Numerous conditions can cause pain in the upper stomach. According to MayoClinic.com, the abdomen is the portion of the torso between the chest and the pelvis. The abdomen is a common source of pain. In fact, any structure within the abdomen can cause pain, including the stomach. Stomach pain may be caused by the stomach itself or by structures close to the stomach such as the esophagus or small intestine.
Esophagitis
Esophagitis can cause pain in the upper stomach. According to the Cleveland Clinic, esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, which is the tube that transports food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. If left unchecked, esophagitis can cause significant pain, along with problems swallowing and scarring of the esophagus. A backflow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus, vomiting, certain medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatories, and certain infectious agents that weaken the immune system can cause esophagitis. Common signs and symptoms associated with esophagitis include heartburn, painful swallowing and difficulty swallowing. The Cleveland Clinic states that most causes of esophagitis usually respond well to treatment, although some causes, such as acid reflux, may require long-term care.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can cause pain in the upper stomach. MedlinePlus states that a person with GERD experiences a burning pain behind the sternum or breastbone. In most cases, GERD-related pain is caused by stomach contents leaking from the stomach into the esophagus. Certain risk factors can increase a person's chances of developing GERD, including hiatal hernia, pregnancy and a condition called scleroderma. According to MedlinePlus, other risk factors include obesity, cigarettes and, in some cases, alcohol consumption. Common signs and symptoms associated with GERD include the sensation of food trapped behind the sternum; burning chest pain that's made worse by bending, stooping or eating; chest pain that's worse at night; nausea after eating; coughing; wheezing; voice changes and sore throat.
Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer can cause pain in the upper stomach. According to 2009 information from the National Cancer Institute, approximately 13,000 men and 8,000 women in America are diagnosed with gastric or stomach cancer each year, most of whom are over the age of 70. Common signs and symptoms associated with gastric cancer include pain or discomfort in the stomach region, problems with swallowing, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, the sensation of fullness after a small meal, vomiting blood and blood in the stool. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing gastric cancer, such as infection of the stomach lining by the Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term stomach inflammation, smoking, a family history of gastric cancer, a diet lacking in nutritionally-dense foods, sedentary living and obesity. The NCI states that most people who have known risk factors do not develop stomach cancer.
