Dull pain in upper abdomen. Pain in the upper abdomen - what could be the causes and what to do

We asked Larisa Tretyakova, gastroenterologist, doctor of the highest category, head of the department at the PharmMed Clinic, tell what most often hurts in the epigastric region, how to understand your own feelings and what diagnostic procedures are needed in this case.

Almost every resident of a big city faced pain in the upper abdomen - right in the triangle under the ribs. Most often, epigastric pain indicates diseases of the digestive system.

Let's first understand what organs are here. This is the stomach that passes into the duodenum. To the left of the stomach is the pancreas, which is responsible not only for digestion, but also for hormonal control - in particular, it produces insulin, which is necessary for cells to absorb nutrients. The spleen is also located here, which is responsible for cleaning the blood and the functioning of the immune system. To the right of the stomach, the gallbladder and liver are densely packed. All these organs (with rare exceptions) can be a source of pain localized in the epigastric region.

Deep Essence of Digestion

Every high school student knows that digestion takes place in the stomach. Aggressive hydrochloric acid attacks the food entering the stomach, and it begins to break down into easily digestible components.

But not every school graduate knows that a person without a stomach can live relatively normally. Because only the first stage of digestion is carried out here. Much more important processes take place in the next "compartment" - the duodenum. The pancreatic ducts and the common bile duct exit here.

The bile produced by the liver accumulates in the gallbladder, and as soon as food enters the duodenum, the bile goes there to help in digestion. An equally important role in digestion is played by the so-called "pancreatic juice" - the secret of the pancreas, which also enters the duodenum through the ducts.

After the food is "processed" in the duodenum, it is sent for further digestion and absorption in the small intestine.

Where is the failure?

As can be seen from the rather schematic description of the digestive system, everything in it is very clearly connected. And if there is a failure somewhere, the whole system reacts to it.

So at the very first symptoms - pain and discomfort - a detailed examination is required. We will consider the most common diseases, the main symptom of which is epigastric pain.

Gastritis ordinary and not very

The most common disease that causes pain in the epigastric region is gastritis, that is. According to the nature of the course of the disease, gastritis can be acute or chronic.

The danger of chronic gastritis lies in the fact that most cases of stomach cancer develop against the background of a long course of this seemingly harmless disease.

By type, superficial gastritis is distinguished, in which only the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, and atrophic - in this case, against the background of inflammation, the gastric glands that produce hydrochloric acid gradually die.

Unfortunately, it is possible to identify the type of gastritis and, accordingly, determine the treatment only after a study, commonly called "gastroscopy", - during this procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the upper gastrointestinal tract.

In fact, the study is called "esophagogastroduodenoscopy", because during the procedure, the doctor examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum of the patient. It is very important to conduct this study in the most detailed and high-quality way, since gastritis very often "adjacent" to duodenitis (inflammation of the duodenum) and pathology of the esophagus.

Ulcer mute and screaming

The consequence of untreated gastritis and duodenitis may be a stomach or duodenal ulcer. Unlike erosion, ulcers heal with scarring and can be accompanied by severe complications.

Contrary to popular belief, an ulcer may not signal itself with pain in the epigastrium - it may stubbornly remain silent. As in the case of gastritis, the only chance to accurately establish the diagnosis of peptic ulcer is to do a gastroscopy.

Pancreatitis is life threatening

Acute epigastric pain may be a symptom of pancreatitis -. This organ can sluggishly signal a problem with regular, mild pain. And that means it's time for an examination.

But if the pain in the epigastrium has become almost unbearable, plus stool disorders and vomiting develop, in some cases, fever, then this is acute pancreatitis. And this is an indication for urgent hospitalization.

It occurs, as a rule, in the case when the secret of the pancreas (pancreatic juice) stagnates. The duct, through which the secret must move into the duodenum, is blocked by a stone, cyst, edema, or pus. But the juice continues to be produced and enthusiastically digests the gland itself. Therefore, in acute pancreatitis, procrastination is literally like death.

Oddly enough, pancreatitis often attacks young people who lead an active lifestyle, like to eat deliciously, sometimes drink, and, most importantly, are subject to constant stress.

It is possible to diagnose problems with the pancreas in advance - before the development of acute pancreatitis - using a simple ultrasound and a blood test. If any problems with the pancreas are visible on the ultrasound, the doctor may prescribe computed tomography - a study that gives a layered image of the gland and allows you to examine in detail the essence of the problem.

