There are many causes of upper abdominal pain. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, pain can originate in the abdomen, or it can be referred from another body part, such as the chest. Severe abdominal pain does not necessarily signal serious abdominal problems, although certain life-threatening abdominal conditions can cause significant abdominal pain.
Gastritis
Gastritis can cause upper abdominal pain. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases--a division of the National Institutes of Health--gastritis is inflammation of the stomach mucosa. The mucosa is the stomach's inner lining and is composed of acid-, enzyme- and mucus-producing cells. If the stomach's inner lining becomes inflamed, it produces less acid, enzymes and mucus. Gastritis can be acute or chronic, and if chronic gastritis is not treated early in the disease process, it can last for many years or even a lifetime. Common symptoms associated with gastritis include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Together, this triad of symptoms is called dyspepsia. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a person with chronic gastritis may have a greater risk of developing peptic ulcer disease, stomach polyps and gastric tumors.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer can cause upper abdominal pain. MayoClinic.com states that pancreatic cancer originates in the pancreas--an organ that secretes digestive enzymes and hormones that help govern blood glucose levels. The pancreas is a long, thin organ that lies horizontally and is situated behind the lower half of the stomach. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, and it often has a poor prognosis, even when detected early in the disease process. MayoClinic.com states that pancreatic cancer causes few signs or symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Although pancreatic cancer signs and symptoms manifest late in the disease process, when they do appear, they may include upper abdominal pain, back pain, yellowing of the skin, anorexia or a loss of appetite, weight loss, depression and blood clots.
Volvulus
A volvulus can cause upper abdominal pain. According to the National Institutes of Health, a volvulus is a twisting of the intestine that may occur during childhood. The twisting causes an intestinal blockage, which can lead to reduced intestine circulation and possible intestinal damage. The NIH states that a volvulus is caused by a birth defect called intestinal malrotation. Intestinal malrotation increases the likelihood that an infant will develop a volvulus, although a volvulus can occur without intestinal malrotation. An intestinal malrotation-related volvulus typically occurs within the first year of life. Common symptoms associated with a volvulus include bloody stools, constipation, an enlarged abdomen, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and shock. According to the NIH, volvulus-related symptoms are usually severe enough to prompt a trip to the emergency room, where medical intervention is often required to ensure the infant's survival.
