Upper Stomach Pain Causes

Sharp Upper Stomach Pain Can Be Serious

Upper stomach pain is a very general description of discomfort by a number of possible disorders and diseases.  It should also be noted that most people make little distinction between upper stomach pain and upper abdomen pain. Medically speaking, they're not the same thing, but for purposes of this article, we're going to consider "upper stomach pain" to mean pain that occurs from the bottom of the breastbone (also known as the sternum) to the area just below the naval. For information about pain causes below this arbitrary dividing line, click on lower stomach pain.  

Pain that most people describe as upper stomach pain isn't just limited to the organ we call the stomach itself. Pain in the upper stomach area could come from a number of other organs that reside in the same vicinity.

When discussing upper stomach pain, there are lots of possibilities to consider - dozens in fact. We'll concentrate on the most common. Even so, descriptions of upper stomach pain causes must still be brief.

Sadly, one of the most frequent causes of sharp upper stomach pain is cancer. Many cancers do not cause pain until they have advanced to a dangerous stage. Among the cancers that cause sharp upper stomach pain are stomach cancer, liver cancer, pancreas cancer, cancer of the spleen and gallbladder cancer.

Besides cancer, there are several disorders related to the stomach that cause severe upper stomach pain.

Gastritis occurs when the stomach is inflamed. Stomach ulcers are a form of gastritis. Ulcers are among the most common severe upper stomach pain causes.

A gastric ulcer is found inside the stomach itself. A duodenal ulcer is actually located just beyond the stomach in the beginning of the small intestine. A bleeding ulcer occurs when part of the stomach becomes so eroded that the lining starts to bleed.

A stomachache and an upset stomach may produce similar symptoms: stomach pain, belching, bloating, a feeling of fullness and stomach gas. The medical term for an upset stomach is dyspepsia.

Gastroenteritis is better known as the stomach "flu" or a stomach virus. It can cause many of the same symptoms as an upset stomach, plus diarrhea and vomiting. Upper stomach pain is common, and sometimes intense, with this illness.

Acid reflux is the condition that most people call heartburn. Most of the time, it's temporary but it can be chronic. It's also known as gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD. Acid reflux occurs when powerful stomach acid gets past the valve that normally separates the stomach from the esophagus. This acid burns the lining of the esophagus, which is made of more tender tissue than the inside of the stomach.

A gallbladder attack may cause sharp upper stomach pain that can radiate around to the back and even up near the shoulder blades. Gallstones can also cause severe upper stomach pain and discomfort. Gallbladder problems often happen after you've eaten a rich, fatty meal that is high in cholesterol.

There are a number of problems related to the liver that cause upper stomach pain, including hepatitis. Some hepatitis patients say they experience pain, while others do not.

Cirrhosis of the liver is likely to cause upper stomach pain.

Primary biliary cirrhosis is a form of cirrhosis that occurs in the bile duct, which is a tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine. Primary biliary cirrhosis features darkening of the skin as one of its symptoms.

Ascites is a liver-related disorder that occurs when fluid accumulates in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity). Upper stomach pain is a typical symptom.

Pancreatitis can cause life-threatening complications in addition to upper stomach pain. The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach. It plays an important role in regulating the way your body processes sugar. When it becomes inflamed, it sometimes triggers severe upper stomach pain. Pancreatitis can be acute, appearing unexpectedly and lasting a few days. But it can also be chronic and last for years. 

Heart disease can sometimes cause referred pain in the upper stomach. "Referred pain" is a term that means a problem is located in one part of the body, but the pain is felt in another. Jaw pain, for instance, can be a symptom of an impending heart attack.

An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) can cause upper stomach pain. An enlarged spleen is usually a symptom of some other underlying disorder, which could be an infection, anemia, or cancer. A ruptured spleen, which is usually caused by a blow or some kind of trauma, can be a serious medical emergency characterized by upper stomach pain.

Conclusion The list of upper stomach pain causes above is not exhaustive. They are meant only to give you an overview of some of the many possiblities.

Persistent upper stomach pain that lasts more than a day or so is sufficient reason to call your doctor.

Also see Causes Of Stomach Pain.