home Audience 2 Pain in the intestines above the navel. Why it hurts above the navel - reasons. General and biochemical urine analysis

Pain in the intestines above the navel. Why it hurts above the navel - reasons. General and biochemical urine analysis

Pain in the upper abdomen occurs in every person at least once in their life.. The abdomen is a hollow organ in which other organs and systems of our body are located. Painful sensations appear when there is an inflammatory process in one of the organs or when diseases that have already become chronic make themselves felt.

Diseases with pain in the abdomen from above

The upper abdomen hurts in the presence of such diseases:

abdominal muscles become inflamed;
liver disease;
spleen disease;
the patient was poisoned by heavy metals;
the stomach, duodenum, esophagus are sick;
a person has worsened gastritis, a stomach ulcer;
the presence of stones in the gall bladder;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
the presence of pathology of the nervous system;
metabolic disorders;
lung disease;
hernia.

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Causes of pain

The causes of pain in the upper abdomen are identified when there is pathology internal organs. With intestinal disease, the pain is caused by spasms, feels pressing and will be expressed by the sensation of contractions.

Reason pain There may be damage to the capsule of organs such as the spleen or liver. When an injury or tumor occurs, the organ capsule stretches and the pain makes itself felt or remains unnoticeable, it depends on how badly the organ is damaged and how pronounced the patient’s pain threshold is, because it is different for everyone. If the capsule suddenly ruptures, the pain will be unbearable and acute.

Pain in the upper abdomen may be a sign of irritation of the abdominal mucosa. The peritoneum is rich in many nerve endings. Severe and cutting pain in it is caused by aggressive chemical exposure(for example, gastric juice).

Ischemia of internal organs occurs when vascular obstruction occurs, which, in turn, causes pain.

Abdominal pain sometimes appears when it spreads from other parts of the body. Experts explain the referred pain, when it hurts in the upper abdomen, by the structural features of the human nervous system.

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Diseases and their symptoms in the presence of abdominal pain

A feeling of pain at the top may appear due to banal overeating, which, in turn, provokes blockage of blood vessels; a disease in the chronic stage of development. It appears with increased formation of gases. In these cases, the sensation of pain occurs quickly and goes away on its own within two hours.

If you feel pain in the right upper abdomen and in the navel area, this may mean that inflammation of the appendix or inflammation in the right part of the intestine is starting. If the first one is not responded to in time, the appendix may rupture, and without surgical intervention, death from blood poisoning is possible.

If, then the problem is in the pancreas, stomach and colon. Pain on the right and above means that there is an inflammatory process in the gallbladder. If the pain is severe, consult a doctor immediately, otherwise the pain will only get worse.

Also, with inflammation of the gallbladder, the pain will make itself felt both on the left and in the middle of the abdomen, and may wander throughout the entire abdominal cavity. The presence of such pain may mean that there are problems with the duodenum. Pancreatitis may also be the cause.

If pain is felt on the upper right under the ribs, this indicates the presence of diseases of the pancreas, liver, right kidney, gall bladder, intestines, and right lung. Sharp pain under the ribs on the right is a sign of acute pancreatitis, which occurs when consuming fatty foods and large amounts of alcohol.

Attacks of pancreatitis occur in people whose diet is rich in fatty and fried foods, when drinking large amounts of alcohol, or with gallbladder diseases. Symptoms: profuse sweating, weakness, vomiting, nausea. The pain appears in the back, not in the upper right. Lying down becomes even more painful, improvement is observed while sitting and walking.

Inflammation of the intestines will make itself felt by a constant aching and mild sharp pain in the right upper abdomen. This state continues for 20 minutes and subsides, after a while it resumes. A characteristic symptom of intestinal inflammation is constipation or diarrhea, they alternate.

When pain occurs in and around the navel, it may be a symptom of a stomach ulcer, increased acidity, or gastritis. Gastritis of the stomach is associated with acute pain in the upper part, accompanied by nausea and dizziness. With diseases of the urinary and gall bladders, pain is felt in the upper abdomen around the navel.

Diseases of the lungs and heart can cause pain at the top and left side or at the top and right side. The pain is very sharp, the patient develops general weakness, he turns pale and his lips turn blue.

In the presence of a metabolic disorder, a process of irritation of the abdominal cavity receptors occurs. Sometimes this process is called a symptom “ acute abdomen”, when severe pain begins that is unbearable to endure. And it makes your muscles tense abdominal wall.

When a person has neurological diseases(for example, osteochondrosis), a process of compression of the spinal nerve roots occurs. Pain occurs, spreading along the nerve fibers.

If the upper abdomen hurts during pregnancy, this may be due to an enlarged uterus or the latter is compressed, as a result of which the gallbladder and liver are compressed. This leads to disruption of the bile secretion process, causing pain in the upper abdomen.

Liver pain is caused by bacterial or viral infections, diseases associated with the heart, while the liver becomes inflamed and swollen, its lining stretches. There may be worms in the organ. This leads not only to severe pain, but also to nausea and vomiting. Infection of the liver with viruses - viral hepatitis - in turn, is divided into three types: A, B, C.

Hepatitis A - infection occurs when eating food or water contaminated with the virus and containing E. coli.

Hepatitis B - the main method of infection is through the blood. It is possible to become infected through sexual intercourse or by using someone else's toothbrush. Hepatitis B is often found in drug addicts. It is also easy to become infected when using other people's manicure and pedicure equipment, or if they are not properly processed in a salon.

Hepatitis C - infection occurs through blood through contact with a sick person.

It is also possible toxic hepatitis, which occurs when the body is oversaturated toxic substances causing allergies. For example, a large dose of antibiotics, alcohol, household chemicals, contraceptives.

Get tested to rule out hepatitis. If you've had shellfish on your menu in the previous three weeks, get tested for hepatitis A. For hepatitis B, if you've had alcohol poisoning in the last three weeks or used a needle that was used to prick someone infected before you. Have you had a blood transfusion in the last two weeks? Hepatitis C is possible. And the most accurate sign of any type of hepatitis is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and the urine becomes brownish-red or red.

If there are rib injuries, pain makes itself felt in the left upper abdomen. It increases with impacts and physical activity. The risk group includes pregnant and lactating women (lack of sufficient calcium in the body), women approaching menopause, and the elderly. Pain may be worsened by coughing, sneezing, or pressing on the sore spot. In such cases, do not waste time and seek help.

If you feel pain in your stomach, and it constantly makes itself felt, do not tolerate it and take the help of specialists. After all, when the organs inside us hurt, it affects our appearance, skin and hair condition.

Pain in the gallbladder is most often caused by spastic contraction of the smooth muscles in its walls. The mucous membrane that lines it from the inside is also sensitive. The sharp edges of the stones damage it, causing pain. Chronic inflammation in this case, it can cause cancerous degeneration of cells.

Pancreas

The pancreas is located behind the stomach. Most of this organ is located to the left relative to the midline of the abdomen, and the smaller part is to the right. The gland lies horizontally at the level of 1 - 2 lumbar vertebrae and reaches a length of 15 - 19 cm. It is located retroperitoneally ( behind the peritoneum), that is, the peritoneum is adjacent only to its anterior wall.

The structure of the pancreas includes the following parts:

Tail. The tail is located on the left and reaches the spleen, left adrenal gland and kidney.
Body. The body is the longest part of the gland, located between the tail and the head. In front of the body lies the omentum and stomach, behind - the spine, abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava and celiac ( sunny) plexus. Perhaps this explains the acute pain that occurs during an acute inflammatory process in the gland.
Head. The head of the gland is located to the right of the midline of the abdomen. It is surrounded by the duodenum. The transverse colon is also adjacent to the head in front, and the inferior vena cava is located behind. Pathological processes in the head ( tumors) can compress the excretory duct and vessels passing nearby, causing wide range various symptoms.
Excretory duct. The external duct of the gland emerges between the body and the head and unites with the common bile duct. When the common duct is blocked below the junction, bile may flow into the internal duct of the gland.

The internal structure of the gland is quite simple. Most of its mass is the alveoli ( round cavities), in which a number of digestive enzymes are produced. From here, enzymes in the pancreatic juice enter the internal duct of the gland and leave the organ through the excretory duct. Pancreatic enzymes are activated by bile. Therefore, when bile enters the internal duct of the gland and especially the alveoli, the process of destruction of the organ by its own enzymes may begin. Then they talk about pancreatic necrosis.

Spleen

The spleen is located in the left upper abdomen, under the costal arch. This is the organ of immune control of the blood. The spleen takes part in the accumulation of blood reserves, the destruction of some of its cells, and the formation of the body's immune defense. It has an elongated and flattened shape. In adulthood, its size may vary. On average, the length is 11 - 12 cm, and the width is 6 - 8 cm.

The structure of the spleen consists of the following parts:

Diaphragmatic surface. This top part organ adjacent to the diaphragm from below.
Visceral surface. This surface faces the abdominal organs. The loops of the small intestine, the left kidney, the stomach when full, the adrenal gland, the colon, and sometimes left lobe liver.
Posterior pole. This is the name given to the posterior end of the organ, directed backward and upward.
Anterior pole. This is the name given to the anterior, sharper end of the organ, directed slightly forward.
Gates. The hilum of the spleen is a small section of the anterior edge to which the splenic artery, splenic vein and nerves approach.

The spleen is covered on all sides by peritoneum. The leaves of the peritoneum grow tightly together with the outer capsule of the organ on its entire surface, except for the gate. Pain and discomfort most often appear when the organ becomes enlarged or blood circulation in it becomes difficult.

Peritoneum

The peritoneum is a special tissue lining the abdominal cavity from the inside. It consists of a plate connective tissue and one row of flat cells. The peritoneum covers the walls of the abdominal cavity and passes from them to the organs. This occurs through the formation of a mesentery - the fusion of two leaves. The mesentery, along with the ligaments, secures many organs in the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum is a very sensitive tissue, so pain in any part of the abdomen is often associated with its irritation. In particular, it is of great importance which peritoneum is affected by the pathological process.

The entire surface of the peritoneum can be divided into two parts:

Visceral peritoneum. Visceral is the part of the peritoneum that covers the internal organs. Irritation of this peritoneum leads to the appearance of diffuse abdominal pain, and the patient cannot say exactly where the epicenter of the pain is.
Parietal peritoneum. The parietal peritoneum covers the walls of the abdominal cavity. Its irritation or involvement in the pathological process causes localized pain. The patient can quite accurately tell where exactly it hurts.

Normally, the cells of the peritoneum secrete a certain amount of fluid. It wets the surface of the internal organs and ensures their good sliding relative to each other. All organs of the abdominal cavity are in some way in contact with the peritoneum.

The following options for the position of organs relative to the peritoneum are distinguished:

intraperitoneal– if the organ is covered with peritoneum on all sides ( spleen, stomach);
retroperitoneal ( extraperitoneal) – if the organ lies outside the abdominal cavity, behind it, and only a small part of it is in contact with the peritoneum ( kidneys, pancreas);
mesoperitoneal– if the organ is covered with peritoneum on both sides ( for example, loops of intestine “suspended” on the mesentery).

The peritoneum is affected in almost any pathological process. In the upper abdomen, this most often occurs with perforation of a stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, or rupture of the gallbladder. Inflammation of the peritoneum is called peritonitis and is accompanied by very intense pain.

