Sharp pain just above the navel. Causes of pain. What to do if your stomach hurts above the navel

If a person has never experienced pain in the abdomen, below or above, then he can be listed in the Red Book as an endangered specimen. Such pain is present in everyone's life. It can occur even in a completely healthy person. Sometimes it may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms.

Causes of pain in the upper and lower abdomen

According to statistics, more than half of patients annually visit a gynecologist with constant complaints of constant or recurrent pain. Their number could be greater, but not every woman considers such pain a serious problem. In most cases discomfort in the lower abdomen provoke gynecological diseases or diseases urinary system.

It is slightly less common for men to complain of pain in the upper or lower abdomen. In some cases, the cause of pain may be a disease of the intestines, as well as the stomach, liver, pancreas and even kidneys.

Causes of pain in the upper abdomen

Pain in the upper abdomen occurs with common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis, gallbladder dysfunction, and stomach spasms. If your stomach hurts in any area, you should not massage it, as this can cause bleeding.

Pain can sometimes be caused by banal overeating. Our food may contain a lot of fat and increase the process of gas formation. The body may not accept the lactose found in dairy products. All this can also cause temporary pain, which usually goes away after a few hours.

Pain can cause more serious illnesses important organs located in this area. Determining what exactly hurts is quite difficult, since pain can migrate. Moreover, pain can be radiated to the abdominal area from organs located outside the abdominal cavity, such as with pneumonia.

If the pain is widespread around the navel, it may be associated with an intestinal disorder or inflammation of the appendix. Inflammation of the appendix can occur when stool stagnates in the rectum. If a swollen appendix does not seek medical attention, it can rupture and cause peritonitis, which is a serious infection that develops in the abdominal cavity and can be life-threatening.

If the pain extends slightly above the navel, then it is definitely a stomach pain. The cause may be gastritis or a stomach ulcer. Increased stomach acidity can also cause discomfort in the upper abdomen.

If the pain is persistent, then you can suspect problems duodenum, as well as the pancreas and gallbladder.

If the pain is in the upper abdomen on the left, then it signals changes in the colon and also the stomach and pancreas.

If the pain is in the upper abdomen on the right and it is especially severe, it is most likely inflammatory process in the gallbladder. She can also give to the back.

Pancreatitis - a disease of the pancreas or disorders of the duodenum also causes pain in the upper abdomen.

If severe, acute and persistent pain appears in the upper abdomen, it is imperative to seek qualified help from official medicine.

Causes of pain in the lower abdomen

Gynecological diseases. Inflammatory processes occurring in the internal genital organs, genital endometriosis, adhesions, uterine fibroids, genital tuberculosis, and other diseases.

Various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Vascular diseases.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Diseases of the urinary system.

Pathologies of peripheral nervous system.

Mental illness of different nature.

These are just the main groups of diseases that cause discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen. It is absolutely clear that it is absolutely impossible to independently diagnose such pain. If pain in the lower abdomen occurs, it is absolutely necessary to contact a qualified specialist to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe an adequate, successful treatment for the problem that has arisen.

Causes of pain in the lower abdomen in women

Pain in the lower abdomen is divided into 3 groups:

This is pelvic pain. Unpleasant sensations, pain or discomfort deep inside the abdomen that haunt a woman either constantly or especially manifest themselves after or during physical activity. They can also occur as a result of hypothermia.

Dysmenorrhea is the usual pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, which almost every woman experiences.

Dyspareunia is pain that occurs in the lower abdomen during sexual intercourse.

Cause of acute pain in the lower abdomen as a symptom of disease

Doctors, when examining patients with complaints of acute pain in the lower abdomen, need to take into account the patient’s perception of pain, as well as take into account pain perception thresholds on an individual basis.

When pain appears in patients, it is necessary to take into account what the onset was (acute or gradual), where the “center” of pain is, what other symptoms are present (nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, bleeding). It is also important to immediately determine whether the pain is associated with upcoming menstrual syndrome or pregnancy.

A very common cause of acute pain in the lower abdomen is ordinary cystitis. In this case, frequent urination, pain when going to the toilet, and blood in the urine are often observed. If there are no such symptoms, then perhaps the reason is different - it may be inflammation of the appendages, intestinal problems and many other diseases that require professional approach And specific treatment.

