is “not prone” to inflammation, but if this happens, pain occurs due to its increase in size.
• Spine pathologies. It is not surprising, but aching pain can occur after injuries or in the presence of osteochondrosis.
• Myocardial infarction. May cause pain varying degrees gravity. They can be barely noticeable, and sometimes almost unbearable. Vomiting may occur against the background of spasms.
• Other disorders of the cardiovascular system.
• Acute attack of appendicitis.
• Oncological diseases. In the event that the stomach, esophagus, bladder or liver, the pain can surround and often “give” to other places. It all depends on where the metastases spread.
• Hepatitis different types.
• Peritonitis.
• Serious congenital diseases eg Crohn's disease.
• Intoxication of the body. For example, if a person uses drugs. Intoxication can be caused by often uncontrolled use medical supplies which cause discomfort and pain.
• Banal abdominal injuries. Pain can occur as a result of certain physical effects: if a person has broken ribs, there is a rupture of the spleen or liver. It may also hurt directly at the site of the injury, especially if a hematoma has formed.
• Psychosomatic pain.

Overeating, especially before bed, can also lead to pain in the upper abdomen, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness. Such symptoms are severe and can last 3-5 hours.

It should be remembered that pain in the upper abdomen is often very subjective, and they are not always directly related to the internal organs located there.

General symptoms

Liver

Inflammation of this organ, located in the upper right part of the peritoneum, can cause quite noticeable pain. The “natural filter,” as the liver is also called, can increase in size, causing pain ranging from moderate to severe. There may be pain in the right hypochondrium, which intensifies with sudden movements.

Spleen

This organ, located in the left hypochondrium, is covered with sheets of peritoneum. Therefore, as a rule, the pain is not severe. They are mainly caused by an increase in the size of the spleen. Severe pain can be caused by:

• Splenic rupture. In this case, peritonitis is possible, bleeding occurs, and the pain is very severe.
• Splenic infarction. The pain is sharp and acute as the organ stops receiving blood and the tissue begins to die.
• Abscess of the spleen. On palpation, the pain in the left upper abdomen intensifies. Against this background, a person may additionally feel muscle pain and body temperature rises.

Where is the pain located (video)

Pain during pregnancy

• Often pain in the upper abdomen is directly related to an enlarged uterus. The uterus, increasing in size, seems to push aside neighboring organs. This process is accompanied by pain. The pain intensifies when walking or sudden movements.
• Pregnancy can cause various diseases. The fact is that the expectant mother’s immunity is weakened, so existing chronic diseases may worsen or new ones may appear.
• Pain in the upper abdomen between the ribs, which is complicated by vomiting, problems with bowel movements, elevated temperature body often indicates the development of pancreatitis. Sometimes due to increased loads on female body Gastritis can “remind” itself of such unpleasant symptoms.
• In late pregnancy, pain in the upper abdomen can be a harbinger of placental abruption and premature birth.

Basic diagnostic measures

Diagnostic measures may include:

• palpation of the entire abdominal area;
• measuring body temperature and blood pressure;
• listening to the heart and lungs;
• radiography, which helps to recognize pathology;
• use of ultrasound - in this case, you can measure the size of organs located on the right or left of the stomach, check the presence/absence of internal bleeding;
• magnetic resonance imaging, which can be used to quite accurately confirm or refute the presence of pathologies;
• examination of the gastrointestinal tract with a special probe;
• general and special blood and urine tests;
• collection of biological materials from tissues or mucous membranes of organs for subsequent detailed study;
• tests for the presence of harmful microorganisms, the activity of which could provoke discomfort.

Possible treatment options

• surgical intervention;
• drug therapy.

In other cases, treatment with medications is prescribed. It is selected strictly individually, taking into account, among other factors, age, gender, general state the patient’s body, as well as the presence (absence) of other concomitant diseases or chronic illnesses.

As a rule, the following technique is indicated:

• antibacterial drugs;
• medications that reduce stomach acidity;
• antibiotics of different groups;
• antispasmodics;
• herbal medicines.