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a flat muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. It is dome-shaped and consists of many muscle fibers intertwined. The convexity of the dome faces the chest cavity. The main function of the diaphragm is breathing. When the fibers are tensed and contracted, the diaphragm flattens, the lungs stretch, and inhalation occurs. When relaxed, the muscle regains its dome shape and the lungs collapse.

The diaphragm plays a significant role in the distribution of pain in the upper abdomen. A large number of nerve fibers pass on both the lower and upper surfaces of the muscle. Therefore, irritation from the chest cavity may be felt as pain in the upper abdomen. On the side of the chest cavity, the pleura is adjacent to the muscle ( superficial lining of the lungs) and pericardium ( heart bag). They are very sensitive anatomical structures. Adjacent to the lower surface of the muscle are the liver, stomach, spleen, and partly the pancreas.

The muscle itself is rarely affected by any pathological processes. Large vessels pass through the holes in it ( aorta, inferior vena cava) and esophagus. Almost immediately after leaving the opening of the diaphragm, the esophagus passes into the stomach.

Sternum and ribs

The sternum and ribs, along with the spine, are the bony frame that forms the thoracic cavity. Lower ribs and xiphoid process of the sternum ( its lowest point) also partly form the upper abdominal wall. At this level, the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall are attached ( rectus abdominis and oblique muscles).

Along the lower edge of each rib there is a small groove in which an artery, vein and nerve are located. The corresponding areas of the skin and intercostal muscles are supplied with blood and innervated by these bundles. The intercostal nerves originate at the level of the thoracic spinal cord. That is, pathological processes at the level of the spine and chest wall can spread to the upper parts of the abdominal cavity. Most often we are talking about hypersensitivity of the skin in the area of the costal arches.

Abdominal vessels

The abdominal cavity has a large number of vessels that are responsible for supplying the organs with arterial blood and ensuring outflow venous blood. The main vessels are the abdominal aorta ( continuation of the thoracic aorta) and the inferior vena cava. These vessels pass along the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity, giving off branches to various organs. Problems with blood supply ( when it comes to arteries) and with blood outflow ( in case of veins) can lead to various pathologies of internal organs, and, accordingly, to abdominal pain.

The abdominal aorta gives off the following branches to the abdominal organs:

diaphragmatic branches– diaphragm power supply from below;
lumbar arteries– nutrition of the lower back muscles;
celiac trunk– partly nourishes the stomach, liver, spleen;
top and bottom mesenteric arteries – nourish the intestines, branches and other organs;
adrenal and renal arteries– paired, located on both sides of the aorta, nourish the adrenal glands and kidneys, respectively;
testicular or ovarian arteries(depending on gender) – nourish the gonads.

Arterial blood flowing through the branches of the abdominal aorta carries oxygen and nutrients to the tissues that support the vital activity of cells. Stopping this diet ( for example, when an artery is blocked or ruptured) leads to cell death in a specific organ or muscle, which can also cause pain.

The veins of the abdominal cavity are divided into two large pools. The first is the basin of the inferior vena cava. The veins that flow directly into this vessel carry blood that is not first filtered by the liver. The second pool is portal ( gate) vein passing through the liver. Blood flows here from the digestive organs and spleen. With some liver diseases, the filtration process becomes difficult, and the blood stagnates in portal vein. This can lead to overflow of blood vessels inside other internal organs and the development of various pathological processes.

Both the arteries and veins of the abdominal cavity widely anastomose with each other ( form compounds) through more small vessels. Therefore, blockage of one vessel does not lead to immediate disaster. The area will be partially supplied with blood from other sources. However, this mechanism is not universal, and if normal blood flow is not restored in a short time, cell death ( or even an entire organ) still happens.

What structures can become inflamed in the upper abdomen?

Often the cause of pain in the upper abdomen is the inflammatory process. Inflammation in general is a universal response of the body to a wide variety of irritations or disturbances. For example, cell death, blood supply problems, or foreign body, as a rule, cause an inflammatory process. Pain is one of the characteristic components. Its intensity depends on which organ or tissue the inflammatory process is localized in.

In the upper abdomen, inflammation can develop in the following organs:

stomach– most often we are talking about gastritis;
duodenum– duodenitis;
liver– hepatitis;
gallbladder– cholecystitis;
intestines– colitis;
esophagus– esophagitis;
pancreas– pancreatitis;
biliary proto k – cholangitis;
peritoneum– peritonitis.

The spleen rarely becomes inflamed. More often it increases in size due to disturbances in the cellular composition of the blood, immune reactions or stagnation of venous blood. In other organs, inflammation has its own characteristics. For example, in the stomach the inflammatory process is localized mainly at the level of the mucous membrane. With hepatitis, there is a diffuse ( common) inflammation of the entire liver tissue with an increase in its size.

The intensity of pain during inflammation depends on the type of inflammatory process and its location. The better the area where the inflammatory process is innervated, the stronger the pain will be ( for example, with pancreatitis or peritonitis, the pain is very severe, and with hepatitis it may manifest itself as only minor discomfort). There are also several types of inflammation. For example, when pus forms ( with the participation of pyogenic microbes) the pain is stronger than with simple inflammation. Also, the pain is stronger during the necrotic process, which is accompanied by tissue death.

Causes of pain in the upper abdomen

As mentioned above, there can be many reasons that cause pain in the upper abdomen. They are not always associated with diseases of organs located precisely in this anatomical region. Often pain in various parts of the abdomen appears due to blood diseases, metabolic disorders, and hormonal disorders. The immediate cause of such a disorder may be located far from the place where the pain appears.

The most common causes of pain in the upper abdomen are the following diseases:

Stomach ulcer

Peptic ulcer stomach pain is perhaps the most common disease that causes pain in the upper abdomen. This pathology usually develops in cases where the acidity of the stomach is increased ( more is produced of hydrochloric acid ), and the protective mechanisms of the organ for one reason or another do not protect the walls. This pathological process has several stages, each of which is often distinguished in separate group diseases.

The first stage can be considered gastritis. With this pathology, damage to the gastric mucosa is already occurring, but the ulcer itself has not yet formed. It should be noted that gastritis has different origins and is not always caused only by increased acidity. The inflammatory process can occur with normal and even with low acidity of the stomach.

The following factors are considered possible causes of gastritis:

The above factors lead to an imbalance between the protective mechanisms of the mucous membrane and the aggressive effects of gastric juice. Gastritis develops, which is characterized by prolonged moderate pain in the upper abdomen in the center ( in the pit of my stomach). With increased acidity, pain often intensifies on an empty stomach, when the stomach is empty, and subsides somewhat after a light lunch.

The next stage of the same pathological process is gastric ulcer. In this case, we are talking about a formed defect in the mucous membrane of the organ. The ulcer can be localized in various parts of the stomach, as well as in the duodenum. Pain may appear on an empty stomach, but eating often worsens it ( appear 30–60 minutes after eating). These pains are caused by stretching of the walls, contact of food with the surface of the ulcer, increased production of gastric juice. As a rule, the pain is worse when eating hard, poorly chewed food.

Associated symptoms of gastritis and peptic ulcers include lack of appetite, heartburn, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, weight loss ( patients are afraid to eat a lot so that the pain does not worsen). Vomiting of acidic stomach contents is sometimes noted. Many patients also experience bowel movements ( constipation or diarrhea). This is explained by the fact that normal breakdown of nutrients does not occur at the level of the stomach, and food is digested less well later in the intestines.

If left untreated, gastric ulcers can lead to a number of serious complications. They are characterized by other symptoms and changes in the nature of pain. It is illogical to single out these complications as separate causes of pain in the upper abdomen, since, in fact, they are all a consequence of the same pathological process. Complications of a peptic ulcer can put the patient's life at risk.

The most typical complications of a stomach ulcer are the following pathologies:

Perforation ( perforation) ulcers. Perforation is the formation of a through defect in the wall of an organ. As a result, the contents of the stomach begin to enter the abdominal cavity, irritating the peritoneum. The complication is characterized by a sudden exacerbation of pain ( dagger pain). The patient cannot find a place for himself, the abdominal muscles are tense like a board. Some air enters the abdominal cavity from the stomach. Because of this, a sort of bloating is sometimes observed in the upper abdomen. It is a symptom typical of ulcer perforation.
Ulcer penetration. During penetration, destruction of the stomach wall also occurs, but its cavity communicates with another organ ( small intestine, large intestine, etc.). Accordingly, the work of the second organ is disrupted.
Bleeding. Bleeding from an ulcer occurs when the acid destroys a large blood vessel in the wall of the stomach. There is no obvious increase in pain. However, as the stomach fills with blood, vomiting of blood may occur. The stool turns black ( from clotted blood), semi-liquid or liquid. This symptom is called melena.
Stomach cancer. Gastritis and peptic ulcers can disrupt normal cell division. This increases the risk of developing stomach cancer. This disease will be described in more detail below.

Statistically, gastritis and gastric ulcer ( as well as its complications) are the most common cause of epigastric pain. More than 10% of people encounter them throughout their lives. This group of diseases can occur at almost any age ( but less common in young children).

Spasm or stenosis of the pylorus

Some experts believe that spasm or stenosis of the gastric pylorus is also a complication or consequence of peptic ulcer disease. However, this disease may have other causes. With this pathology, the circular muscle, located at the border of the stomach and duodenum, contracts, narrowing the lumen. Because of this, the food bolus lingers in the stomach and cannot enter the intestines.

There are two main types of violations at this level. Firstly, it is a muscle spasm. It can occur as a result of painful irritation of the gastric mucosa due to peptic ulcer disease. However, it is also sometimes observed during prolonged stress, some nervous disorders ah, as well as other pathological processes in this anatomical area. A spasm is a strong and painful contraction of a muscle. This disorder is functional, that is, there are no structural changes in the muscle itself or in other layers of the wall. Under the influence of drugs, the pyloric muscle relaxes, the stomach empties, and the pain goes away.

The second variant of this pathology is pyloric stenosis. In this case, structural changes occur in the muscle or mucous membrane. For example, stenosis can occur if an ulcer located near the pylorus becomes scarred. The lumen narrows due to the proliferation of connective tissue, and muscle contraction has no direct relation to this.

Pain due to stenosis or spasm of the pylorus has the following distinctive features:

worse after eating ( usually within one and a half to two hours);
noticeably stronger when eating solid foods;
worsen with overeating;
they are felt most strongly not in the epigastrium, but slightly lower and to the right ( at the site of projection of the pylorus onto the anterior abdominal wall);
pain of moderate intensity, periodic;
after a heavy lunch, vomiting with sour contents may occur;
patients are often bothered by belching and heartburn.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder. In the vast majority of cases, it develops due to the formation of stones in the organ cavity. This disease is called cholelithiasis or cholelithiasis. The reasons for the formation of gallstones have not been definitively established. There are many different theories that partly explain this pathology. Most often, stones are formed from salts of bilirubin, cholesterol and calcium. They can be of different sizes ( from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter).

