What Is The Initial Workup And Treatment Of Dyspepsia
An upper endoscopy is indicated if dyspepsia occurs in patients older than 55 years of age or if any of the following alarm features are present:
- Evidence of bleeding from the GI tract
- Unintended weight loss
- Trouble or pain with swallowing
- Persistent vomiting
- Having a relative with stomach cancer
- Previous personal history of esophageal or stomach cancer
- Previous personal history of stomach ulcer
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Unusual mass in the stomach
“If the patient is 55 years or younger, and no alarm features are present, a doctor may consider either testing and treating for a stomach bacteria, called H. pylori, or consider one to two months of treatment with an acid-blocking medication,” explains Dr. Dryer. “If neither of these treatments help, an upper endoscopy might be a reasonable next step.”
Pain On Left Side Of Stomach
It can be challenging when you have pain on left side of stomach. The discomfort associated with this experience can affect you physically and mentally. No one enjoys dealing with such issues, so the best approach would be to seek immediate help.
If you have access to medical help, you should take it. The physician will know what to do regarding your issue and have the tools to diagnose. If you dont have the opportunity to receive medical attention, you can use this advice to help.
To figure out your issue, you must compare your symptoms with the symptoms in this list below. Once you have done this, it will help you eliminate anything that doesnt relate to your illness.
The next step is seeking the proper treatments for your problem. A challenge you may face is that your comparison results leave multiple results.
If that happens, you need to compare the treatments and use those that match. Matching treatments would be safe as all are usable for each condition listed.
For more about figuring out why you have pain on the left side of your stomach, see these medical issues.
Contents
What Are The Causes That Lead To Upper Stomach Pain
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A viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection of the digestive tract
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Gastritis: The inflammation of the mucosa causes abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, and nausea.
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Pancreatitis: The inflammation of the pancreas.
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Hepatitis: The inflammation of the liver.
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A stomach ulcer
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Crohns disease: The inflammation of the digestive tract leading to fatigue, abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss.
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Diverticulitis: The inflammation of a section of the colon.
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Celiac disease: This condition prevents people from eating gluten, since it causes damage to the small intestine. The immune system damages the small intestine whenever gluten is consumed.
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Lactose intolerance: A food intolerance such as lactose intolerance causes indigestions as well as sharp upper stomach pain
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome : This is a common case that can affect anyone. It causes bloating, constipation or diarrhea, but no actual harm to the digestive system.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease : This condition occurs when the stomach acid flows back up and into the esophagus which connects the stomach to the mouth, causing a burning sensation in the upper abdomen as well as in the chest.
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Kidney stones: The formation of kidney stones can cause abdominal pain especially in the upper section of the abdomen.
Here are some other conditions that could lead to upper stomach pain:
Some other life-threatening causes can trigger stomach pain. here are some of the fatal conditions:
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How Is Abdominal Pain Treated
The treatment of abdominal pain will depend on its underlying cause.
Mild abdominal pain may go away on its own within hours or days. Mild pain and related symptoms can also often be treated with medicines from the pharmacy. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you on what type of product is best suited to your situation.
You should not use aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, to treat abdominal pain, other than period pain. These medicines may cause or irritate a stomach or bowel problem.
If you are treating mild abdominal pain with a known cause at home:
- use a hot water bottle or warm wheat pack on your abdomen
- eat bland foods when you can start eating again, or as advised by your doctor
Specific treatments, depending on the cause of your abdominal pain, include the following:
Gas Medicines designed to break down gas bubbles, such as antacids containing simethicone, are available over the counter. Gas-reducing medicines such as charcoal products, may help with ongoing wind problems. Dietary changes may also help. An Accredited Practising Dietitian or your doctor can help with dietary advice.
Gastroenteritis This usually only lasts a few days and clears up by itself. Rehydrating by drinking plenty of clear fluids is the most important treatment.
Pain due to muscle spasms Spasms in the wall of the bowel may be eased by antispasmodic medicines. Several are available, so talk to your pharmacist or doctor about which are right for you.
What Do We Know About Upper Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain, including upper abdominal pain, is a common reason for people to seek care in the emergency department . This is according to a 2016 retrospective analysis of 5,340 admissions for acute abdominal pain to a large urban ED in Italy.
The definition of acute abdominal pain is pain lasting for 5 days. The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine notes that it is the most common condition in the ED. A common diagnosis is nonspecific abdominal pain, or abdominal pain that is not due to a specific cause. Renal colic from kidney stones is the other most common diagnosis.
There are different types of upper abdominal pain. For example, you may feel mild discomfort, a burning sensation, or a sharp pain. You may feel it in one specific area or throughout the upper abdomen. The pain may also move from one place to another. For example, you may feel pain that begins in your chest, such as from heartburn, but that moves to your upper abdomen.