It is impossible to find a person who has never encountered pain in the abdominal area, which may vary in type of manifestation, intensity or location. Pain in the center of the upper abdomen, as a rule, acts as one of the symptoms of some serious disease. Often it is a precursor to pathological processes that are quite difficult to determine. More details about the possible causes and diagnosis of pain will be discussed in this article.

Pain can be caused by different pathological processes, but doctors include the most common of them:

• frequent overeating, especially in the evening, can cause pain, which is often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness. Usually, similar symptoms they go away on their own after about 4-5 hours, but if they continue to torment you, then you need to call a doctor;
• unhealthy or unbalanced diet. Excessive use junk food can also lead to similar pain. In rare cases, when a person constantly eats junk food, he runs the risk of developing chronic abdominal pain. In turn, this will lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• psychosomatic pain;

  

  Stomach diseases - psychosomatics

• mechanical damage to the abdominal cavity. Banal injuries can also cause pain. For example, when internal organs are ruptured or ribs are fractured, acute or aching pain can disturb the patient for a long time, especially when a hematoma forms;
• food poisoning of the body. For example, intoxication can result from the use of certain medications in large quantities, expired products, etc.;
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract of a chronic nature eg Crohn's disease;

  

• peritonitis or hepatitis(liver inflammation);
• development oncological diseases . If cancer has affected the patient's liver, bladder, esophagus or stomach, then the painful sensations accompanying this process may spread to other areas, for example, to the upper abdomen;
• inflammation of the appendix(appendicitis);
• circulatory disorder and other abnormalities in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• cardiac ischemia can also cause the appearance sharp pain. There are cases when the pain arising from coronary artery disease is practically imperceptible, but most often it is unbearable, and the patient also experiences bouts of vomiting;

  

• spinal diseases. Often pain in the spine caused by osteochondrosis or mechanical damage, can spread to other parts of the body, including the stomach;
• dysfunction of the spleen. According to statistics, this organ rarely undergoes inflammatory processes, and if inflammation does occur, the patient may feel sharp pain caused by an enlarged spleen;
• inflammation of the pancreas. Usually, inflammatory process occurs with alcohol abuse, but a hereditary factor cannot be ruled out. In case of pancreatic disease, the patient, in addition to painful sensations, experiences attacks of nausea and vomiting;

  

• gastritis. Its development can be recognized by abdominal pain that occurs after eating;
• stomach ulcer. When an ulcer forms, the entire contents of the stomach can leak into the patient's abdominal cavity, causing severe pain.

On a note! We must not forget about the subjective nature of pain. Their appearance is not always explained by pathologies of internal organs.

General signs

Often, abdominal pain appears along with other symptoms that cannot be called pleasant and should not be ignored. Let's consider the main ones:

This is not the entire list of symptoms, as they can vary depending on the severity of the disease, ranging from loss of consciousness to internal bleeding.

In what cases is a doctor needed?

Not everyone is in a hurry to go to the hospital if they have a stomach ache, hoping that it will go away on its own over time. But in some cases only timely assistance A doctor will help you avoid serious consequences, so you need to pay attention to all the symptoms that arise. First of all, this concerns tingling in the chest, yellowing of the skin, sharp jumps blood pressure and bloody stools. If your stomach becomes hard in addition to pain, then in this case you also need the help of a qualified specialist.

The appearance of pain in any part of the abdomen deserves the attention of a doctor and requires immediate examination. This will help to establish the causes of pain and begin treatment in time. In this case, without knowing the real reason pathological condition, self-medication is highly discouraged. This may not only not help you cope with the pain, but also significantly worsen the situation as a whole. Only a doctor can determine the causative factor and prescribe the appropriate course of therapy.

Diagnostic features

Only high quality diagnostic examination will enable the attending physician to make an accurate diagnosis. For this purpose it is necessary to carry out many various analyzes. With just one execution visual inspection it is impossible to establish the cause of pain, so the doctor should not be guided only by the patient’s subjective description of symptoms.

To determine the exact cause of abdominal pain, the doctor may prescribe the following diagnostic measures:

• palpation of the abdominal cavity;
• measuring blood pressure and temperature;
• laboratory blood test for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms;
• general urine analysis;
• probing of internal organs;
• conducting MRI;
• ultrasonography. With its help, you can not only check the size of internal organs, but also identify possible bleeding;
• radiography.