Bleeding from the genitals - most often the problem is diseases of the reproductive system

Chills and fever – inflammation and infections of the pelvic organs

Vomiting and nausea - most often indicate diseases of the intestinal tract

Fainting and shock - most often these symptoms indicate the presence of intra-abdominal bleeding

Painful urination – urinary tract diseases

It should be noted that the symptoms of the disease can be completely different and united only by the location of the pain and its type: girdling, pulling, sharp, cutting, acidic burning, discomfort associated with constipation or diarrhea.

As we noted above, the causes of abdominal pain can be different. These are any disorders, tension digestive tract stress-related, indigestion, heartburn, gallstones, peptic ulcer, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning. Spasms may also occur that are associated with muscles, including those located in the walls of the digestive tract. And in the latter case, such painful contractions can easily be confused with abdominal pain.

What to do if you have pain in the upper or lower abdomen?

The stupidest thing would be to sit at home and wonder why the pain arose or to delve into the Internet, imagining yourself an experienced doctor. You need to make an appointment with a gynecologist and surgeon and go through them full examination. If these doctors could not identify visible reasons pain, you can consult an osteopathic doctor; perhaps the causes of your pain are muscle spasms or spasms in the ligaments that connect the internal organs.

This is the most common pain indicating disease that is encountered in the practice of gynecologists. At the same time, such acute pain in the lower abdomen is very nonspecific, since it can appear in the case of various diseases. For example, as is known, in the pelvic region the concentration of nerve endings is small, and therefore the pain that comes from the pelvic organs is not very well differentiated in the central nervous system. In this case, the pain often seems to radiate, and some women, even after removing the cause of the pain, often continue to feel it; this phenomenon is called “phantom pain.”

What to do with acute pain in the lower abdomen?

If you have a sharp and acute pain in the lower abdomen, then this state of affairs is most often symptoms of bleeding, ruptures and other acute pathologies and processes occurring in the body. In addition, acute pain can also appear in the case of acute infectious diseases of the reproductive system and colic in the urinary tract.

The pain can be constantly pulling in the groin area, can move from left to right, can intensify and vice versa. It is quite difficult to identify what is causing the pain and what to do about it. An exception may be easily diagnosed inflammation of appendicitis, stomach ulcers, or problems in the pelvic area. Pain in the lower abdomen also appears with acute or aggravated chronic process in parts of the digestive tract, such as peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis.

Doctors' advice is not to self-medicate for pain, as this can make a lot of mistakes and worsen the situation. Under no circumstances should you undergo treatment in sanatoriums or undergo physical procedures until the results of the examination are available.

Self-use of antibiotics can lead to complications in other organs, lead to the fact that microbes will be resistant to this drug and even its analogues. You also cannot independently reduce the dose of medication or even interrupt the prescribed course of treatment. It is necessary to adhere to the exact treatment regimen and tactics determined by the attending physician.

What should women do if they have pain in the lower or upper abdomen?

As for women, they may experience pain due to inflammation of the pelvic organs. Chronic diseases occur as a result of hypothermia, viral diseases and weakened immunity. Most women suffer from similar problems. Basically, inflammatory processes of the ovaries and uterus can be progressive. If you feel pain in the lower abdomen, what should you do when these pains are aching and radiate to the rectum, sometimes to the lower back, then you can immediately rule out appendicitis and consult a gynecologist.

Dangerous symptom can be pain during pregnancy. Hospitalization is required if there is an ectopic pregnancy, the uterus is enlarged, the placenta has separated, or there is a threat of miscarriage. To avoid future health problems, consult a doctor. Natural pain includes the specifics of fetal development, as a result of pressure on the walls of the intestines or stomach, and stretched ligaments in the uterine area. Gymnastics for pregnant women and proper nutrition will help here. In case of acute pain, only contact the ambulance service and a doctor. Diagnosis of chronic pain syndromes is difficult, so it is better to be examined by a good specialist.

When should you go to the doctor if you have abdominal pain?

