The abdomen is that part of the body which is below the ribs and above the hips. Many people call it the belly, tummy, trunk or gut. When one experience pain in around that area, its called abdominal pain.
The upper part of your abdomen house several crucial and essential organs. These include:
• Spleen
• Stomach
• Pancreas
• Adrenal Gland
• Kidney
• Part of your colon
• Gallbladder
• Liver
• Part of the small intestine.
Causes of Upper abdominal pain
Upper abdomen pain can be associated with temporary problems such as indigestion or gas. Chronic or severe upper abdominal pain may occur due to other digestive tract conditions Normally, upper abdominal pain is caused by pulled muscle and goes away on its own. But some other underlying conditions could lead to discomfort in the area.
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-Pain originating in the stomach or oesophagus is often felt in the upper abdomen.
Hernia hiatal- where weakening in the diaphragm allows the stomach to protrude into the chest.
Gastritis-it happens when there is Inflammation on the stomach lining or ulcers.
Gall stones- upper abdomen pain, may originate in the gallbladder or liver and may be due to gall stones, hepatitis, or liver abscess.
Pleurisy- inflammation of the lining around the lungs, may occur in the chest but can also be felt in the upper abdomen.
If Upper abdominal pain that does not settle within a day or two, that means it’s a serious medical condition. If your upper abdominal pain is lasting or causes you concern, seek immediate medical care.
Symptoms – Upper abdominal pain may accompany other symptoms affecting the digestive system including:
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Swelling or distension or bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Bloody stool
• Changes in bowel movements
• Gas
• Indigestion
• Nausea with or without vomiting
Additional symptoms that may occur along with upper abdominal pain:
• Fever
• Body ache|
• Cough
• General ill feeling
• Enlarged liver/ glands
• Palpable mass in the abdomen
• Rash
• Unexpected weight loss
Serious symptoms that might have a life-threatening effect. In some cases, upper abdominal pain may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting like chest pain or tightness, palpitations pressure, high fever, respiratory problems, bloody stool or vomiting blood, etc.
Diagnosis of Upper Abdominal Pain
The cause of upper abdominal pain can be diagnosed based on its symptoms, a physical inspection, and testing. Your doctor is likely to ask you questions about the symptoms of the pain, the patterns of pain, and whether you have any underlying medical problem that could be subscribing to your upper abdominal pain.
Diagnosis may involve:
• Physical examination
• Pathology tests — complete blood count (CBC), liver enzymes, pancreatic enzymes(amylase and lipase), pregnancy, and urinalysis tests
• Abdomen XRAY
• Radiographic examinations
• CT scan of the abdomen and Ultrasound
Treatment
Depending on the final diagnosis you will be treated by general physician (i.e. ulcers, infection) or referred to a laparoscopy surgeon (appendicitis, ovarian torsion), gastroenterologist, or gynaecologist
For simple upper abdominal pain
• A heating cushion or soaking in a tub of warm water may lower the pain.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids may work for pain relief or injection may be given in hip arm or leg
But in case of severity, the patient may behospitalised if he/ she needs surgery. It may happen when pain comes from an infected internal organ, such as the appendix or gallbladder, Bowel obstruction or if the patient’s pain comes from a ruptured or perforated organ.
Sometimes even the radiological and other Scan investigations cannot ascertain the diagnosisthen laparoscopy is one of the modalities that could be of benefit known as exploratory laparotomy. Most surgeons feel that the above treatment is a more accurate examination and carries less morbidity and mortality.
Hence in the event of chronic and severe abdominal pain try to reach out to a specialist. There are several expert surgeons in the city of Mumbai for this particular medical condition. One of them is Dr. Amarnath Upadhye, a renowned laparoscopic and Bariatric surgeon in Mumbai.
For further queries contact Dr Amarnath Upadhye on 9821070229
Or visit www.laparoscopyandheri.com
Consultant Laparoscopic, GI and Weight loss Surgeon:
Bellevue Hospital Andheri (W)– 66868600, CritiCare Hospital Andheri (E)– 62316666,
Nanavati Hospital Vile Parle (W), Hinduja Healthcare Khar.