Pain in gallstone disease is caused by damage to the sensitive mucous membrane of the gallbladder and spasmodic contraction of the smooth muscles in its walls. An attack of pain in this case is called biliary colic. The intensity of biliary colic can be very severe. The epicenter of pain is located in the upper abdomen between the right hypochondrium and epigastrium. The attack lasts from 15 – 20 minutes to 4 – 5 hours.

With absence urgent treatment The following complications of gallstone disease are possible:

Bile duct blockage. When the bile duct is blocked by a stone, the pain usually increases. Since bile stops flowing into the duodenum, serious digestive problems arise ( First of all – intolerance to fatty foods). The accumulation of bile in the bladder can lead to stretching of its walls and increased pain.
Inflammation of the bile duct. Inflammation of the bile duct is called cholangitis. Unlike cholecystitis, it is most often accompanied by high fever, sometimes with profuse sweating and cramps.
Biliary pancreatitis. Since the pancreas and gallbladder have a common excretory duct, blockage at the level of the papilla of Vater can lead to bile entering the internal ducts of the gland. Then the activation of pancreatic juice enzymes occurs and an acute inflammatory process develops ( up to necrosis - irreversible tissue destruction).
Empyema of the gallbladder. Empyema is an accumulation of pus in the cavity of the gallbladder. It occurs when pyogenic microflora enters ( usually intestinal bacteria) on the injured mucous membrane. In this case, the nature of the pain can be different. Typically a stable increase in temperature ( up to 39 degrees or more).
Peritonitis. Without proper treatment, the gallbladder wall may rupture ( with the participation of microbes, gangrene develops). Then bile enters the free abdominal cavity, irritates the peritoneum, and peritonitis develops. The pain begins to spread to other areas of the abdomen, the muscles of the abdominal wall tense, and the temperature rises sharply. Without surgical intervention, this can lead to the death of the patient.

In more in rare cases cholecystitis can develop without the background of cholelithiasis. Then there is only inflammation of the gallbladder, without stones. The pain is usually not so intense, and the temperature can remain low-grade for a long time ( 37 – 37.5 degrees).

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can be caused by various reasons ( most often - excessive alcohol consumption, less often - cholelithiasis, hereditary factors, injuries, etc.). There are acute and chronic pancreatitis, which cause various pains and differ greatly in symptoms.

In acute pancreatitis, pain occurs suddenly and immediately becomes very intense. It is localized in the epigastrium and umbilical region, but often radiates to the hypochondrium and back. The pain intensifies with deep breaths and movements. The abdominal muscles in the upper section are noticeably tense. Many patients complain of nausea and repeated vomiting. This condition is extremely life-threatening and requires immediate hospitalization.

With chronic pancreatitis, the pain is usually not so intense. They can also radiate to the hypochondrium or back, and worsen after eating. The duration of an attack of pain can vary from several hours to several days. A decrease in pain is observed when following a special diet. With long-term follow-up, a decrease in the patient's body weight can be noticed. Associated symptoms include jaundice, nausea and vomiting ( during exacerbation).

Spleen diseases

In diseases affecting the spleen, pain is usually localized in the left hypochondrium. Acute pain in this organ occurs quite rarely. More often there is discomfort associated with an increase in the size of the spleen ( splenomegaly). However, there are a number of diseases that also cause acute pain. The spleen tissue itself rarely becomes inflamed, but pathological processes in it can cause inflammation around the organ ( perisplenitis).

Tangible pain in the left upper abdomen can be observed with the following diseases and syndromes:

When the infectious process spreads to neighboring organs or the spleen ruptures, peritonitis may occur. In this case, the pain will intensify, and the patient’s condition as a whole will become more severe.

There are also physiological causes of pain in the right hypochondrium that are not associated with any pathology. Rapid acceleration of blood flow and increase in blood pressure can cause stabbing pain. They are due to the fact that the ducts in the spleen do not have time to expand, and the throughput of the organ does not keep pace with the increased blood flow. The walls stretch, causing pain. Most often, such pain occurs during prolonged physical activity ( running, endurance swimming).

Spinal diseases

All parts of the abdomen and organs located in the abdominal cavity are partially provided with innervation from the spinal cord. In particular, we are talking about sensory innervation and pain perception. Thus, any diseases at the spinal level that affect the sensory roots can be perceived by the body as pain in the upper abdomen. In this case, it is not at all necessary that there be any pathological changes in the abdominal organs.

Pain in the upper abdomen due to diseases of the spine rarely has a pronounced intensity. More often these are long-lasting, dull pains that may be associated with body position. That is, in a certain position the pain is stronger ( if the roots are pinched), and in another position they weaken or disappear completely.

The following spinal pathologies can lead to such pain in the upper abdomen:

back injuries;
spondyloarthrosis;
arachnoiditis;
spinal tumors ( primary or metastases).

An inflammatory process or tissue destruction in the spinal area is also possible due to certain infections. There are, for example, cases of destruction of the vertebrae or their joints due to the systemic spread of tuberculosis infection ( rare, in unvaccinated children). Also a rare option these days is tabes dorsalis with advanced syphilis.

Eating disorders

Pain in the upper abdomen is often associated with poor diet. In particular, everyone knows the feeling of nagging pain under the “spoon” ( under the xiphoid process of the sternum), which appears during severe hunger. It is associated with the secretion of gastric juice and the activity of muscle fibers in the walls of the stomach. Also, moderate pain or discomfort in the epigastrium may appear after eating certain foods. It's connected with various features digestion in different people.

Moderate pain may occur after consuming the following foods:

hard food ( radish, raw carrots, turnips, cabbage, etc.) contain coarse plant fibers that are difficult to pass through the stomach;
alcohol can irritate the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach;
beer, kvass, carbonated drinks contribute to the accumulation of gases in the intestines, which cause some discomfort;
black bran bread, stale food can enhance fermentation processes in the intestines, which also contribute to gas formation;
milk and dairy products may cause abdominal discomfort in people who do not digest lactose well ( milk sugar );
food that is too hot or too cold.

In children, pain in the upper abdomen may be associated with the introduction of new foods into their diet. This is explained by the fact that the enzymes of the digestive system in childhood do not work as well as in adults.

Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is the death of a certain area of the heart muscle due to a temporary or permanent stop in its blood supply. The lumen of the coronary vessels that supply the heart muscle can narrow for various reasons. This is atherosclerosis ( cholesterol deposits in the form of plaques), spasm, blockage with blood clots that got here with the blood flow.

In the vast majority of cases, pain during myocardial infarction is localized behind the sternum, in the chest. However, infarction of the posterior wall adjacent to the diaphragm is often characterized by an atypical pain syndrome. In this case, the pain appears not in the chest, but in the abdomen ( most often just in the upper part). This is explained by the fact that the diaphragm is irritated, and a false sensation is formed due to the characteristics of its innervation. The intensity of pain in these cases can vary, from aching and dull pain to sharp and unbearable ( in rare cases).

Of the accompanying symptoms, a single reflex vomiting, but more often there are still no symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract, and apart from the localization of pain, nothing speaks in favor of pathologies in the abdominal cavity. At the same time, with a thorough examination, increased sweating, paleness, pulse irregularities, shortness of breath, and changes in blood pressure can be noted.

Appendicitis

Despite the fact that the appendix is located in the right iliac fossa, its inflammation sometimes causes pain in the upper abdomen. In this case, we are talking about the onset of pain typical for appendicitis. It appears in the epigastrium and only after half an hour or an hour descends to the right lower abdomen. This development of pain syndrome occurs, according to various sources, in 20–50% of patients and greatly complicates early diagnosis diseases. As a rule, pain in the epigastrium is moderate. It becomes more intense only after moving to the right iliac fossa.

The hernia itself may not cause any pain, since there is no tissue trauma. The patient may only experience some discomfort in the upper abdomen or behind the sternum. Moderate pain may appear after eating. They are explained by pathological narrowing at the level of the diaphragm ( because the stomach turns out to be pinched). Contractions of smooth muscles in the walls of the stomach stretch muscle fibers diaphragm. Without treatment in the future, there is a risk of strangulation of such a hernia when the muscle fibers become pinched blood vessels. Then acute pain appears and immediate help is required ( most often – surgical intervention).

With a diaphragmatic hernia, the following accompanying symptoms may be observed:

heartburn;
belching;
vomit undigested food;
lack of appetite ( and as a result – gradual weight loss);
inability to swallow hard foods;
sometimes - discomfort behind the sternum with a deep breath, shortness of breath, disturbances heart rate (due to mechanical compression of the heart sac and lung by the stomach).

Oncological diseases

Tumors are a rare but very serious source of pain in the upper abdomen. Basically cancer cells can appear in almost any tissue or organ human body, however, certain tissues still undergo such degeneration more often than others. Painful sensations are more typical for malignant neoplasms. The growth of such tumors is accompanied by the destruction of surrounding organs. Pain often appears in the later stages, when treatment is no longer effective. The nature of the pain can be different, and the intensity can be very strong.

Most often, pain in the upper abdomen is caused by malignant tumors the following bodies and fabrics:

In rare cases, metastatic lesions of the peritoneum may also be detected ( so-called peritoneal carcinomatosis). Then a large number of small tumors immediately appear on its surface. The localization of pain will depend on where in the peritoneum the metastases grow. The pain can be very intense.

Abdominal injuries

Blunt abdominal injuries do not cut or puncture the skin, but such injuries can damage internal organs located in the abdominal cavity. Such injuries can be caused not only in the case of targeted blows, but also during a strong shock or sudden stop of the body, as a result of a fall from a height, etc. The consequences of such injuries are different and depend on which organ is damaged.

Possible consequences of blunt trauma to the upper abdomen include the following:

Fractured ribs. With fractures or cracks in the ribs in the front, pain may well be felt in the area of the xiphoid process of the sternum. It appears immediately after injury and can be quite strong. The pain is constant and intensifies with movement and deep breaths.
Splenic rupture. When the spleen ruptures ( consequence of blows to the left hypochondrium) massive bleeding is observed, since this organ is well supplied with blood. The pain is very severe and occurs immediately after the injury. The patient may quickly lose consciousness due to massive blood loss. Without urgent surgery, the risk of death is high.
Liver rupture. When the liver ruptures, hemorrhage most often occurs directly inside the organ. A pathological cavity filled with blood is formed. Since there is a rapid and strong stretching of the liver capsule, the pain is very severe. There is also a high risk to the patient's life and urgent surgical intervention is required.
Hematoma formation. Hematomas are pathological cavities filled with blood. In this case we are talking about a hematoma in soft tissues anterior abdominal wall. The pain appears immediately after the blow and gradually decreases ( as the blood dissolves). On the skin of the abdomen at the site of the impact, the damaged area is clearly visible, usually bruising and swelling. There is no immediate threat to life.

Other reasons

This section will list more rare causes of pain in the upper abdomen. Due to their low prevalence, they are more difficult to diagnose ( this requires additional equipment or lab tests ). This also includes referred pain, when the source or cause is located in another part of the abdominal or chest cavity.

Other possible causes of pain in the upper abdomen may include the following pathologies:

Diagnosis of the causes of pain in the upper abdomen

With pain in the upper abdomen, it is quite difficult to quickly make a correct diagnosis, since there are many different diseases that cause a similar pain syndrome. The initial examination of the patient and analysis of complaints usually does not provide enough information to confirm the diagnosis. To do this, you have to resort to additional laboratory or instrumental research methods. They are straight ( as an image) or indirectly ( as an analysis result) will indicate an existing problem.