The type and location of the pain can be important in diagnosing the possible cause. For example, pain from your pancreas or kidneys might start in your abdomen and then move to your back. Shingles, which can cause skin irritation, can also cause abdominal pain if the infection spreads there. Pain from heart attacks or pneumonia usually starts in your chest, but you may also feel this in your upper abdomen.
Seek immediate medical care for severe upper abdominal pain that comes on suddenly, especially if it is accompanied by:
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When To Contact A Medical Professional
Get medical help right away or call your local emergency number if you:
- Are currently being treated for cancer
- Are unable to pass stool, especially if you are also vomiting
- Are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool
- Have chest, neck, or shoulder pain
- Have sudden, sharp abdominal pain
- Have pain in, or between, your shoulder blades with nausea
- Have tenderness in your belly, or your belly is rigid and hard to the touch
- Are pregnant or could be pregnant
- Had a recent injury to your abdomen
- Have difficulty breathing
Contact your provider if you have:
- Abdominal discomfort that lasts 1 week or longer
- Abdominal pain that does not improve in 24 to 48 hours, or becomes more severe and frequent and occurs with nausea and vomiting
- Bloating that persists for more than 2 days
- Burning sensation when you urinate or frequent urination
- Diarrhea for more than 5 days
- Fever, over 100°F for adults or 100.4°F for children, with pain
- Prolonged poor appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
When To Call Your Doctor
No matter what the cause of your lower left abdominal pain, you should know when to see your doctor. The Mayo Clinic says you should make the call if:
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You have pain with fever.
- You have persistent constipation or diarrhea.
- You have pain with nausea or vomiting.
- Your abdomen is swollen and tender totouch.
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What Else Causes Pain In The Upper Left Abdomen
Pain in the upper left abdomen can be caused by things besides pancreatitis. Many of these conditions are quite serious or even life-threatening. Any pain that is out of the ordinary should be checked out by a doctor, but especially pain in the upper left abdomen. Dont try to diagnose yourself. Often, even doctors will need to order tests to make a confident diagnosis. Here are the most common causes of upper left abdominal pain.
Heart/Cardio
These are some of the most serious causes of pain in the upper left abdomen. As with acute pancreatitis, they require immediate medical attention. They also underscore the importance of not ignoring upper abdominal pain, especially when its on the left side.
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Respiratory/Lungs
Among the numerous conditions that can afflict the respiratory system, there are a few that are more likely to cause pain in the upper left abdomen. This could be an infection in the left, right, or both lungs , inflammation of the membrane inside the chest wall , or trapped air threatening to collapse the lung.
Chest, Ribs, and Back
Along with muscle strains and pinched nerves, there are a couple conditions that can cause upper abdominal pain above and beyond a persons normal amount of aches and pains. The cartilage that connects the rib cage with the breastbone can become inflamed as with costochondritis. Broken ribs or other physical trauma may also cause pain in this area.
- Costochondritis
- Back and shoulder pain
What To Do For Right Upper Quadrant Pain
Treatment of right upper quadrant pain. Common treatments for right upper abdominal pain include the following: Analgesics: Medications can temporarily relieve discomfort. Common analgesics include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Antacids: Antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve stomach discomfort.
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What Is Upper Stomach Pain
Upper stomach pain is a common ailment among adults and children. Your intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are all found in your upper stomach. Because of this, the list of potential causes of upper stomach pain is long. Indigestion, heartburn, gas, or a common stomach virus can cause pain in your upper stomach.
Causes for upper stomach pain range from benign to life-threatening, so it is important to consult with a doctor if you are experiencing stomach pain. The ailment can cause severe discomfort, but there are several steps you can take to alleviate upper stomach pain.
Eating More Calories Than Usual
Lets face it. When youre off your schedule, sometimes the most interesting thing you can do is bake. But consuming excess calories especially those found in cookies, cakes and bread can pack on the pounds and cause your belly to bloat.
If cooking is your jam while sheltering in place, reserve high-calorie recipes for special occasions, or cut it back to one meal a week.
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Sudden And Severe Onset Stomach Pain
When mid-abdominal pain occurs suddenly especially in people with a history of peptic ulcer disease or in those who take excessive amounts of aspirin or NSAIDs it may be a sign of a perforation that could require emergency surgery. A tear could leak air and gastric content which can lead to a condition called peritonitis, and eventually, septic shock. Surgery would be required to seal the perforation.
If you’re experiencing chronic stomach pain, take steps now to head off any bigger problems down the road. Your primary care provider can help get to the bottom of what’s causing your issues and create a plan to help improve your gut health. Your plan may include medication, lifestyle changes, a healthier diet and stress management techniques.
