Upper Abdominal Pain

Overview

Upper abdominal pain is discomfort felt in the area between the lower ribs and the navel. It is commonly related to the stomach and acid-related disease (acidity, gastritis, ulcers, reflux), the gallbladder (gallstones), or the liver. This page focuses on the upper-abdomen pattern; the broader assessment of abdominal pain is on the central Abdominal Pain page, which links here.

Common causes

• Acidity, gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
• Acid reflux / GERD.
• Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.
• Liver conditions, including fatty liver.
• Indigestion and functional dyspepsia.
• Excess gas and bloating.

Features that help identify the cause

• Burning related to meals and relieved by food or antacids — suggests acid-related disease.
• Pain in the right upper abdomen, worse after fatty food — suggests gallbladder disease.
• Pain with nausea, vomiting or jaundice — needs prompt assessment.
• Pain that is constant and severe — needs urgent assessment.

Evaluation and investigations

Evaluation reviews the relationship to food, any weight loss or bleeding, and medicine use. An abdominal ultrasound is often arranged to check the gallbladder and liver, and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is done when acid-related disease or ulcers are suspected. Blood tests include liver function and a complete blood count.

Management

Management treats the cause: acid-suppressing medicines and lifestyle measures for acid-related disease, specific treatment for H. pylori or ulcers, and appropriate management of gallstones or liver conditions — with referral when surgery or specialist care is needed.

Warning signs — seek urgent care

• Severe or sudden upper abdominal pain — emergency.
• Pain with vomiting blood or black, tarry stools.
• Pain with jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin).
• Pain with high fever and chills.
• Pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder.

How we help

Dr. Nayak identifies the cause of upper abdominal pain, arranges ultrasound and endoscopy as needed, and treats specifically — directing emergency cases to hospital. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Abdominal Pain
• Acidity and Heartburn
• Gastritis
• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Liver & Fatty Liver Health
• Abnormal Test Results