If you start to have abdominal pain, this does not mean that you need to immediately run to the doctor and start panicking. We will talk about that pain and its symptoms. In which case it is necessary to consult a doctor.

When should you see a doctor?

In case the pain is very severe, you cannot bend over and any movement makes it worse, in cases where the pain may also be accompanied by nausea that lasts for several days.

Abdominal pain is also accompanied by other changes: diarrhea, constipation, spotting, and all this is also accompanied by an increase in temperature

The upper abdomen hurts, the urine becomes dark, the skin and whites of the eyes become yellow

Spasms last more than half an hour and do not stop

The pain is also accompanied by vomiting, sweating, tightness inside, and difficulty breathing. Here you should be able to distinguish, because such pain can easily be confused with myocardial infarction, when the most urgent health care.

What to do if stomach pain is caused by pills?

In addition, pain can also be caused by taking medicines. If pain appears simultaneously with the start of treatment or shortly after eating, it is best to consult a doctor about the possibility of finding alternative medications and diagnosing allergies.

Stomach irritants, causing pain:

stimulant pills

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are used in cases of sprains

stimulant tablets (for toothache, headaches, colds) - Aspirin, Naproxen.

The middle zone in the upper part (floor) of the abdomen is called the epigastrium (epigastrium). It starts from the sternum and extends down to the conditional line above the navel connecting the lower ribs. On the left and right it is limited by the costal arches. The outer edge of the rectus muscles divides the upper part into the central zone and hypochondrium.

Topographic anatomy suggests that the epigastric zone includes:

• about a third of the stomach;
• bulb and upper section duodenum;
• the place of transition of the duodenum into the jejunum;
• left lobe of the liver;
• partially gallbladder and ducts;
• apex of buds;
• head and body of the pancreas;
• abdominal aorta with celiac trunk;
• a small section of the heart sac (pericardium);
• celiac plexus of nerve fibers and nodes;
• inferior vena cava.

From above, the epigastrium and the entire abdominal cavity are separated from the thoracic cavity by powerful muscles of the diaphragm. Through it, through a special opening, the esophagus approaches the stomach. The intestinal loops fit closely below.

The right hypochondrium zone includes the following projection: liver with part of the gallbladder, flexure colon, right kidney with adrenal gland. The left hypochondrium includes: the fundus, the cardiac part of the stomach and part of the body, the spleen, partially the left lobe of the liver, the caudal end of the pancreas, the left kidney.

Abdominal pain above the navel covers the central and lateral areas top floor. We will look at the characteristics of acute and chronic organ damage that causes this symptom.

Pain due to pathology of the stomach and duodenum

Sudden paroxysmal pain in the upper abdomen in the middle appears with acute gastritis, food poisoning, perforated ulcer. The intensity of gastric pain is weaker than with an ulcer. They follow the intake of food, alcohol, toxic substances and products.

Caused by contraction of muscle fibers, spasm. Accompanied by belching, heartburn, and vomiting of sour contents. They can radiate to the navel area, to the hypochondrium.

Sharp “dagger” pain during a peptic ulcer indicates a perforation of the wall and exit into the abdominal cavity

During penetration, patients are often in a state of pain shock: they turn pale, are covered in sticky cold sweat, and the arterial pressure, a frequent weak pulse is determined. A forced position with hands pressed to the stomach is typical. Due to the development of peritonitis, when pressing on the abdomen, the muscles feel stiff and tense.

Perforation often occurs during an exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease. But there are “silent” ulcers that previously went unnoticed by the patient and are detected only with severe complication. In men, ulcer perforation is recorded 8 times more often than in women. Young and middle-aged people are affected.

At chronic course gastritis and peptic ulcers, exacerbations occur in spring and autumn, with poor diet, and stressful situations. The pain in the middle of the upper abdomen feels constant, aching, dull.

In case of inflammation in the stomach, they appear half an hour to an hour after eating, and in case of duodenitis, duodenal ulcer - no earlier than 1.5 hours or at night, in the morning on an empty stomach. Eating food “calms” the stomach when increased acidity. Patients relieve night pain by drinking warm milk.

In a hypoacid state, the pain is less severe, but more persistent. Intestinal function is impaired. Worrying about frequent diarrhea, bloating, heaviness. Patients are prone to infection and development of gastroenteritis.

