Aching, gnawing and cramping pain felt in the pit of the upper part of the stomach can be more than a sign of an upset stomach. Sometimes, certain organs can be inflamed or clots can obstruct important vessels surrounding the stomach and lead to this pain. Sometimes, eating fatty foods can also lead to upper abdominal pain. Fortunately, the causes of upper abdominal pain can be treated.
Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis refers to an inflammation of the pancreas that typically occurs suddenly and last for three or more days. The Mayo Clinic says that acute pancreatitis symptoms include upper abdominal pain that moves to the back and worsens with eating. This condition also causes upper abdominal pain when leaning forward. Vomiting, nausea and abdominal tenderness are other symptoms of acute pancreatitis. As the disease progresses, indigestion, weight loss and smelly stools can result.
Some causes of pancreatitis include alcoholism, abdominal surgery, cystic fibrosis, ulcers and pancreatic cancer.
Treating pancreatitis involves avoiding food in order to rest the pancreas, receiving intravenous (through the vein) fluids and taking pain medications. Avoiding alcohol, receiving supplemental pancreatic enzymes, altering the diet and having surgery can also help manage pancreatitis.
Budd-Chiari Syndrome
The Merck Manual, a compilation of online medical information for the medical professional, says Budd-Chiari syndrome is a condition in which blood clots obstruct the blood vessels that are supposed to send blood from the liver to another, larger vessel called the inferior vena cava.
Symptoms of Budd-Chiari syndrome include upper abdominal pain, fatigue, leg swelling or abdominal swelling (ascites) and varicose veins in the legs. Sometimes, vomiting blood may also occur.
Conditions that lead to blood clotting make individuals susceptible to Budd-Chiari syndrome. Some causes of Budd-Chiari syndrome include sickle cell disease, inflammatory bowel disease, connective tissue disorders and excess red blood cells (polycythemia).
Treating this condition involves taking anticoagulant medications to dissolve the blood clots. Also, a procedure can be performed to remove a clot. Sometimes, a liver transplant may be needed to manage Budd-Chiari syndrome.
Gallstones
Gallstones refer to hardened digestive substances that form in the gallbladder. MedlinePlus says that symptoms of gallstones include abdominal pain in the right or middle upper part of the stomach. Sometimes, this stomach pain actually spreads to the shoulder. Other symptoms of gallstones include yellowing of the skin or eyes, a fever, stomach fullness, vomiting and nausea.
Suffering from diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver and losing weight at a rapid pace can all predispose people to getting gallstones.
Treating gallstones involves having the gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy) or taking chenodeoxycholic acids to dissolve the gallstones. Sometimes, shock wave lithotripsy can be used to dissolve gallstones.