Stones in the gallbladder

Like pancreatitis, cholelithiasis is suspiciously younger. If you used to think about problems with stones after 60, now it's time to pay attention to your gallbladder at the age of 30-35.

Regular discomfort in the epigastric region may signal that there are problems with the outflow of bile. The thicker the bile, the greater the possibility of stone formation. And this is logical: at first, bile forms clots, which then have a chance to transform into stones. At the stage of clots, this problem can be solved with the help of drugs - they dilute the bile, and the clots disappear.

But if the clots have become stones, then there is only one way out - the removal of the gallbladder. After this operation, you must follow a particularly strict diet in order to "teach" the body a new digestive system. If you carefully follow all the doctor's instructions and follow a special diet throughout your life, then over time you can forget about the absence of the gallbladder.

But in order not to lead to surgery, at the first symptoms - discomfort and pain in the epigastrium - it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound scan. In order for the doctor to be able to properly examine your gallbladder, you need to prepare for an ultrasound scan: come on an empty stomach and do not eat gas-forming food 3 days before the examination.

Pain in the upper abdomen in the center is a very disturbing symptom that can be a sign of a wide range of diseases. There are many reasons for the onset of pain.

Discomfort may be accompanied by nausea, bloating, and last indefinitely. Depending on the type of pathology, pain in the upper abdomen can be both intense and monotonous.

To answer the question of why the upper abdomen hurts, you need to understand the structural features of this area and identify possible causes of discomfort.

Causes if the upper abdomen hurts

Not always the true causes of pain in the upper abdomen are associated with those organs that are located in this area.

Often, during the examination, blood pathologies, hormonal disorders or metabolic disorders are detected.

The real cause of pain may be in a completely different area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe body. Therefore, self-treatment with such symptoms is completely contraindicated.

The most common causes of upper abdominal pain are:

1. Abdominal injury.
2. Oncology.
3. Diaphragm hernia.
4. Inflammation of the appendix (at the beginning of the process).
5. Myocardial infarction.
6. Wrong diet and bad habits.
7. Pathology of the spine.
8. Pancreatitis.
9. Spasm of the stomach.
10. Ulcer.
11. Cholecystitis.

Diagnosis will clarify the diagnosis and help determine therapy.

Oncology

The upper part of the abdomen is very rarely exposed to tumor processes.

Despite the fact that absolutely all tissues and organs of the human body are predisposed to cancer, there are some areas that are least susceptible to malignant degeneration of tissues.

Pain in the upper abdomen can occur due to the development of malignant tumors. With the course of tumor growth, destructive destruction of the affected area and surrounding organs occurs.

Often, pain appears already in the later stages of cancer, in which it is extremely difficult to carry out effective treatment.

If your stomach hurts in the upper part, these may be signs of the following types of cancer:

1. Pancreas cancer. According to statistics, it affects more men than women. This is explained by the fact that the male sex more often exposes his body to negative factors, such as drinking alcohol, smoking, and malnutrition. The pain is located at the top of the abdomen and gives to the middle part of the back. The manifestation of pain occurs at the last stage of the disease, when metastases have formed in the vital organs. Concomitant symptoms include signs of jaundice, a sharp decrease in body weight, and bloating.
2. Gallbladder cancer. The provoking factor is long-term cholelithiasis, frequent exacerbations of chronic cholecystitis. Tissue degeneration occurs under the influence of a prolonged inflammatory process in the organ. Symptoms are similar to pancreatic cancer. Abdominal pains join in the later stages, accompanied by constant problems with the stool.
3. Liver cancer. It is often formed against the background of prolonged cirrhosis, the presence of hepatitis B, C. Pain appears under the ribs on the right in the upper abdomen. Accompanying symptoms are an increase in body temperature, the appearance of fluid in the abdominal cavity and an increase in the organ.
4. Stomach cancer. Like many other types of cancer, most often there is no pain in the early stages. It is also expressed in the occurrence of constipation. At risk are men over 60 years of age, as well as patients who have polyps in the stomach, gastritis and other inflammatory processes.
5. Esophageal carcinoma. With damage to the lower part of the esophagus, pain can spread to the chest and up the abdomen. The initial symptom of the disease is usually a swallowing disorder.

Sensation of a lump in the esophagus (stuck food), gagging. Pain spreads with an extensive pathological process. Metastases spread to nearby organs.