The following methods can be used to diagnose pain in the upper abdomen:

physical examination of the patient;
radiography;
CT scan ( CT) and magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) ;
ultrasonography ( Ultrasound);
fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy ( FEGDS);
microbiological research methods;
general blood test and biochemical blood test;
general and biochemical urine analysis.

Physical examination of the patient

A physical examination of a patient means an initial examination, which is carried out by a doctor when the patient first visits. The specialist is looking for a set specific signs and symptoms of the disease, which would help to suspect the correct diagnosis and would suggest in which direction to conduct further research. The simplest manipulations are used as research methods.

Standard research methods for initial examination are:

General visual inspection. When examining a patient with abdominal pain, you can detect signs such as bloating, changes in skin color, and the presence of a rash. The sclera is also examined, yellowing of which will indicate problems with the liver or gall bladder. With many gastrointestinal diseases, there will be a coating on the tongue, which is also detected at this stage.
Palpation. For abdominal pain, palpation is the most important method. With its help, you can evaluate the consistency of the liver, palpate the spleen, determine whether the pain intensifies with pressure and where the epicenter of the pain is located. All this is very important for understanding the pathological process.
Percussion. Percussion is the act of tapping the front wall of the abdomen with your fingers. Changes in sound help determine tissue density. This method is important for determining the size of the liver and spleen. Their increase will indicate problems with these organs. Also, percussion can sometimes detect large tumors in the upper abdomen.
Auscultation. Listening to noises using a stethoscope ( listener) is necessary to study the functioning of the heart and lungs. This will help eliminate the possibility of referred pain due to a heart attack or pneumonia.

Also at this stage, elementary instrumental studies are carried out. For example, it is measured arterial pressure and body temperature. Blood pressure may be low due to heart problems or internal bleeding. The temperature usually rises with inflammation or infectious process.

Radiography

Radiography is one of the most common instrumental research methods. The method involves passing x-rays through body tissue. Depending on the density of the tissue, an image is obtained in which a specialist can distinguish the contours of various organs and anatomical formations.

Nowadays, radiography is quite affordable financially. The study lasts only 5–10 minutes, and after the same period of time you can view its results. The dose of radiation that a patient receives at a time is very small, so modern devices can even examine children and, if necessary, pregnant women ( although in these cases, whenever possible, they try to resort to other research methods).

X-rays can help identify following reasons pain in the upper abdomen:

abdominal neoplasms;
stomach ulcer ( especially clearly visible with contrast radiography, when the patient drinks a special mass to identify the boundaries of the stomach and esophagus);
abscesses in the liver and abdominal cavity;
kidney and gallstones;
diaphragmatic hernia;
pathological changes in the spine.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

CT and MRI are also aimed at obtaining images of internal organs and visually detecting pathology. CT scans, like radiography, use x-rays. However, the images are taken layer by layer, in the form of slices. Thus, the doctor receives a whole series of high-quality images. Their comparison gives the specialist a more complete understanding of the pathology. In the case of MRI, the patient is placed in a special machine that creates a very strong electromagnetic field. Sensors record the excitation of hydrogen ions, the concentration of which varies depending on the tissue. This results in an even clearer image.

With CT and MRI, you can see the same pathologies as with radiography, but smaller defects will also be noticeable ( for example, blood clots in blood vessels, small stones forming). MRI can also evaluate the state of blood flow in various organs. This makes it possible to detect, for example, an increase in pressure in the portal vein. Thus, the range of structural abnormalities that can be detected using CT and MRI is very wide. Currently these are the most accurate ( but also the most expensive) methods of visualization of abdominal organs.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound is also a very common diagnostic method for pain in the upper abdomen. The principle of the method is to pass ultrasonic waves through tissue and record their reflection. The picture is formed depending on the density of the tissue. The good thing about this method is that it has no contraindications ( safe for all patients) and gives results immediately after carrying out ( in 10 – 15 minutes). The doctor himself directs the waves using a special sensor, which allows him to examine the formations or organs of interest from different angles.

Ultrasound can detect the following pathological changes in the abdominal cavity:

kidney and gallstones;
pyloric stenosis;
abscesses;
neoplasms;
fluid in the abdominal cavity;
change in organ size ( including vessel diameter) and their densities;
measurement of blood flow speed ( in Doppler mode).

Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy

The disadvantage of FEGDS is the complexity of the procedure. Patients have to swallow a special probe equipped with a small video camera and a light source ( device - endoscope). The doctor receives an image of the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach, has the opportunity to record a video and take pictures. Also during this procedure, tissue samples can be taken for other tests ( biopsy). This may be necessary if malignant neoplasms are suspected.

FEGDS is usually prescribed if the following diseases are suspected:

stomach ulcer;
gastritis;
neoplasms of the stomach and esophagus;
pyloric stenosis;
presence of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Microbiological research methods

Microbiological methods are not used very often when diagnosing pain in the upper abdomen. They are necessary, for example, to detect Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric ulcers. The presence or absence of this microorganism determines the tactics in treating the patient. Microbiological research methods are also necessary for food poisoning in order to establish which microbe caused the intoxication. In this case, vomit, feces, and uneaten food that the patient was poisoned with are examined.

The most commonly used microbiological methods are:

microscopy;
culture method ( microbial culture);
detection of antigens and antibodies ( serological reactions with infectious diseases );
polymerase chain reaction ( an expensive method for detecting the DNA of the desired microorganism).

General and biochemical blood test

Blood test is mandatory research, which is prescribed to all patients who consult a doctor with pain in the upper abdomen. The cellular composition of the blood and the concentration of various substances in the blood can vary greatly. By analyzing these changes, you can obtain valuable information about the functioning of various organs and systems of the body. Often it is a blood test that helps confirm a particular diagnosis.

The most characteristic changes in various pathologies are:

an increase in the number of leukocytes and an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR) – they talk about the inflammatory process, often about acute surgical pathology;
a strong increase or decrease in red blood cells, leukocytes or platelets is characteristic of hematological diseases, causing problems with the spleen;
decrease in the concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin ( anemia) characteristic of internal bleeding with a stomach ulcer;
the enzyme amylase increases with pancreatitis;
an increase in alkaline phosphatase is characteristic of cholelithiasis;
increase in alanine aminotransferase ( ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase ( ASAT) and bilirubin indicates liver pathology.

There are other indicators, the study of which is carried out at the direction of the attending physician if a specific pathology is suspected ( for example, the level of porphyrins if porphyria is suspected, etc.).

General and biochemical urine analysis

Urinalysis is of secondary importance for pain in the upper abdomen, since it usually does not provide direct information about the pathology of the organs located in this area. Sometimes the growth of certain substances ( for example, porphyrin proteins) indicates the presence of specific violations. In general, the analysis is carried out to exclude urolithiasis, in which the pain sometimes radiates to the stomach and back. Also, by the concentration of various substances in the urine, one can indirectly judge the normal functioning of the liver and other organs.

In addition to those listed above, there are other methods used in diagnosing diseases of the upper abdominal organs. It is mandatory, for example, to take an electrocardiogram ( ECG) to exclude referred pain during a heart attack. For gastric sphincter stenosis, there are devices that measure the force of muscle contraction. However, these studies are prescribed after a preliminary diagnosis has been made to collect more complete information about the pathology.

What to do if you have pain in the upper abdomen?

If you have acute pain in the upper abdomen, you should never endure it for long. You should immediately seek qualified help. Most often, in case of severe pain, a consultation with a surgeon is necessary, since it is he who diagnoses life-threatening acute diseases and decides whether urgent surgical intervention is necessary. For moderate pain, you can consult a general practitioner or gastroenterologist, who will make a preliminary diagnosis and prescribe further research methods.

Hospitalization is necessary in all cases of acute sudden abdominal pain. The possibility of a life-threatening pathology cannot be ruled out, so the patient is admitted to the hospital until a final diagnosis is made. Until this point, self-administration of painkillers is not recommended ( without consulting a doctor) or warming with a heating pad. The pain may subside somewhat, making diagnosis difficult and putting the patient's life at risk.

Urgent surgery often necessary for the following pathologies:

perforation of a stomach ulcer;
bleeding from an ulcer;
acute pancreatitis;
acute cholecystitis;
peritonitis.

In other cases, if the patient’s condition allows, they initially resort to drug treatment. Depending on the results of further examination and the effectiveness of conservative treatment, a decision may be made on elective surgery.

stomach ulcer;
biliary colic;
acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Stomach ulcer

Treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcer is quite a difficult task. First of all, it is necessary to find out the possible cause of these pathologies. It is important to know whether they are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection or not. If the microbe is present, a course of antibiotic therapy is added to the main treatment. In general, in the treatment of peptic ulcers, a wide range of drugs that reduce acidity and reduce the secretion of gastric juice are usually used. While taking these medications, the pain goes away. If you can get rid of the infectious agent, this is a guarantee that the disease will most likely not worsen in the future. Diet is also an important component of treatment. Compliance with it most often reduces pain.

Treatment of uncomplicated peptic ulcers can be carried out at home. Hospitalization may be necessary if the pain becomes severe or if there are complications. A family doctor usually treats a patient at home.

Complex treatment of patients with gastric ulcer

Treatment regimen	Recommended drugs	Reception mode (daily doses)	Purpose of application
*Scheme 1*	*Lansoprazole*	30 mg 2 times
	*Omeprazole*	20 mg 2 times
	*Pantoprazole*	40 mg 2 times
	*Rabeprazole*	20 mg 2 times
	*Ranitidine bismuth citrate*	400 mg 2 times
	*Clarithromycin*	500 mg 2 times	Antibiotics against Helicobacter pylori infection.
	*Amoxicillin*	1000 mg 2 times	Antibiotics against Helicobacter pylori infection.
*Scheme 2*	*Lansoprazole*	30 mg 2 times	Choose one of the drugs. The goal is to reduce stomach acidity by reducing the production of hydrochloric acid.
	*Omeprazole*	20 mg 2 times
	*Pantoprazole*	40 mg 2 times
	*Rabeprazole*	20 mg 2 times
	*Ranitidine bismuth citrate*	400 mg 2 times	Reduces the production of gastric juice and the activity of the enzyme pepsin.
	*Clarithromycin*	500 mg 2 times	Choose either metronidazole or tinidazole in combination with clarithromycin. The goal is to destroy the bacterium H. pylori, if the analysis detected it after treatment according to scheme 1.
	*Metronidazole*	500 mg 2 times
	*Tinidazole*	500 mg 2 times
*Scheme 3*	*Lansoprazole*	30 mg 2 times	Choose one of the drugs. The goal is to reduce stomach acidity by reducing the production of hydrochloric acid.
	*Omeprazole*	20 mg 2 times
	*Pantoprazole*	40 mg 2 times
	*Rabeprazole*	20 mg 2 times
	*Bismuth subcitrate colloidal*	120 mg 4 times	Decreased production of gastric juice.
	*Metronidazole*	500 mg 3 times	At the same time, both drugs to get rid of H. pylori.
	*Tetracycline*	500 mg 4 times	At the same time, both drugs to get rid of H. pylori.