Peptic ulcer disease causes impaired motility of the stomach and intestines, so patients are more likely to experience constipation. A long-term course of a stomach ulcer is accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, the development of iron deficiency anemia, and hypovitaminosis.

In a hyperacid state, the course is more favorable, appetite is preserved. Nausea and vomiting at the height of the attack are characteristic, relieving pain. Usually with accumulation gastric juice overnight it arises in the morning. Young women even suspect pregnancy. Vomiting is more common in chronic alcoholics.

The likelihood of degeneration into a cancerous tumor is greatest against the background of atrophic gastritis, ulcers with reduced acidity. In this case, pain in the abdomen above the navel is not associated with food intake, it is constant, and worsens at night.

How does the liver and gallbladder hurt?

Hepatitis - inflammation of the liver parenchyma - does not cause severe pain; patients complain of a feeling of heaviness, fullness in the epigastrium and right hypochondrium. The disease causes loss of all organ functions.

Therefore, severe intoxication manifests itself: heat, nausea, dizziness. Diarrhea is a consequence of a violation of the synthesis of digestive enzymes. Failure of hormonal balance during a long course of hepatitis leads to infertility in adult men and women.

Liver damage, in addition to pain, is characterized by the following symptoms. Yellowness of the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes is caused by impaired outflow of bile and destruction of hepatocytes. The feces become light-colored and the urine darkens due to altered metabolism of the bilirubin pigment.

Manifestations of portal hypertension - increased pressure in the vessels of the portal vein (with cirrhosis):

• dilation of the veins of the esophagus, the anterior wall of the abdomen (“head of the jellyfish”);
• ascites in the abdominal cavity (fluid accumulation);
• enlargement of the spleen due to the deposition of part of the blood.

Hepatic encephalopathy - fatigue, apathy, drowsiness and impaired consciousness up to coma, are associated with the cessation of detoxification and the effect of toxic waste on the brain. Hepatic colic refers to attacks of pain caused by spasm or obstruction of the gallbladder and ducts. They are caused by the advancement of stones or disruption of the nervous regulation of smooth muscles (dyskinesia).

Gallstone disease is manifested by cramping pain under the ribs on the right with irradiation into the epigastrium, into the chest to the level of the collarbone, into the shoulder, and scapula. At the same time, nausea and bitter vomiting appear, which does not bring relief to the patient. The attack may last several hours and be accompanied by elevated temperature, chills, weakness, headache.

Disturbed central regulation causes too much spastic contraction of the bile ducts or relaxation

Dyskinesia of the hyper- or hypokinetic type is characteristic of people who are nervous, emotional, and prone to worry. The patient feels either cramping, short-term pain, or dull pain caused by stretching and overflow of bile. The symptom is regarded as a harbinger of cholecystitis.

Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder wall, often combined with the presence of stones, then called calculous. The onset is usually sudden, at night. Obese women are most susceptible to the disease. In the chronic course, attacks are provoked by poor diet (fatty and fried foods), physical activity, stress, and shaking in transport.

Each exacerbation causes attacks of pain in the upper abdomen on the right. During the interictal period, patients feel dull pain in the stomach, back, nausea, suffer from heartburn, unstable stools, flatulence, itchy skin. Headaches, insomnia, weakness, and memory loss occur.

Particular attention is paid to the possibility of liver injury. Doctors urgently need to find out why the stomach hurts during accidents, a fall, or an accident. The organ is damaged by a fracture of the ribs, and the capsule ruptures from a mechanical shock.

The pain is localized in the victim's upper abdomen and radiates to the right collarbone and scapula. The intensity depends on the severity of the damage. The “Vanka-Vstanka” symptom is typical - increased pain in horizontal position and weakening when sitting, so that the victim always refuses to lie down.

Liver injury is dangerous due to the development of massive internal bleeding. It cannot stop spontaneously; the blood is mixed with bile and loses its ability to clot. The person becomes pale, blood pressure decreases, and the skin appears sticky sweat. The condition is life-threatening. Emergency measures are needed.