On a note! Some of the above diagnostic procedures not recommended during pregnancy. Only the attending physician has the right to decide this after examining and assessing the health status of the expectant mother.

How does the treatment work?

After the doctor makes a diagnosis, he will prescribe appropriate treatment, which is divided into 2 groups - surgery and reception medications. Surgical intervention is usually resorted to if the patient has damaged internal organs, with acute peritonitis, pancreatitis, perforated ulcer or inflammation of the appendix.

In all other cases, you can do without surgery, only with the help of medications. All medications must be prescribed by a doctor individually. In this case, various factors are taken into account (the presence of concomitant pathologies, the general condition of the patient, his gender, age, etc.).

Depending on the course of the disease, the doctor may prescribe one drug or another, but most often drugs belonging to the following groups are prescribed:

• herbal medicines;
• antispasmodics;
• antibiotics;
• enveloping agents.

In addition to taking medications, your doctor may also prescribe special diet, the diet of which may vary depending on the disease detected in the patient. But in any case, such a diet consists of avoiding junk food, which can increase pain or provoke the development of additional gastrointestinal pathologies.

Pain relief before the doctor arrives

It is impossible to cure abdominal pain on your own, since you do not know exactly what exactly caused these sensations. But you can relieve your symptoms a little before visiting a doctor. Below is step-by-step instruction, compliance with which will help temporarily relieve pain in the abdominal area.

Table. How to cope with stomach pain.

Steps, photo	Description of actions
	Go to the toilet. Often, people who experience nausea or abdominal pain simply need to have a bowel movement. Before you do anything else, try sitting on the toilet for a few minutes, leaning forward or bringing your knees to your chest. This position encourages bowel movement without undue stress.
	Put warm compress on the stomach. Warming the abdominal area can help relax muscles and reduce pain. Use a bottle with hot water Microwave a compress or electric blanket and place it on your stomach for a few minutes. If you don't have any of the above, fill a clean sock with rice and heat it in the microwave, then apply it to the sore spot.
	Bend over and try to reach your toes. Mild upset stomach problems can often be relieved by releasing some of the gas stored in your stomach and intestines. You can help your body get rid of excess gas by touching your toes and doing other similarly simple exercises. For example, lie on your back, bend your knees and press them to your chest.
	Try to induce vomiting. If you are seriously poisoned, your body may tell you what to throw up. This unpleasant action may seem like a worst-case scenario, but it is actually your body's way of eliminating contaminated bacteria, viruses, or food that is causing the irritation. Be sure to see a doctor if you continue to vomit for several days, as this may indicate a serious illness.
	Accept hot bath. Dive into warm water will increase blood circulation and relax muscles. This can reduce stomach pain and also help relieve the stress you are experiencing. Stay in the warm bath for at least 15 minutes. You can also add one or two cups Epsom salts to help relieve inflammation.
	Abdominal massage. Painful sensations in the stomach can be caused by muscle spasms. You can relieve the condition by giving yourself a massage. Apply light pressure to different areas of the abdomen and back. Focus on the parts that hurt the most, but don't press too hard to make things worse. During the massage, focus on breathing. Deep breathing can help relax your muscles and distract you from pain.

Avoid taking medications until a diagnostic examination by a doctor, even if they are available without a prescription and were recommended to you by a good friend. Just because a drug helped someone, this does not mean that it will cope with pain in your case.

Prevention measures

Severe pain in the abdominal area is serious symptom, which cannot be ignored. Its danger lies in the fact that it is impossible to say for sure which disease caused the pain, so at the first symptoms you should immediately seek help from a doctor for immediate treatment. medical intervention. At timely treatment increases the likelihood of successful recovery without surgical intervention. This will also help avoid serious complications.

To prevent the occurrence of abdominal pain, it is necessary, first of all, to reorganize the nutrition process. Eliminate or at least limit the amount of junk food in your diet, give up bad habits negatively affecting work digestive system. It is also not recommended to take potent drugs without a doctor’s prescription (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hormonal drugs).

Video - Possible causes of abdominal pain