In these treatment regimens, it is repetitive drugs that are aimed at eliminating pain. These are proton pump inhibitors that block the production of hydrochloric acid in cells. The effect of their use will be noticeable within a few days. For gastritis ( including those not related to infectionH. pylori) one of these drugs is prescribed at the discretion of the attending physician. Also, for severe pain, special gels can be prescribed ( almagel, phosphalugel, etc.), protecting the gastric mucosa.

The diet for gastritis and peptic ulcers is based on the following principles:

Treatment with this regimen can last several weeks ( less often - several months). After this, scarring of the ulcer usually occurs, and the pain goes away. However, no treatment regimen can guarantee that the ulcer will not reopen in the future. It depends largely on the patient himself and his lifestyle ( diet, quitting alcohol and smoking). If drug treatment is ineffective or complications develop, it is possible surgical treatment. Its type and options for performing the operation are determined by the location of the ulcer. However, even after part of the stomach is removed, new ulcers may appear in the future at the suture sites if the cause of the disease has not been determined and eliminated.

Biliary colic

Biliary colic, which occurs due to cholelithiasis or, less commonly, due to other diseases of the gallbladder, is temporary. However, the pain can be very intense, so the primary task is to eliminate the pain syndrome. Since the pain in this case occurs due to spasm of smooth muscles, use as first aid antispasmodics (mainly M-anticholinergics). They relax muscles and quickly relieve pain.

The most effective antispasmodics in this case will be the following drugs:

atropine sulfate;
scopolamine hydrobromide;
aeron;
Homatropine hydrobromide.

Conventional anti-inflammatory or painkillers will not be as effective in this case. They will somewhat reduce the perception of pain, while its source will remain. Dullness of pain can lead to the fact that the patient does not acutely feel the rupture of the gallbladder. Peritonitis, which will develop after this, is a much more serious problem. Relaxation of smooth muscles practically eliminates such a complication.

In the long term, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease that caused biliary colic. Most often, ursodeoxycholic and chenodeoxycholic acid preparations are used for medicinal dissolution of gallstones. They have the property of dissolving stones when long-term use (usually months). However, it is not suitable for all patients this method treatment. If there are a large number of stones, large sizes, and depending on their chemical composition, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment. Most often it involves removal of the entire gallbladder. Then the risk of recurrence of colic is eliminated completely and forever. Cholecystectomy ( gallbladder removal) is also necessary for any complications of gallstone disease.

IN last years Instrumental crushing of stones using ultrasonic waves is also practiced. However, this method is also not ideal. It is not always possible to completely get rid of stones. In addition, there is a risk of their reoccurrence in the future.

Acute and chronic pancreatitis

Treatment of chronic pancreatitis is usually carried out at home. In case of exacerbation or sudden attack of acute pancreatitis, urgent hospitalization is necessary. Drug treatment has limited effectiveness in acute pancreatitis. Surgery is often necessary. Drug treatment is aimed at reducing the production of enzymes by the pancreas, pain relief ( usually a combination of narcotic and non-narcotic drugs), intravenous infusion of maintenance solutions.

Most often, the following medications are used for acute pancreatitis:

meperidine intramuscularly 50–100 mg every 4 hours to eliminate pain;
sandostatin ( octreotide) 100 mcg subcutaneously three times a day to reduce the production of digestive enzymes in the gland;
pancreatin 0.5 g orally - before meals for normal digestion and absorption of food.

It is also necessary to hospitalize the patient, aspiration ( exhaustion) stomach contents and careful monitoring of its condition. IN severe cases may be needed artificial ventilation lungs and other resuscitation measures.

For chronic pancreatitis, an important component of treatment is diet. In case of exacerbation of the disease, fasting for several days is recommended ( minimum amount of food). Then gradually add those foods that are most easily digestible. In acute pancreatitis, the patient returns to a normal diet only after a few weeks. To prevent exacerbations, take pancreatin or other drugs containing pancreatic enzymes before eating large amounts of heavy food.

Features of pain in the upper abdomen

As mentioned above, pain in the upper abdomen is not a specific symptom. It is much easier to discover the cause of the disease if it is considered in combination with other symptoms. Then the range of possible pathologies is greatly narrowed. Sometimes such features of the pain syndrome make it possible to suspect the correct diagnosis only after analyzing the patient’s complaints. Next, we will consider the most common combinations of pain in the upper abdomen with other symptoms and complaints.

Why does my upper abdomen hurt and feel nauseous?

Nausea is a very common symptom of gastrointestinal diseases. Combined with pain in the upper abdomen, it high degree probably indicates a pathology of the stomach, intestines, pancreas or liver. It is these organs, as noted above, that are usually associated with pain. In some cases, nausea also appears with pathologies of the nervous system, but with them, as a rule, there is no abdominal pain. Nausea may also be associated with intoxication ( food poisoning).

A combination of pain in the upper abdomen and nausea can occur with the following pathologies:

As a rule, symptoms in these cases appear after eating. This puts a strain on the affected organ, and disturbances in its functioning become more noticeable.

Why did there be acute pain in the upper abdomen?

The appearance of a sudden acute pain in the abdomen is almost always associated with acute surgical pathology. As a rule, this is a complication or sudden exacerbation of a chronic disease. The most acute pain occurs when the peritoneum is irritated or when there is noticeable massive tissue damage. Also, very acute pain occurs with rapid expansion of the liver capsule.

Acute, sometimes unbearable pain in the upper abdomen is characteristic of the following pathologies:

perforation of gastric ulcer– pain occurs due to acidic stomach contents entering the peritoneum;
acute pancreatitis– due to the inflammatory process in the pancreas, enzymes that break down proteins enter the abdominal cavity ( proteolytic enzymes);
biliary colic– due to spasm of the smooth muscles of the gallbladder ( usually when a stone gets stuck);
intestinal perforation– pain in the upper abdominal cavity may occur due to perforation of the colon ( more often due to a tumor);
peritonitis– with massive inflammation of the peritoneum;
liver rupture– due to the rapid formation of a hematoma inside the organ and stretching of the capsule.

Severe pain is also typical for malignant neoplasms, for example, stomach cancer. However, in this case they usually build up rather than appear suddenly. Regardless of where the pain occurs, you should immediately call ambulance. Transporting a patient to the hospital yourself can be dangerous. Only doctors are able to decide what kind of assistance should be provided to the patient on the spot, as well as how exactly to deal with the pain syndrome.

Why does the upper abdomen hurt and diarrhea?

Both abdominal pain and diarrhea ( diarrhea) is a very common symptom in medical practice. However, disorders of digestion and absorption of food that cause diarrhea most likely indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In other words, the range of reasons is narrowing.

Possible causes of diarrhea and pain in the upper abdomen are the following pathologies:

stomach ulcer– disturbances in the digestion of food in the stomach lead to its poor absorption in the intestines, which is why diarrhea occurs;
pancreatitis– with inflammation of the pancreas ( usually chronic) the organ does not secrete a sufficient amount of digestive enzymes;
cholecystitis– violations of the outflow of bile lead to the fact that fats are not absorbed in the intestines;
irritable bowel syndrome– caused by concomitant nervous disorders or poor diet ( sometimes stress), but the pain is spread throughout the abdomen, and episodes of diarrhea alternate with constipation.

The most common cause of diarrhea and accompanying abdominal pain is food poisoning. Diarrhea is caused by the direct action of microbes or their toxins. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, they disrupt the process of digestion and absorption of food. The absorption of microbial toxins at the level of the mucous membrane causes painful spasms of the smooth muscles of the intestine. It should be noted that pain in such poisonings can be localized not only in the upper abdomen, but in other areas. Moreover, in severe cases ( depending on the type and number of microbes) patients may complain of vomiting, fever, headaches, muscle pain, and weakness.

Why does the upper abdomen and temperature hurt?

Temperature is a universal reaction of the body to various pathological ( and sometimes physiological) processes. This symptom appears when the thermoregulatory center in the brain is irritated special substances– pyrogens. Pyrogens are formed as a result of a number of biochemical reactions under the influence of microbial toxins, pro-inflammatory agents, and some hormones. As a result, the brain gives a command for the breakdown of chemical compounds in tissues with the release of energy, and the body temperature rises.

In combination with abdominal pain, a temperature usually indicates an inflammatory process, or, less commonly, food poisoning. However, there are other, more rare causes that cause this combination of symptoms. In all cases, one has to take into account the possibility of an acute inflammatory process, which poses a potential threat to the patient’s life.

The most serious causes of fever and pain in the upper abdomen are the following pathologies:

gastritis– the temperature is usually low-grade, rarely higher than 38 degrees;
stomach ulcer– the temperature can be different, in case of complications – sometimes more than 38 degrees;
acute pancreatitis– temperature varies widely and can change quickly;
food poisoning– the temperature can be up to 39 degrees and higher, depending on the type of microorganisms and their quantity entering the body;
parotitis (piggy) – abdominal pain accompanied by fever appears as a complication – viral pancreatitis ( Rarely occurs in unvaccinated children).

If you develop fever and abdominal pain, it is not recommended to take painkillers, as they can distort the typical picture for a particular disease. In case of severe pain, you should immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance. High temperature ( above 38.5 degrees) can be shot down once. But if it does not subside, you also need to consult a specialist to clarify the cause of these symptoms.

Why does my upper abdomen and back hurt?

The combination of pain in the upper abdomen and back is most often associated with acute pathological processes in the organs of the posterior abdominal cavity. Sometimes the cause is also pathological processes at the level of the spine. In general, there are not many diseases that cause this combination of pain. You should pay attention to the nature and sequence of symptoms. This will help in identifying the causes.

The following pathologies can cause pain in the upper abdomen and back at the same time:

Spinal curvature. The innervation of many organs, muscles and skin areas comes through the spinal nerves. Their roots emerge at the junction of the vertebrae. They can be pinched due to various curvatures of the spine ( for example, against the background of osteochondrosis or scoliosis). Then a combination of back and abdominal pain is possible at approximately the same level.
Renal colic. Most often, renal colic is caused by the movement of stones during urolithiasis ( nephrolithiasis). Pain with this disease can be very diverse. The most typical pain is in the lower back on the corresponding side. Less commonly, pain may also appear in the upper and side of the abdomen.
Perforation of gastric ulcer. If an ulcer located on the back wall of the stomach forms a through hole, irritation of the peritoneum occurs. Suddenly there is severe pain in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back.
Acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is characterized by girdling pain, involving the epigastrium, hypochondrium and radiating to the lumbar region.
Biliary colic. With spastic contraction of the smooth muscles of the gallbladder, pain is most often localized in the upper abdomen, closer to the right hypochondrium. However, it can also radiate to the lower abdomen, back or shoulder.

Of the above reasons, in the first case, the pain will not be so intense, and its appearance will most often be associated with turns of the torso, a change in body position. In other cases, we are talking about acute, sometimes unbearable pain, which requires urgent qualified help.

Why does the upper abdomen hurt during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a physiological state of a woman’s body, not a pathology. However, changes in the body during this period often provoke an exacerbation of various chronic diseases and the emergence of new pathologies. Some of them can cause pain in the upper abdomen.