Pain due to pancreatic pathology

Diseases of the pancreas cause pain in the abdomen above the navel. They can radiate to the right and left hypochondrium, in the back, shoulder blades, spine, in the umbilical zone. Often described by patients as "girdling".

In acute inflammation (pancreatitis) they appear suddenly. Preceded by alcohol consumption, fatty and fried foods, excessive overeating. The pain is very intense, accompanied by nausea and repeated vomiting without relief.

Severe intoxication is caused by enzymes entering the blood. Upon examination, cyanosis of the face and limbs is revealed, pinpoint hemorrhages on the stomach, buttocks, sharp pain in the abdomen.

Chronic pancreatitis manifests itself depending on the degree of organ damage:

• inflammation in the head of the gland and body - gives a picture of right-sided pain radiating to the abdominal cavity, chest, shoulder blade and back;
• when localized only in the tail and body, pain spreads from the left hypochondrium and epigastrium to the left side, scapula;
• Total inflammation is characterized by girdle pain.

An exacerbation causes “cutting, drilling” pain, which intensifies while lying down in the evening. Hunger helps relieve pain. Other signs worth noting:

• diarrhea several times a day with remnants of undigested particles and a fatty film in feces ah (patients notice that they have difficulty flushing the toilet);
• increased production of saliva;
• burping;
• nausea and vomiting;
• bloating;
• loss of appetite with aversion to fatty foods;
• weight loss

Pancreatitis may be accompanied by signs of dysfunction of the gallbladder, stomach, and intestines

A malignant tumor of the pancreas is most often localized in the head. The growth of the formation serves as a mechanical obstacle to the outflow of bile and enzymes of the gland itself. Therefore, clinical symptoms are detected early in attacks hepatic colic, prolonged jaundice with a bronze tint.

The location of cancer in the body or area of ​​the tail of the gland makes it possible to get sick much later. Sometimes, before the development of severe pain, the patient notes a decrease in appetite, a feeling of heaviness in the epigastrium and just above the navel, nausea, belching, and bloating.

Pain due to lesions of the spleen

Pain is caused by stretching of the spleen capsule. It is characterized by massive innervation and responds to swelling and enlargement of the organ. Abscess and infarction of the spleen can also cause pain. The intensity is more similar to the feeling of heaviness in the left hypochondrium and epigastrium.

Enlargement of the spleen occurs:

• for acute and chronic infectious diseases (tuberculosis, Infectious mononucleosis, malaria, septic condition);
• massive hemolysis of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, long-term hemodialysis);
• blood deposition and congestive enlargement due to portal hypertension;
• autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus);
• blood diseases (lymphomas, lymphocytic leukemia, myeloid leukemia).

In addition to pain, hypersplenism syndrome is manifested by: a decrease in all blood cells (pancytopenia), severe anemia (pallor, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness), a tendency to infections and bleeding.

The spleen deposits some of the blood to relieve the hepatic network

Pain caused by hernia of the white line of the abdomen

The linea alba is the interweaving of the tendon bundles of the broad abdominal muscles. It stretches from the sternum vertically to pubic symphysis. Weak points are the openings where blood vessels and nerves pass.

Pain in the upper center of the abdomen masks any listed diseases. A significant difference in diagnosis is the lack of connection with the time of intake and the nature of food, increased after stress on the abdominal muscles, coughing, straining, laughter.

First, fatty tissue penetrates into the defect. Along with it, nerve endings from solar plexus. This is how the cause of pain is formed. Further development is accompanied by bulging of the peritoneal layer and the formation of a hernial sac.

Epigastric hernias do not reach large sizes. They are detected when there is strangulation, when, after a decrease in intra-abdominal pressure, part of the hernial sac does not have time to move into the inlet. The wall of the stomach, intestines, omentum, and gall bladder can become trapped. Local is palpated painful formation. It is necessary to eliminate the infringement before the formation of necrosis.

Pain in the stomach during myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is a disease of the heart muscle deprived of blood and oxygen. An area is formed in the myocardium with zones of necrosis and ischemia. One of the options atypical course- gastralgic form. It is most typical for damage to the posterior wall of the left ventricle.

