What causes discomfort in the upper abdomen?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Upper abdominal discomfort may be caused by consuming excessive greasy or hard-to-digest foods. Eating too much food at once can lead to indigestion. It could also be due to chronic gastritis, usually resulting from Helicobacter pylori infection, or eating unclean or spoiled food. Peptic ulcer disease may also cause the above symptoms, typically due to long-term heavy alcohol consumption or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Discomfort in the upper abdomen may be caused by indigestion, or could result from conditions such as chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer disease.
1. Indigestion
Upper abdominal discomfort may occur after consuming excessive amounts of greasy foods, such as fried chicken or cake, or foods that are difficult to digest, such as eggs and seaweed. It may also result from overeating in a single meal, leading to indigestion. This condition may be accompanied by symptoms such as belching, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
2. Chronic Gastritis
Discomfort may also stem from chronic gastritis, which is usually caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or ingestion of unclean or spoiled food. Symptoms may include bloating, acid reflux, a burning sensation in the stomach, and pain.
3. Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers can also cause the aforementioned symptoms. They are typically caused by long-term heavy alcohol consumption or prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), resulting in increased gastric acid and pepsin levels that damage the gastrointestinal mucosa. Common symptoms include nausea and recurrent upper abdominal pain; severe cases may present with bloody stools or weight loss.