Prerequisites for the development and exacerbation various pathologies During pregnancy the following changes occur:

Hormonal changes. To fix the fertilized egg inside the uterus, the development of the placenta and the normal course of pregnancy, special hormones begin to be produced in the body. They partly affect the functioning of various organs.
Changes in the immune system. The growing fetus, of course, is not perceived by the mother's body as foreign tissue, but its presence still requires some adaptation of the immune system. During pregnancy, immune defenses weaken, which becomes a prerequisite for infection. various infections.
Mechanical adjustments. The growth of the fetus in the abdomen in the first trimester does not greatly impede the work of neighboring organs. However, in the second and especially the third trimesters, simply increasing the size of the fetus creates certain problems. In particular, the intestinal loops shift slightly upward, and some vessels may be compressed. All this contributes to the exacerbation of chronic diseases and the occurrence of acute conditions.
Intoxication. During pregnancy, the maternal body is like a life support system for the growing fetus. It not only nourishes the child, but also takes in all the products of its vital activity. A very common problem is toxicosis, in which various toxins accumulate in the mother’s blood.

In such conditions, the frequent exacerbation of various diseases is quite obvious. The pain itself is usually caused by the inflammatory process ( for example, with gastritis or pancreatitis), tissue stretching ( with the accumulation of gases in compressed intestinal loops), muscle spasms ( with biliary or intestinal colic). In case of poisoning, for example, we are also talking about muscle spasm caused by the ingestion of the toxin.

In general, pain in the upper abdomen is most often caused by the following diseases:

gastritis– inflammation of the gastric mucosa;
toxicosis of pregnant women (but abdominal pain is not a necessary symptom);
biliary colic– as a rule, with exacerbation of cholelithiasis ( stones move as the fetus grows);
pancreatitis– inflammation of the pancreas, as a rule, there is an exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis;
appendicitis– inflammation of the appendix ( due to the mobility of the cecum in the third trimester, the appendix rises upward, and the pain may radiate to the right hypochondrium);
intestinal colic– painful contraction of smooth muscles in the intestinal walls ( may be spread throughout the abdomen, and not just at the top).

It has also been noted that during pregnancy, due to disturbances in the functioning of the immune system, some autoimmune diseases may worsen ( for example, Crohn's disease). Some of them directly or indirectly affect the gastrointestinal tract. There are also a number of diseases with a hereditary predisposition, which often first appear in women during pregnancy. These include, for example, porphyria. The pain with this disease can be very severe, but is most often localized around the navel ( upward can only give).

What diseases cause pain in the upper abdomen under the ribs?

The upper part of the abdominal cavity is partly located under the costal arches. This is due to the dome-shaped shape of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities. Some pathologies of organs in the upper abdominal cavity are characterized by pain in the right or left hypochondrium. Such localization often helps to make a diagnosis, as it narrows the range of possible causes. First of all, you need to figure out what organs are located in the hypochondrium area.

The spleen is located under the left costal arch, which most often causes characteristic pain. Also here is the cardiac part of the stomach, intestinal loops, and a little behind - the tail of the pancreas and the left kidney. Under the right costal arch, almost the entire space is occupied by the liver. On the border of the lower rib in front is the gallbladder ( under the liver), and below and behind – right kidney. In most cases, pain in the right hypochondrium is caused by diseases of the liver and gallbladder.

Pain in the hypochondrium is usually dull and dull, not sharp. This is explained by the fact that the pain is caused by stretching of the organ capsule ( when it comes to the liver) or organ enlargement ( spleen). Acute pain can occur only when the organ suddenly enlarges, when the capsule quickly stretches, or when the organ ruptures.

Most often, pain in the hypochondrium is caused by the following pathologies:

Hepatitis. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by certain toxins or viruses ( less often - bacteria). In all these cases, there is discomfort or moderate, prolonged pain associated with enlargement of the liver and stretching of its capsule.
Liver rupture. Accompanied unbearable pain in the right hypochondrium. The organ capsule usually does not rupture, but the liver tissue itself is damaged and bleeding occurs inside the organ. Because of this, the capsule quickly stretches, causing severe pain. Liver rupture is always the result of blunt trauma ( swipe, sudden stop of traffic during an accident).
Cholelithiasis. The disease is associated with the formation of stones in the gallbladder, which injure the mucous membrane of the organ and cause pain. A blockage of the gallbladder's excretory duct may also occur, causing bile to accumulate in the organ. When smooth muscles contract in the walls, acute pain occurs approximately at the level of the lower rib on the right ( closer to the center line of the abdomen). This pain is called biliary colic.
Enlarged spleen. This syndrome not always accompanied by pain. It may be a consequence of a rapid increase in blood circulation ( for example, during exercise without warming up, running, etc.). Also, the spleen can increase in various infectious diseases and simultaneously with liver pathologies ( due to stagnation of blood in the splenic vein, which goes to the liver).

Also, pain in the hypochondrium can be caused by other, rarer causes that are not directly related to the organs located in this area. For example, an enlarged spleen and tenderness in the left hypochondrium may occur with some hematological diseases ( diseases of the hematopoietic system). Also, pain may radiate to the left hypochondrium with atypical pain syndrome accompanying myocardial infarction ( most often the posterior wall of the heart). Sometimes patients confuse pain in the hypochondrium with pain in the intercostal muscles. Such pain occurs with intercostal neuralgia ( for example, with curvature of the spine or herpes zoster).

Why does my child have pain in the upper abdomen?

Most of the reasons that cause pain in the upper abdomen in adults are also relevant for children. There are not so many specific causes that are not found in adults. The problem most often is that young children cannot pinpoint where it hurts or communicate the nature of the pain. Because of this, it becomes much more difficult to set up correct diagnosis.

Possible causes of pain in the upper abdomen in children are:

Gastritis. Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. In adolescence, this is most often associated with poor nutrition. At an earlier age, hereditary forms of this disease can occur. The pain is localized approximately in the center of the abdomen at the top, “in the pit of the stomach.”
Hepatitis. Most often children get sick infectious hepatitis, especially hepatitis A ( Botkin's disease). The infection is transmitted through contaminated food. The virus infects liver cells, causing their inflammation and enlargement of the organ as a whole. This may be accompanied by moderate pain ( and sometimes just discomfort) in the right hypochondrium.
Enlarged spleen. The spleen responds to many different processes in the body that involve blood cells or the immune system. In many infectious diseases, an increase in this organ is observed. Pain appears rarely; a feeling of discomfort in the left hypochondrium is more typical.

long endurance run

Poisoning. Unlike adults, children do not always understand the importance of using fresh products. Common food poisoning ( staphylococcal toxin, etc.) can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen. At the same time, weakness is observed, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Small children left unattended can become poisoned household chemicals. Then the pain will be caused by a chemical burn of the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach.
Intolerance to certain substances. The digestive system of young children is very different from that of adults. In particular, we are talking about the absence of certain enzymes. Thus, foods that adults digest normally may become problematic for adults. child's body and manifest as abdominal pain. Congenital intolerance to certain substances also occurs ( gluten protein, lactose milk sugar, etc.). One of the possible symptoms of non-compliance with the diet will be pain in the upper abdomen.

At the same time, there are a number of diseases that can cause pain in the upper abdomen in adults, but are almost never found in children. Usually these are diseases that appear due to prolonged exposure to unfavorable factors. For example, myocardial infarction or gastric ulcer may be associated with long-term smoking, poor diet, and alcohol abuse. We're talking about many years bad habits Therefore, these diseases do not occur in children. It also usually takes many years for gallstones to form, so gallstone disease is more common in people over 40 years of age.

In newborns and infants, there are many more possible pathologies that can manifest as abdominal pain. They are often associated with certain congenital features organism, which appear just in the first months or years of life.

It should be noted that pain in the upper abdomen ( especially abrupt and strong) may indicate very serious illnesses requiring immediate medical attention. Therefore, when this symptom appears, it is necessary to show the child to a pediatrician ( and in case of acute pain - to the surgeon). For example, very common appendicitis can also cause pain in the first hours not in the lower right, but in the upper abdomen. This migration of pain often confuses parents.

Why does pain appear in the upper abdomen after eating?

The dependence of abdominal pain on food intake is a very important feature of the pain syndrome, which in no case should be ignored. The fact is that such dependence directly indicates involvement gastrointestinal tract (Gastrointestinal tract) into a pathological process. This greatly narrows the range of possible causes and makes diagnosis easier.

To determine the cause of pain, you need to pay attention to the following features:

Dependence on the type of food. After solid food, for example, pain often appears due to gastritis or stomach ulcer. This is explained by mechanical irritation of the mucous membrane. Pain may also appear, for example, after sour or salty foods. At excessive consumption fat may cause pain in the right hypochondrium. This suggests that the gallbladder is not coping with its functions ( Normally, it is bile that helps digest fatty foods). Epigastric pain ( in the center of the stomach) after drinking alcohol may indicate pancreatitis. Thus, you need to pay attention to what kind of food the pain becomes stronger.
Time dependent. Normally, the food bolus, which forms in the oral cavity, passes through all parts of the gastrointestinal tract in a certain time. That is, the esophagus, for example, food passes in 3 – 10 minutes ( slow down when there are problems). Pain, accordingly, will appear behind the sternum around this time. With a stomach ulcer, pain appears after half an hour or an hour. At this time, food irritates the damaged area of the mucous membrane. With a duodenal ulcer, pain in the upper right part of the abdomen appears only an hour or an hour and a half after eating.
Dependence on quality. In case of food poisoning, you can almost always associate the appearance of pain in the upper abdomen with the consumption of expired foods.

Thus, we can conclude that pain in the upper abdomen after eating is most often caused by peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, pancreatitis ( inflammation of the pancreas), cholecystitis ( gallbladder inflammation). For gastritis ( inflammation of the gastric mucosa without local defects) pain after eating is not so common. More often, pain, on the contrary, appears on an empty stomach. The ingestion of food reduces the acidity of the stomach and soothes pain. However, there are exceptions depending on the type of disease.

With malignant tumors of the stomach, the nature of the pain can be different. It most often appears after eating, but there is still no clear dependence. The pain may also be constant.

It should be noted that the appearance of pain after eating also excludes a number of different pathologies. Basically, these are diseases that are not associated with the gastrointestinal tract, but also manifest themselves as pain in the upper abdomen.

If pain in the upper abdomen appears only after eating, then the following causes can be excluded:

spinal diseases– here pain usually depends on body position and movements;
myocardial infarction– pain appears after physical activity;
intercostal neuralgia– pain can be triggered by colds;
hematological diseases– there is no clear dependence of pain on food or other factors;
muscle diseases– more often associated with muscle tension and movements.

In general, the regular appearance of pain after eating most often indicates the presence of certain problems, so this symptom cannot be ignored. You should consult a gastroenterologist or therapist ( general practitioner), to spend necessary examinations and find out the cause of the pain.

What folk remedies are there for upper abdominal pain?

Pain in the upper abdomen is a common symptom that is familiar to every person. The prevalence of this problem may lead to the erroneous idea that there is no serious pathology behind these pains. However, in medicine, abdominal pain is treated with extreme caution. There are many different reasons that can cause this symptom, and some of them pose a serious threat to the patient's health.