It is impossible to distinguish the pain from epigastric diseases by the nature of the pain. Additional symptoms help in diagnosis:

• the patient experiences shortness of breath at rest or with little physical exertion;
• palpitations, arrhythmia;
• blood pressure response;
• lack of connection between pain and food intake.

Pain due to abdominal aortic aneurysm

If a person over 50 years of age complains of epigastric pain, it can be assumed that he has significant atherosclerotic damage in the form of deposition of cholesterol plaques into the wall of the abdominal aorta.

Another cause of aneurysm is chronic syphilis

Loss of elasticity of the area large vessel, passing in the epigastric zone, contributes to the gradual formation of an expansion with thinned walls. The tissue around the aneurysm becomes inflamed. When large in size, it can compress the stomach, inferior vena cava, intestines, and liver.

When pressure is placed on the spine, sensory disturbances and paralysis in the legs are possible. The pain lasts for several hours. Appear in the late afternoon or at night. An aneurysm is revealed by palpation of the abdomen in the form of a large pulsating tumor.

Pain caused by spinal osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is formed by degenerative changes in the discs between the vertebrae. In this case, the person develops chronic pain in the upper abdomen, resembling gastritis. They intensify not from eating, but when turning the body, physical work, noticeably subside after rest. The doctor identifies the most painful points by palpating the paravertebral area.

Deformation in the lower thoracic region contributes to compression of the nerve roots emanating from the spinal canal

Pain in the abdomen and spine in advanced pregnant women requires special attention. If a woman’s spine is not accustomed to physical activity, then the weight of the fetus is perceived with difficulty. The pain is caused by sprained ligaments of the intervertebral joints. They go away after childbirth.

Modern types of examination make it possible to identify the cause and clarify the nature of damage to the organs of the upper abdomen. Patients are not recommended to endure and try to treat themselves. This can cause complications and complicate further treatment.

Pain above the navel

General information

Pain above the navel may be a sign of a serious illness. Often, determining the causes of pain above the navel is a very difficult task for the attending physician. In certain situations, even a consistent detailed study of the causes of pain is impossible. Often, a high-quality diagnosis and treatment prescription requires extensive experience of the attending physician, because sometimes the picture of the disease is incomprehensible.

Pain above the navel in diseases

Pain just above the belly button is usually associated with stomach problems. The following diseases may be among the culprits of this pain:

increased stomach acidity.

Persistent pain in this area indicates problems with the duodenum, pancreas and gall bladder.

For acute gastritis The following symptoms are typical:

unpleasant sensations in the pit of the stomach;

pain above the navel;

The mucous membranes and skin have a pale tint, and there is a coating on the tongue gray, dry mouth. Pain can also occur at night, forcing the patient to wake up and take food and medications. The pain usually subsides within the first 30 minutes after eating.

Less specific, but common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease are:

heaviness after eating;

feeling of fullness in the stomach;

vomiting that brings relief;

loss of appetite, body weight;

The clinical symptoms of stomach cancer in the initial stages of the disease are vague. Not only the patients themselves, but also their doctors often regard them as a manifestation of gastritis and, without conducting a full gastrological examination, limit themselves to prescribing appropriate medications.

At the same time, after carefully analyzing the complaints, you can detect a number of symptoms that are alarming regarding the diagnosis of cancer. The syndrome of minor signs, which includes a number of common and local symptoms, the identification of which gives reason to suspect the patient has stomach cancer. These include:

A change in the patient’s well-being, detected several weeks or even months before visiting a doctor and expressed in the appearance of causeless general weakness, decreased ability to work, fatigue;

unmotivated persistent loss of appetite or total loss him to the point of aversion to food;

phenomena of "gastric discomfort": loss of physiological feeling of satisfaction from eating, feeling of fullness in the stomach, even after not large quantity food, as well as a feeling of heaviness, fullness, sometimes pain in the epigastric region and above the navel, occasionally nausea and vomiting;

causeless progressive weight loss, accompanied by pallor of the skin, not explained by other diseases;

mental depression - loss of joy in life, interest in the environment, in work, apathy, alienation.