There is also a very rare type of cancer - peritoneal carcinomatosis (spread of metastases in the peritoneum).

In this case, there is a multiple growth of tumors throughout the inner layer of the abdominal cavity.

Neurology

A common reason why the stomach hurts in the upper part is damage to the roots of the spinal cord. The main source of discomfort is the disease of osteochondrosis.

The spinal cord is connected to the gastrointestinal tract by nerve fibers and pinching of the roots in the spine can cause severe pain in the middle or at the top of the abdominal cavity.

In addition to experiencing the discomfort associated with the fact that the stomach hurts, the patient experiences general weakness, dizziness and pain during flexion, extension of the spine.

A complete treatment of osteochondrosis is impossible, since the pathology is accompanied by irreversible changes at the level of vertebral tissues.

Symptomatic therapy is used, which helps relieve pain, improve blood circulation and eliminate muscle spasm.

Diaphragmatic hernia

Diaphragmatic hernia is a violation of the normal state of the diaphragm in the region of the esophagus. The causes are shaking of the body, which caused stretching and weakness of muscle tissues.

Subsequently, a pathological expansion of the aperture of the diaphragm occurs, which threatens to move the abdominal organs into the chest.

The resulting hernia does not bring sharp and sharp pains, but causes extremely unpleasant sensations in the upper abdomen.

Acute pain is possible with prolonged absence of treatment of the disease. It is provoked by pinching of blood vessels by muscle fibers.

Abdominal injury

Blunt abdominal trauma is characterized by the absence of open wounds and external bleeding. Despite this, there is damage to the internal organs that are located in the abdomen.

Injury is possible, both when struck with a blunt object, and as a result of strong shaking of the body, falling from a great height, even on a soft surface.

Depending on which part of the abdomen is affected, we can talk about what the consequences and complications can be.

After suffering a blunt blow, the following types of injuries occur:

1. A hematoma is a hollow formation that is filled with inflammatory fluid or blood. The pain manifests itself immediately after the impact. The damaged area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe abdomen covers the swelling, which is eliminated as the blood accumulation diverges.
2. Rupture of the spleen. Occurs after a strong blow to the left side of the hypochondrium. The spleen has a good blood supply, so after injury there is a rapid and large loss of blood. There is a sharp pain in the upper abdomen under the ribs. There is a risk of loss of consciousness due to extensive bleeding and pain.
3. Rib fractures. After injury, pain appears in the center of the chest and upper abdomen. Over time, the pain does not subside and can seriously increase, especially while walking and breathing deeply. Sharp pain in the upper abdomen can be a sign of an injury to the internal organs.
4. Rupture of the liver. Accompanied by profuse hemorrhage. The organ is covered with a protective membrane that does not allow blood to pass through it.

The filling of the liver capsule with blood, its painful stretching is formed. Prolonged absence of surgical intervention is fraught with death or disability.

The danger of blunt trauma is that a person may not immediately respond to its serious manifestation. Often a patient with pain in the upper abdomen after a blow arrives already in a critical situation.

Appendicitis

The location of the appendix is ​​such that its inflammation can cause pain in the upper abdomen. The pain is most often sharp and girdle.

The organ is located to the right of the stomach, but its defeat often also accompanies pain in the middle of the abdomen, nausea.

Blurred symptoms are observed in half of the patients, which may be the reason for the late diagnosis.

The treatment is surgical removal of the appendix.

myocardial infarction

During a heart attack, a certain area of ​​the heart muscle is rejected. The cause of the disease is a failure in the blood flow, namely, in the nutrition of this muscle due to the development of thrombosis, atherosclerosis.

In the pre-infarction state, patients complain that the upper abdomen hurts. This is due to the peculiarities of the location of the muscle of the myocardium and diaphragm.

Pain can be of varying intensity and character. Most often there is a sharp pain under the ribs.

With the manifestation of such symptoms, it is urgent to call a doctor, since a person's life depends on timely medical care.

Diseases of the digestive tract

Such diseases include pathologies of the following organs:

Liver

• Hepatitis.
• Cirrhosis.
• Oncology.

Diseases for a long time do not have any pronounced symptoms. With the degree of neglect of the disease, the upper abdomen hurts.

The pain begins its manifestation on the right, and then gives in the center in the abdomen and its upper part. There is nausea.

Treatment: Therapeutic actions in these cases depend on timely treatment.