That is why the use of folk remedies in the treatment of pain in the upper abdomen is strictly prohibited. Most patients do not attach any importance to even severe pain. They find treatment options with folk remedies and actively use them ( most often unsuccessfully) and waste time that could be used to diagnose the problem and provide qualified assistance.

The use of folk remedies for abdominal pain is not recommended for the following reasons:

Majority medicinal plants has very narrow spectrum actions. Some of them can, for example, reduce stomach acidity and reduce pain due to gastritis or peptic ulcers, others can relieve muscle spasms. But there is no universal remedy. For each pathology, pain is caused by a specific mechanism. Therefore, before a diagnosis is made, there is a high probability that the chosen folk remedy will simply be ineffective and will not reduce pain.
Many patients take infusions or decoctions and expect visible effects within a few hours or days. At the same time, such acute conditions as perforation of a stomach ulcer or rupture of the gallbladder requires immediate surgical intervention. A delay of even an hour can endanger the patient's life.
Also the majority medicinal herbs have a relatively slow effect. This is explained by the low concentration of active substances in any decoctions or infusions. For acute severe pain ( for example, when biliary colic ) no folk remedy will eliminate the pain. Pharmacological drugs are much more powerful and quick effect. That is why they should be used to relieve severe pain. Folk remedies can be used for long-term treatment, in combination with pharmaceuticals.
Folk remedies are aimed mainly at eliminating functional disorders. Pain can be caused by structural disorders ( pyloric stenosis, gastric ulcer, etc.). In these cases, the main treatment method will be surgery, A traditional methods Treatments will not be able to dull the pain.

However, a number of traditional medicine recipes can be used to treat certain diseases. However, the patient must know his diagnosis, and treatment must be agreed with a specialist. In this case, traditional medicine will contribute to overall recovery. However, the remedies listed below will not be aimed specifically at eliminating the pain that appears.

Folk remedies for certain diseases that cause pain in the upper abdomen

Disease	Folk remedy	Cooking method	Reception mode
*Gastritis*	*Aloe juice with honey*	For half a glass of warm juice you need 100 g of honey. Stir honey until completely dissolved.	1 teaspoon three times a day 15 minutes before meals for a month.
*Gastritis*	*Motherwort juice*	Rinse young motherwort well boiled water and squeeze out the juice.	Three times a day, 1 teaspoon with a small amount of water.
*Peptic ulcer*	*Potato decoction*	Well-washed unpeeled potatoes are boiled until tender. The water is filtered and drunk after cooling ( do not add salt).	Half a glass three times a day on an empty stomach.
*Peptic ulcer*	*Sea buckthorn juice and oil*	Prepare them yourself or buy them in stores.	Juice – 50 ml three times a day, an hour before meals. Oil - after juice, 1 teaspoon.
*Cholelithiasis*	*Rowan infusion*	Take 50 g of berries per liter of boiling water. Infusion lasts 4 hours.	Drink 1 glass of infusion three times a day 5 – 10 minutes before meals.
*Cholelithiasis*	*Highlander snake decoction*	The rhizome of the snakeweed is well washed, finely chopped and thrown into boiling water for 15 minutes. For 1 liter you need 2 tablespoons of rhizome. 10 minutes after preparation, the broth is filtered and cooled.	Take 2 tablespoons of decoction half an hour before meals.
*Pancreatitis*	*Sprouted oats*	Sprouted oats are washed and ground into flour. Pour it with cold water and boil for 2 minutes. Then cool without straining. Strain before use.	Drink fresh ( store no more than 24 hours) 20 – 30 ml in small portions throughout the day.

Thus, folk remedies play a role in the treatment of certain abdominal diseases. However, when abdominal pain appears from above, it should be remembered that this role is secondary, and it is dangerous to resort to alternative medicine before making a correct diagnosis and prescribing the main treatment.

Abdominal pain is not only a terrible discomfort, but a symptom of many diseases. The greatest concern is pain above the navel, and for good reason: such a sign can indicate very, very serious pathologies. However, there are many reasons for such pain, and making a diagnosis not only the nature of the specified ailment is taken into account, but also other accompanying symptoms.

In any case, when acute, aching or cutting pain occurs, a person wants to know what they may indicate even before visiting a doctor.

And it’s absolutely certain that it is forbidden leave long-lasting and regular pain in the stomach above the navel without attention, endure them, and expect them to go away on their own.

These unpleasant sensations are an alarming signal about trouble and a kind of “call” to take care of your health.

The gastrointestinal tract is penetrated by a huge number of nerve endings, and therefore quickly respond to any unfriendly influences of junk food and other negative factors. Pain localized above the central part of the abdomen always indicates development of organ defects located in this part - the stomach and the upper part of the duodenum. And the specific causes of such pain are:

Acute gastritis. Additional symptoms- nausea, general weakness, diarrhea, frequent vomiting. There is dry mouth, gray coating on the tongue, pallor skin.
Stomach cancer. The initial symptoms are like gastritis. Then comes aversion to food, inability to get satisfaction from eating, a feeling of fullness in the left side, sudden and rapid weight loss, loss of interest in life, apathy.
Ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. The pain most often occurs and intensifies in the morning before breakfast, as well as between meals. Sometimes you have to get up at night to eat or take analgesic. There is no pain on a full stomach. Heartburn, weight loss and nausea are uncommon with ulcers.
Pancreatitis. The pain is localized in the upper abdomen on the right if the head of the pancreas is inflamed, in the left hypochondrium - if the “tail” of the organ is affected, directly above the navel - if central lesion glands. Frequent diarrhea, poor digestion of food, and stool with particles of fat and mucus are also noted.
Duodenitis - the pain is usually dull in nature, less often - ulcerative. After eating, a feeling of bloating occurs in the stomach, lightheadedness, and appetite decreases. In the epigastric region, when pressed, severe pain is felt.
Gastroduodenitis - pain occurs directly above the navel and is of a cramping, pulsating nature, radiating to the right side. The pain syndrome intensifies a couple of hours after eating, and subsides immediately during eating or after taking antacids. Symptoms of the disease are often accompanied by nausea and bloating in the upper abdomen.

In addition to gastric diseases, pain in the abdomen above the navel also occurs at the beginning of the inflammatory process in the appendix - appendicitis. Painful sensations can be strong or mild, noted first in the middle of the abdomen and slightly higher, and then go to right corner of the lower abdomen. The muscles become tense, and the discomfort intensifies with sudden movements.

However, if your stomach suddenly hurts above the navel, then this is not necessarily a disease. This symptom sometimes appears due to overeating, eating large quantities of fatty and heavy foods, and indigestion. In such cases, the body copes with the problems on its own, and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract soon improves.

What can cause abdominal pain near the navel in children?

In children, the digestive system has not yet developed to an adult state, and therefore most often a child’s complaints of pain in the upper abdomen mean that there are some digestive problems.

The likely cause of discomfort above the navel in children is constipation due to errors in nutrition, eating fast food and lack of fiber in the diet. The problem can be easily solved by adjusting the daily menu towards healthiness and establishing a drinking regime.

Lactose intolerance- another common cause of illness in children. To break down this element from dairy products, a special enzyme is required - lactase, which not everyone produces in sufficient quantities. Hence the bloating and pain.

Children also experience functional pain, that is, related not to the somatic, but to the psychological sphere. Thus, discomfort in the child’s abdomen may occur due to stress, nervous disorders, or worries.

However, if, in addition to abdominal pain, a child experiences high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, chills and other alarming symptoms, then this is not just a physiological malfunction in the functioning of the digestive organs, but disease signal.

In general, the list of diseases in which the stomach hurts in children in the upper segment is the same as in adults.

Diagnosis of pain

Diagnosing diseases in patients who come with complaints of pain above the navel is a difficult task even for an experienced doctor. After all description And feeling of pain- a very subjective thing, many sick patients simply limit themselves to describing their condition as “some kind of strange pain.”

To identify specific disease you need to go through a whole series of examinations, in particular:

Of course, it is not a fact that you will have to go through all the above procedures. IN different cases Diagnostics can be simple, or, on the contrary, complex and lengthy. Pain treatment in the abdomen above the navel - this is, in fact, therapy for the disease or pathology that caused them.

Unpleasant sensations in the abdomen are one of the most common complaints with which patients come to the medical institutions. To identify the cause of such discomfort, it is necessary to determine not only its intensity and nature, but also its location. What can pain above the navel indicate and how to get rid of the problem?

To make it easier to diagnose pain in the abdominal area, doctors divide it into several segments, and the part that is located above the navel is called periumbilical, and a little higher (closer to the sternum) is epigastric or epigastric region. In most cases (about 80%), discomfort in this part of the abdominal cavity indicates diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, less often - dysfunction of the biliary and urinary, as well as reproductive systems.

Causes that cause pain above the navel but do not require medical intervention include:

nervous stress causing disturbances in digestive processes;
unhealthy diet (overeating, an abundance of spicy, fried, fatty foods), which is why a person develops;
intense sports training accompanied by overstrain of the abdominal muscles;
pregnancy - expectant mothers in later stages may experience similar discomfort due to tension in muscles and ligaments or when the fetus takes an uncomfortable position for the mother and puts pressure on internal organs.

Non-medical causes (that is, those that are not associated with various diseases and pathologies) of pain in the navel area also include mechanical injuries to the abdomen, but the question of the need for a visit to the hospital in this case is decided individually. If the injury was not too severe, and there is no risk of damage to internal organs, it is enough to apply ice to the bruised area.

Digestive causes of pain

Anatomically, the stomach and duodenum are located in the area above the navel, and the pancreas is located slightly higher. Accordingly, diseases of these organs can cause discomfort. When determining the possible cause of discomfort, one should focus on its intensity and nature (dull, stabbing, cramping pain, etc.), as well as additional signs.

Table. Possible causes of pain and their symptoms.

Possible cause of pain	Symptoms
	In the chronic course of the disease, pain is accompanied by nausea and stool disorders; with exacerbation, a person develops frequent vomiting, pale skin, dry mouth, and general weakness.
	Unpleasant sensations in the abdomen of varying intensity, which usually occur on an empty stomach, and decrease after eating.
	Pain syndrome of a dull nature, less often - a strong burning sensation, aggravated by palpation. Accompanied by a deterioration in appetite, and after eating, gas formation and nausea are observed.
	Discomfort occurs directly above the navel, the sensations are paroxysmal in nature and radiate to right side bodies. The pain intensifies after eating, and its intensity decreases while eating or after taking medications, sometimes accompanied by increased gas formation and nausea.
	The pain syndrome is quite severe and is poorly relieved with painkillers or antispasmodics. When the central part of the organ is affected, the unpleasant sensations are localized directly above the navel, and when the head or tail is inflamed, in the upper abdomen on the right or left.
	At the first stage, the disease may be asymptomatic, then the person feels an aversion to food, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, he experiences sudden weight loss, general weakness and apathy.
	Sharp, cramping pain, which is accompanied by chills and deterioration in general well-being.
	When the body is intoxicated, pain in the navel area may also occur, and in this case it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and pale skin.

One of the most serious causes of pain in the epigastric region is appendicitis, i.e. inflammation of the appendix. The pain begins near or above the navel, after which it moves to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, becomes intense, persistent, and intensifies with coughing or any movements.

