10 Common Causes of Upper Stomach Pain

By adr.ian

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

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Most individuals have, at some point, complained about have a stomachache occurring in the upper area of their abdomen. There are many reasons as to why the pain ranges from extremely bad to somewhat uncomfortable, whether it's due to pain tolerance or a more notable issue.

Although many common causes of upper stomach pain, such as gas or stomach viruses, shouldn't be a major concern, others may require medical treatment. The anatomy of the upper stomach comprises several vital structures, including the liver, pancreas, upper intestines and gallbladder. Any one of these could cause pain in the upper stomach.

Gas

Gas is the most common cause of upper stomach pain and the easiest to treat. Although gas occurs naturally in the intestines and digestive tract, it can sometimes accumulate so much that it causes bloating and feelings of fullness and pressure.¹‘Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence. ‘American College of Gastroenterology, gi.org/topics/belching-bloating-and-flatulence/

Symptoms of gas include burping, the passing of gas, a swollen stomach, the feeling of movement within the stomach and constipation or diarrhea. Gas generally goes away without treatment. If treatment is required, over-the-counter medicines are usually sufficient. Avoiding certain foods such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli and asparagus can reduce the risks of gas.