If the disease is detected at an early stage, medical, surgical treatment is possible. The advanced course of the pathology is most often not subject to treatment.

Stomach

• Stenosis of the pylorus of the stomach. It develops against the background of long-term inflammatory diseases, nervous experiences and other pathologies. Able to form pain in the upper abdomen, especially after eating.
• Ulcer. It is one of the most common diseases, due to which there is an excessive production of gastric juice and irritation of the gastric mucosa. The disease is provoked by infections, beriberi, bad habits, stressful experiences. It causes severe pain in the entire stomach, including in the upper part of it.
• Gastritis. It has the same nature as an ulcer and is in the same group of pathologies. They differ in that gastritis affects the upper layer of the gastric mucosa, and peptic ulcer already leaves deep lesions. With gastritis, the stomach hurts after eating heavy and junk food, there is bloating.

Treatment consists in stabilizing nutrition, excluding the use of junk food, which contributes to indigestion and the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria.

The second stage is to take anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and saturate the microflora with beneficial bacteria.

Spleen

• Inflammation.
• Gap.
• cysts.

The body is rarely exposed to diseases. This is mainly due to inflammatory serious processes or injuries. Pathologies of the spleen cause pain in the abdomen from above.

Nausea is possible, both dull and acute pain. Most often, unpleasant symptoms are localized to the left of the abdominal cavity, but can spread under the ribs and in the middle.

Surgical intervention, therapy and long-term observation in a hospital are used.

Pancreas

Pancreatitis. The disease proceeds with the participation of the inflammatory process in the pancreas.

The organ is located on the left, but its features are such that, with certain disorders, the entire abdomen hurts, especially after a fatty meal.

Abdominal pain is most often girdle, so many mistake it for indigestion or spinal pathology.

A course of drug therapy is prescribed, which is based on taking anti-inflammatory drugs and antispasmodics.

gallbladder

Cholecystitis. It is characterized by the pathological formation of stones in the area of ​​the entire organ. It develops against the background of reduced immunity and metabolic disorders.

The protective mucous layer of the gallbladder is very sensitive, so when the stones grow, girdle pain appears in the upper part of the abdominal cavity under the ribs.

The disease requires surgical intervention. Without timely medical care, abdominal pain can lead to loss of consciousness, the development of a large number of dangerous complications.

In addition to the listed diseases of the digestive tract, discomfort in the abdomen can cause food poisoning or intestinal infections.

In this case, there is an extensive effect of toxins produced by bacteria on the mucous membranes of the abdominal organs, thereby provoking soreness.

It is necessary to monitor the quality of food consumed. The main symptom of poisoning is nausea and girdle pain in the abdomen.

Diagnostics

In order to determine why it hurts at the top of the abdomen, it is necessary to carry out all the necessary diagnostic measures.

Unpleasant sensations have a wide range of possible pathologies, which are dangerous in their own way.

The complexity of self-assessment also lies in the fact that the organ provoking pain can be located both on the right and on the left and radiate to the upper part of the peritoneum.

The following methods are used as diagnostics:

1. General urine and blood tests. If necessary, a fecal occult blood test may be needed.
2. FGDS.
3. X-ray.
4. An MRI or CT scan.
5. Ultrasound diagnosis.
6. Palpation, examination and history taking.

It should be noted that timely diagnosis will allow to exclude the further development of possible dangerous diseases, to make a decision on effective treatment.

Conclusion

The occurrence of pain in the upper part of the abdomen does not have an independent disease. The causes can be many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and in terms of neurology, the cardiovascular system.

It is wrong to eliminate pain for a long time with painkillers. Further inaction in relation to one's health has a detrimental effect on the patient's quality of life.

Useful video

Pain in the upper abdomen is a dangerous symptom that is a harbinger of many dangerous diseases. There are many reasons for such a state of affairs. Unpleasant sensations can overtake you suddenly and pass quickly, or they can annoy you for a long time.

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

A gastroenterologist will help you return to an active life.

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

Problems with the stomach and intestines can also cause pain. Man suffers from cramping, burning, pulling or pressing pain. Turning to will help you get back to an active life.

Unpleasant sensations are possible due to stretching of the organ capsule, which resembles a dense shell lined with connective tissue. A tumor, injury, or inflammation can be the precipitating factor causing the capsule to stretch. The severity of symptoms can range from a moderate level to a pronounced disease state.