7. Right or left lower abdominal pain in women
Sudden onset of right lower abdominal pain or left lower abdominal pain can indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst in a woman who is in the middle of her menstrual cycle. This kind of pain could also be a sign of ovarian torsion, which is the rotation of the ovary and part of the fallopian tube, or possibly a twisting of the ovary due to reduced blood supply. Seek treatment immediately at the nearest emergency department. Surgery to remove the ovary may be required.
Can Abdominal Pain Be Prevented
Eating enough fibreand doing regular exercise can help prevent constipation and keep your bowels working well, which will prevent some forms of abdominal pain. It will also reduce your long-term risk of some diseases, such as diverticular disease or bowel cancer.
Drinking plain water but not carbonated or fizzy drinks will reduce the chance of pain from bloating as well as keeping your body healthy.
Following a specific diet can help reduce pain due to lactose intolerance, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome and trapped gas, or wind.
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Upper Gastric Pain: 11 Causes Of Pain On Top Of The Stomach
Upper gastric pain, also known as epigastric pain, is any kind of soreness experienced on top of the stomach region, beneath the rib cage. Upper gastric pain is a commonly experienced condition and it may occur while eating or directly after eating. Upper gastric pain may range from mild discomfort to severe burning sensation with extreme pain. The symptoms are often accompanied by other digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea and bloating.
What Are The Four Types Of Abdominal Pain
There are four types of abdominal pain: upper, lower, right-sided and left-sided. Each type has specific symptoms and causes, and all are discussed below.
How can I relieve upper abdominal pain?
Pain from a mild muscle injury or spasms can cause temporary pain in the upper abdomen. The pain often gets better with gentle massage and rest. Some people also find relief by using cold and hot packs. If muscle pain is intense or does not get better after a few days, see a doctor for an evaluation.
How do you get rid of your upper stomach feeling?
Treating heaviness in stomach
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Remedies For Upper Stomach Pain
Heating pad
Apply a heating pad or bottle to your stomach for 15 to 20 minutes. The high temperature can help to relax strained or tense muscles.
It can also ease indigestion and constipation in some instances.
Another heat remedy includes taking a warm bath. This can be especially helpful for indigestion and upper stomach pain caused by stress.
Not lying flat
If you are experiencing upper stomach pain as a symptom of indigestion, gas, or bloating, lying flat can aggravate your discomfort. Studies show that some people find more comfort and relief from stomach pain when lying propped up or sitting upright.
Use some pillows to prop yourself up and relax to soothe your stomach pain.
Enough water
Stomach pain is sometimes related to or caused by dehydration.
If you are experiencing upper stomach pain, drinking water throughout the day can help alleviate discomfort by rehydrating your body. Avoid gorging on water. Instead, sip water to rehydrate over time.
Ginger
Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for an upset stomach. Studies show that it can provide significant relief for nausea, vomiting, and sometimes constipation.
The soothing quality of ginger is effective for reducing pain related to vomiting or upset stomach. You can consume ginger in food, tea, or ginger ale.
Mint
Peppermint oil can soothe tense muscles, reduce inflammation, alleviate nausea, ease stomach pains, help manage irritable bowel syndrome, and relieve stress that may be causing pain.
Cinnamon
When Should I See My Doctor
In some cases, you should seek urgent medical attention or consult a doctor if you have abdominal pain.
If you have a sudden, severe, incapacitating pain in your abdomen, go immediately to your nearest emergency department or call triple zero and ask for an ambulance.
You should also seek urgent medical attention if you have pain that:
- is severe and/or getting worse
- has lasted for several hours or more
- wakes you from sleep
- is spreading to your neck, chest or shoulders
- makes it difficult to swallow
Urgent medical attention is also required if you have abdominal pain accompanied by
- unexplained weight loss
- skin that appears yellow
If you are experiencing pain high up in your abdomen that is made worse by exercise it could be angina or a heart attack. If you, or someone near you is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call triple zero immediately and ask for an ambulance.
If you are pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain, check with your doctor or midwife. Abdominal pains are common in pregnancy, but should always be checked out.
If your abdominal pain does not match the situations above, but it is recurrent or persistent , or it started mild but is worsening, you should still consult a doctor.
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Causes Of Upper Stomach Pain
Stomach pain in the upper abdomen can be chronic or acute it can be mild or severe. It can go away on its own, or it may require treatment from a medical professional. This all depends on what is causing the pain.
Here are a few of the things that might cause upper abdominal pain.
- Inflammation in the stomach or other abdominal organs such as the gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, liver, or spleen.
- Muscle injury from exercise, lifting heavy objects, physical activity without warming up, twisting movements, or even violent coughing or sneezing
- Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia
Other serious disorders may cause pain in the upper abdomen.
Abdominal pain doesnt always require medical treatment. For example, pain from gas or indigestion is typically mild and goes away on its own within one to two days. However, infections may require antibiotics or treatment from a physician.