Important! The abdomen becomes hard and tense, weakness and nausea appear, and the temperature may rise. In this case, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, since the disease can only be treated surgically.

Other causes of pain above the navel

In addition to gastrointestinal diseases, pain above the navel can be caused by disturbances in the functioning of other organs - the gallbladder, reproductive organs in women, and in some cases, unpleasant sensations in cardiovascular diseases radiate to this part of the peritoneum.

Inflammation of the gallbladder, cholelithiasis. With this disease, unpleasant sensations of a paroxysmal nature arise above the navel and radiate to the right hypochondrium; in addition, patients experience defecation disorders, appetite disturbances, frequent belching and a bitter taste in the mouth.
Umbilical hernia, purulent-septic processes. The pain syndrome in this case depends on the severity of the pathological process, intensifies with palpation and, as a rule, is accompanied by tissue changes - a small swelling appears in the navel area, sometimes with purulent contents inside.
Gynecological diseases. Diseases that may manifest as pain in the navel area include endometriosis and other inflammatory processes of the reproductive organs, as well as neoplasms of the uterus or ovaries and ectopic pregnancy. This symptom is not indicative or specific for such disorders, but occurs in approximately 10% of cases. Along with discomfort, women experience menstrual irregularities, sometimes bloody or purulent discharge from the vagina.
Spleen lesions. Enlarged spleen, which occurs when autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis, disorders of the hematopoietic process, manifested by pain in the navel, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin.
. Degenerative changes in the spine are sometimes characterized by symptoms that resemble gastritis, and they intensify with physical activity and decreases at rest.
Cardiovascular pathologies. With angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, pain can occur in the most unexpected places and often resemble pain caused by gastrointestinal lesions. Cardiovascular pathologies can be distinguished from digestive pathologies by the following characteristics: they are not associated with the process of eating and are not accompanied by nausea, diarrhea or constipation, but by surges in blood pressure, shortness of breath and arrhythmia.

Pain above the navel in children

In children, pain in the navel area can be the result of the same diseases as in adults, but most often they are caused by stress, lactose intolerance, reflux or dietary errors.

Unpleasant sensations caused by nervous stress are called functional pain.. They often appear in hyperactive, active children due to the special structure of the nervous system. This symptom does not threaten health, but can cause a lot of discomfort - children with such disorders often miss school and have poor academic performance.

Lactose intolerance is another cause of abdominal pain in infants and preschoolers. The mechanism for the development of the pathology is the lack of enzymes that break down lactose contained in milk and dairy products, which, in turn, causes cramping pain in the abdomen after eating certain foods.

Reflux (reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus), constipation and other digestive disorders, which can be accompanied by abdominal pain, in children are most often caused by dietary errors - a lack of foods containing fiber and a small amount of fluid consumed.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

Many people, when pain occurs above the navel, try to cope with it on our own, taking painkillers and antispasmodics, but sometimes such a symptom can be a manifestation of serious pathologies that threaten health and life.

If you have abdominal pain, you should immediately call an ambulance in the following cases:

pain does not disappear or returns within 3 hours after taking painkillers;
severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially if it has dark color or blood impurities;
impaired swallowing or breathing;
tension of muscle tissue on the anterior wall of the peritoneum;
progressive weakness, sweating, fever, or fainting;
bleeding from anus or vagina.

Such signs indicate the development of conditions that require immediate surgical intervention. Particular attention should be paid to pain above the navel in pregnant women, children or the elderly (even in the absence of threatening symptoms) - any pathologies in such patients develop very quickly and can lead to dire consequences.

In the above cases, before the medical team arrives, you should not give the person any medications, as they can blur the clinical picture, and you should also refrain from eating, enemas, applying ice or a heating pad to the stomach, so as not to worsen the patient’s condition.

Diagnosis for pain above the navel

If pain in the navel area is the only symptom, identifying its cause is not so easy. People who contact a doctor with this complaint will need to undergo comprehensive diagnostics body, which includes:

general blood, stool and urine tests;
Ultrasound of the peritoneal organs;
gastroscopy;
study of stomach acidity (pH-metry);
if neoplasms of the digestive tract are suspected - CT, MRI, biopsy.

Based on the research results, the patient is prescribed conservative treatment or surgery.

What to do if your stomach hurts above the navel?

First of all, you should understand what factors are associated with pain - food intake, mental or physical stress, etc. If the pain syndrome is not too severe, but general health the person has not worsened, you can take a pain reliever, antispasmodic or heartburn medicine (depending on the nature of the pain) and lie down for a while. Besides, It is recommended to avoid fatty, spicy, smoked and salty foods for several days. to eliminate unnecessary stress on the gastrointestinal tract.

Isolated cases of pain above the navel, as a rule, do not pose a threat to health and should not cause concern, but if the pain becomes chronic, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to find out the cause.

Video - Why does the navel hurt?

Stomach pain is the most common complaint patients have when visiting a doctor. The culprits of this symptom can be diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, inflammation of appendicitis. In some heart diseases, pain is also localized in the abdominal area. In order to make a correct diagnosis, you should consult a doctor, since it is not possible to independently find out why the discomfort occurred. This article will describe in detail the symptomatic picture of stomach pain and how to cure the disease, which will allow the patient to determine the cause and visit a therapist in a timely manner.

When diagnosing, it is important to correctly and accurately determine where it hurts. This is necessary for making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment.

Localization is the location of the outbreak. To do this, you should take a lying position on your back. Gently feel the abdomen and note the area causing discomfort. In the classic case pain symptom reflects the affected organ. For example, with disease of the esophagus, pain will be projected to the stomach area. Discomfort in the upper part under the right rib is the cause of liver disease.
The nature of the sensations is sharp, pulling, dull, spasms, aching, etc.
Associated symptoms– gag reflex, nausea, increased body temperature, diarrhea, increased discomfort when changing position.
Then a pain in the stomach arose - stress, physical strain, food, consumption of alcohol-containing products, medicines, drugs.

Based on the characteristics, the patient can first identify the cause of the ailment. Accordingly, take measures to reduce the signs of the disease and start treatment on time.

Let us consider in detail which diseases cause this or that type of pain:

1. Localization of pain in the upper abdomen, manifested as sharp, aching or bursting, most often appears after consuming heavy food, caffeine, and stress. Associated symptoms include dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. A possible cause is gastritis or a stomach ulcer.

2. Pain in the middle of the abdomen that occurs unexpectedly, with sharp and severe cramps. If at the same time the patient feels weakness and chills, then there is a suspicion of intestinal colic caused by overeating.

3. Pain in the upper abdomen exactly in the middle, like shingles and accompanied by bad aftertaste in the oral cavity and high temperature. If before this a person drank alcohol or ate fatty foods, then the preliminary cause of discomfort is acute pancreatitis.

4. Pain in the upper abdomen in the middle appears as sharp and severe. The patient experiences a frequent urge to urinate, and before this he used diuretic products. This is a sign of renal colic.

5. If the patient says that the entire stomach area hurts and complains of nausea, elevated temperature body and weakness. Such symptoms are a sign of an inflammatory process in the abdominal cavity or peritonitis.

6. Acute and severe pain in the lower part of the stomach in a woman. With signs of genital discharge, fever and diarrhea (rarely) is the cause of disorders in the urinary system.

7. Pain in the navel area is associated with an intestinal disorder or is a sign of appendicitis. The latter becomes inflamed, causing constipation. Without proper treatment, the appendix can rupture and cause peritonitis, which is life-threatening.

8. Pain localized in the upper left part of the stomach indicates dysfunction of the colon and pancreas.

9. If there is severe pain in the upper right part, then this indicates an inflammatory process in the gallbladder. The spasm can radiate to the center of the stomach or the back.

The most common signs and possible diseases are listed above. Such discomfort has different localization and character. Therefore, when visiting a doctor, it is important to try to accurately convey all the sensations, even if they seem insignificant and indirect. Based on the patient’s medical history, the doctor develops treatment tactics.

Possible diseases

The symptomatic picture of stomach pain is a sign of:

1. Gastritis. This is an inflammatory process that occurs due to infections.

2. Stomach ulcer – as a consequence of long-term gastritis.

3. Gastric obstruction. Characterized by blocking the lower organ and duodenum. Causes: polyps, cancer, stenosis.

4. Esophageal hernia. It occurs due to the consumption of food, in which it penetrates through the opening of the diaphragm into the stomach.

5. Esophageal stenosis occurs with vomiting and nausea immediately after eating.

Often this clinical picture is caused by the following diseases:

esogophagitis;
ulcer;
colitis;
irritation of the intestinal mucosa;
inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract;
cholecystitis;
spleen disease and others.

In addition to these diseases, the described symptoms occur with food poisoning. It should be treated by cleansing the gastrointestinal tract. Sorbents, drinking plenty of fluids and enemas (in the absence of contraindications) will help with this. Next, make an appointment with a specialist if necessary.

A common mistake among people suffering from stomach pain, both in the upper part and in other areas, is to immediately take painkillers when it hurts. This should not be done, as pain is protective function body. Body signals must be correctly recognized and timely seeking treatment at the hospital. Getting rid of discomfort cannot be considered eliminating the causes of the disease. And in especially severe cases, the use of antispasmodics only complicates the correct diagnosis.

Correct Actions

Regardless of the nature of the pain, consultation with a qualified specialist is necessary. This will help not only to establish the correct cause and cure the disease, but also to avoid complications.

You should seek urgent medical help:

The patient complains of pain at the top and the discomfort continues for more than one week.
In addition to the pain syndrome, dark urine is present, light chair, severe vomiting and nausea, jaundice.
Vaginal bleeding, disruption of the menstrual cycle.
Sharp pain for more than two hours.

Urgent hospitalization is needed if:

The pain is accompanied by rectal bleeding, vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds.
Delirious state, dizzy, rapid pulse, skin feels sticky and cold to the touch.

Until visiting the doctor's cabin, it is strictly forbidden to take painkillers. When there is pain at the top or bottom, you should not put a heating pad on until a diagnosis is made. It is recommended to apply ice. If, in addition to pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and nausea are observed, this should alert you, as it is a sign of pathological processes.

In the case when malaise appears after eating and this happens rarely and does not last long, then most often the cause lies in overeating. It is necessary to reconsider the diet and diet and try to stabilize it: eat smaller meals, have dinner three hours before bedtime, and drink more water.

Systematic pain in the upper region and accompanying temperature are a clear indicator for an urgent visit to the clinic. The danger lies in the severe course of the disease. Prohibited self-treatment. It is important to stop eating and immediately visit a gastroenterologist or therapist.

Self-therapy

How to treat ailments in the upper abdomen before visiting the doctor:

To get rid of nausea, you need to drink a lot of purified water, mint tea, diluted baking soda or apple cider vinegar.
Rest and sleep more.
If you feel the urge to vomit, don't hold back. Along with the mass, pathogenic bacteria leave the body.
Light abdominal massage.
Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
After eating, a leisurely walk and a short rest are useful.

Treatment should be aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease. The information provided in the article will help you understand the condition. But to preserve health, and in some cases life, it is recommended to get advice. Only a qualified doctor, based on the results of the examination, will be able to find out why the stomach hurts and, therefore, cure the disease.