When the capsule breaks, the patient's condition worsens. Poor circulation can also cause these conditions. Atherosclerotic lesion, blockage of a blood clot in response to the deterioration.

With gastric ulcer, the state of health worsens 15-45 minutes after the meal. The defeat of the duodenum is marked by delayed symptoms, which make themselves felt after 1-1.5 hours. In the presence of ulcers, unpleasant symptoms appear on an empty stomach and at bedtime, discomfort is felt in the shoulder blades.

A person has signs of bloating, the stool is disturbed. In case of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it improves the patient's condition, while the symptoms of problems with other parts of the body do not depend on this action. If suddenly you feel sharp sharp pains, it is better to call a specialist, as jokes are bad with an ulcer. The right treatment tactics will help you recover quickly.

Do you feel belching, burning and soreness behind the sternum? It is necessary to exclude inflammation of the esophagus. Other symptoms that confirm the presence of GERD are increased symptoms in the supine position, bending over and physical work.

liver problems

With cholelithiasis, patients describe the presence of bursting pains.

Muscle pain

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

The reason may be, physical overload, sports training and physical work. The worst option is a rupture of the abdominal ligaments, which occurs with intense excessive stress on atrophied muscles.

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

Problems in neurology

With osteochondrosis, compression of the roots of the spinal cord occurs. There are pains, concentrating in the spine. Infringement of the nerve roots makes the nerve supply, spleen and intestines defective.

The person begins to complain of cutting and stabbing sensations. Other neurotic symptoms appear that signal that it is time to take care of yourself. Massage, physiotherapy and special preparations will slow down progression a disease that is now popular and will significantly improve the condition.

The appearance of a hernia

When the organs are clamped, a hernia is formed. The person feels pain around the formation. When pressed, the round formation disappears. Patients with hernias of the esophagus face all the troubles that causes the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

The increase entails the expansion of the gate and stretching of the structures surrounding the defect of the abdominal wall. A dangerous phenomenon is considered to be the entry of organs into the abdominal sac, which is also accompanied by pain. Local sensations or pain in the entire abdomen may be diagnosed.

Metabolic disorders

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

Rules of conduct for abdominal pain

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

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

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

Until the initial verdict is issued, the heating pad must not be used. To somehow alleviate the condition, you can use ice. It is worth alerting if there is vomiting, fever.

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

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

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

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

Patients who come to the doctor very often complain of pain in the upper abdomen. Almost everyone has experienced similar feelings. The reasons for this discomfort can be very different.

Let's talk first about the pain in the upper abdomen on the right. They occur much more often than in the opposite area, due to the presence in this zone of such important organs as the liver and gallbladder. In addition, part of the intestine is located on the right. If any of these organs is injured or diseased, the upper abdomen will ache.

Liver damage

Heart failure, infection, chemical agents cause the liver to swell, which causes a pulling pain that is felt deep inside, and not on the surface. However, the discomfort persists.

Gallbladder damage

Stones in this organ, poor liver function, infection can provoke pain in the upper abdomen. Pain, unlike those that occur in the liver, is characterized by intensity, causing excessive sweating and even nausea.

Kidney pathologies

As you know, the kidneys are located on the sides, and therefore, if they are affected, pain occurs most often in the back. However, with a disease of the right kidney, the formation of an abscess in it, stones, an abscess, a blood clot, there may be pain in the upper right. If small stones that come out of the kidneys become the cause of discomfort, the pain can be extremely painful, paroxysmal and radiate to the inguinal zone.

Inflammation of the intestine

If that part of the intestine, which is located in the right region of the abdominal cavity, becomes inflamed, the person has pain in this area. Such a phenomenon occurs quite rarely. The pains resemble spasms, lasting a couple of minutes, stopping, and then repeating again. Along with this, there may be violations of the intestines in the form of constipation or diarrhea.

Pain in left upper abdomen

In this area are the spleen, stomach and part of the intestine. The spleen is close enough to the surface of the body. If, as a result of damage, the organ increases, its capsule stretches, which causes pain. Unpleasant sensations of a aching nature can also occur in the stomach as a result of irritation of its mucosa due to malnutrition, alcohol intake. In the case when pain in the upper abdomen on the left persists for more than a day, visit a doctor immediately - this condition may indicate an ulcer or even cancer stomach. But do not be afraid, such diseases are diagnosed infrequently, most likely, you have developed gastritis. In addition, discomfort in the abdominal region on the left can be caused by accumulated

Pathologies of the pancreas

Through the entire upper zone of the abdominal cavity, inflammation is stretched which can lead to pain in the left, middle, and right regions of the abdomen. Its defeat occurs as a result of the development of a tumor, when exposed to toxins, as a result of long-term use of steroids and diuretic drugs. Pain in the upper abdomen in such cases is quite sharp, deep, accompanied by fever and nausea.

Pain always takes us by surprise. Unpleasant sensations on top of the abdomen can break all plans and lead to real torment. As you know, the upper abdomen is an area where several vital organs are located, so pain in this place may indicate a number of pathologies - from to.

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

Overeating and stomach pain

Overeating is one of the most common and relatively harmless causes of abdominal pain. In especially difficult cases, it can lead to chronic pain and malfunction of the digestive tract. With frequent use of other products containing lactose, intolerance to lactose-containing products may occur.

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

Pain on top of the abdomen: what do they indicate?

Most often, pain under the breast indicates a violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Note! The strength and intensity of discomfort in this area may directly depend on the location of the nerve endings in the damaged organ.

To better understand how pain is formed and spreads in this place, it is necessary to get acquainted with various areas of the abdominal cavity. These include:

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

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

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

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

Another cause of pain is a violation of the sphincter - the muscles between the esophagus and stomach.

In case of violations of the sphincter, pain is often felt in the upper abdomen 1-2 fingers to the left of the center. With other pathologies of the esophagus - in the lower part of the sternum, behind it, at the top of the abdominal cavity. Sometimes - gives in the back.

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

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

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

For pain with spasm and stenosis of the pylorus of the stomach (sphincter pathologies), it is characteristic:

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

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

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

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

When an ulcer is complicated by bleeding, the typical picture of pain does not change, but the feces become black and liquid, vomiting resembles coffee grounds.

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

How it hurts at the top of the abdomen if the large and small intestines are affected

The small intestine begins after the gastric section, its walls are formed from smooth muscle tissue. The main task of this system is the continuation of the digestion of food and the subsequent pushing of its residues through the digestive tract.

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

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

Diseases of the liver, in which pain is possible at the top of the abdomen

The liver is located in the upper right side of the peritoneum. It performs a number of important functions - the elimination of toxic substances, the formation of bile and proteins, the accumulation of glycogen, etc. develop for various reasons and may manifest themselves in different ways.

Unpleasant sensations are often associated with an increase in the organ, because its inner surface is devoid of nerve endings, and the destruction of the hepatic parenchyma is painless. However, the tissue that surrounds the organ is quite sensitive, therefore, with a moderate increase in the organ, the pain is insignificant - in the form of discomfort in the right hypochondrium. Its amplification is observed with slopes, sharp turns, physical exertion.

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

Spleen pathologies

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

Perceptible soreness can be observed with such pathologies as:

Pain in the upper abdomen with pathologies of the pancreas

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

In acute inflammation of the pancreas (), the pain is sudden and intense from the first minutes of onset, aggravated by movement and deep inspiration. The main place of localization is the epigastric and navel zone, often the pain radiates to the back and hypochondrium. Often the pain is accompanied, repeated.

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

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

Other causes leading to abdominal pain in the upper part

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

• . Pain under the sternum is an atypical location for such a disease. It is not accompanied by other symptoms of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, but there is a blanching of the skin, changes in blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, increased sweating.
• Mechanical trauma of the abdomen. The nature and intensity of pain depends on the location of the injury, its intensity, the degree of damage to the affected organs.
• Diaphragmatic hernia. The expansion of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm can be asymptomatic, sometimes with a slight feeling of discomfort behind the sternum or minor pain after eating in the upper abdomen. When food goes beyond the diaphragm and infringement of such a hernia, acute pain occurs, indicating a threat to the patient's life.
• . In some cases, the onset of pain is observed not in the iliac fossa on the right, but in the epigastric region. The pain is moderate, and only after 30-60 minutes it moves directly to the location of the appendix and becomes intense.

Pain in the upper abdomen in pregnant women: what does it threaten?

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

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

Unfortunately, sometimes it is also threatening. So, sharp discomfort in the early stages may indicate a threat of miscarriage, as well as gynecological problems. In this case, the pregnant woman's stomach aches, it seems that contractions begin.

Important! Pain in various parts of the abdomen may indicate