The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine, about 25 cm long, into which food from the stomach enters. Ulcers occur here more often than in the stomach, but pain in the duodenum is indistinguishable from gastric pain.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a whole group of diseases of the pancreas. In this case, inflammation of the organ occurs, but enzymes still do not cease to be released. But they do not enter the duodenum, as happens in a healthy person, but begin to become active in the gland itself. In this case, treatment can be carried out either with medications or surgery.

The main manifestation of pancreatitis is pain: in the right upper half of the abdomen - when the head of the pancreas is affected. Pain in the pit of the stomach and above the navel occurs when the body of the pancreas is predominantly affected, and in the left hypochondrium when the tail of the pancreas is affected. The stool becomes liquefied. The volume of stool increases. The stool has an unpleasant odor and a foamy consistency.

In some cases, the diet chronic pancreatitis goes well with drug therapy. This is especially true for exacerbation of the chronic form. But it is worth remembering that this or that medicine should be prescribed only by an experienced specialist, after an accurate diagnosis.

Other reasons

Duodenitis is characterized by pain in epigastric region and above the navel - constant, stupid character or ulcer-like, a feeling of fullness or distension in the upper abdomen after eating, decreased appetite, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Palpation reveals pain deep in the epigastric region.

Chronic duodenitis can be primary or secondary. Primary chronic duodenitis occurs due to poor diet (eating spicy, irritating, hot foods, alcohol), smoking.

Secondary chronic duodenitis occurs; it develops against the background of existing inflammatory diseases, for example, chronic gastritis; duodenal ulcer; improper treatment of acute duodenitis. A major role in the development of secondary duodenitis is played by duodenostasis - insufficient mobility of the duodenum as a result of obstruction or poor peristalsis.

Why can the stomach hurt above the navel?

Patients often complain to doctors that their stomach hurts above the navel. People usually attribute such pain either to poor nutrition, or for long periods of fasting. However, gastroenterologists do not confirm to patients the fact that this type of pain relates exclusively to diseases of the stomach or intestines until they conduct a series of studies. Practice shows that, despite the obvious localization of the source of pain, the cause of such pain can be the incorrect functioning of several organs at once.

It is important to understand that if the pain is sharp and incessant, then you should seek the help of a medical professional immediately. The weak cannot be ignored nagging pain that last more than a week. Do not miss the opportunity to identify the disease at the beginning of its development, otherwise you can forever deprive the body of the right to be healthy.

1 The main reasons for the phenomenon

The main reasons why it may hurt above the navel

• appendicitis;
• heartburn or natural gastric reflux;
• pancreatitis;
• gastrointestinal colic;
• cholecystitis;
• psychogenic pain;
• gynecological diseases;
• gastroduodenitis;
• stomach cancer;
• enzyme-deficiency enteropathies with enzyme deficiency.

Abdominal pain above the navel is nonspecific. It talks about the problems of one organ or a whole group of organs located in the localization zone. The intensity of pain varies from mild aching to acute prickly or sharp pulling.

A common cause of abdominal pain is diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal walls are sensitive: they contain hundreds of thousands of nerve endings that react aggressively to external factors.

Such pain can also occur with appendicitis. Appendicitis can develop in a person of any age and gender, but it is more common in boys and men. Elderly people and young children are at minimal risk.

Catalysts for the occurrence of appendicitis are infections, inflammation of peptic ulcers, and muscle ruptures. If blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract is blocked, appendicitis is inevitable.

2 Symptoms of appendicitis, natural gastric reflux and heartburn

Severe pain appears above the navel, which intensifies over time. The pain radiates to the lower right corner of the abdomen: it is impossible to relieve such pain with painkillers. Discomfort tends to increase with movement or coughing. Hard belly indicates the onset of peritonitis. The patient becomes apathetic, loses appetite, and develops a fever.

Such symptoms are dangerous and can lead to death without immediate medical attention. Appendicitis can only be treated surgically.

Gastric reflux refers to the process in the body that occurs when stomach contents return to the esophagus. The passage of food debris occurs through the lower food sphincter. In 90% of cases, reflux is accompanied by heartburn, which is the most striking symptom of the disease.

With heartburn, abdominal pain above the navel occurs on an empty stomach. The patient will be able to relieve the pain only if he takes the medications prescribed by the gastroenterologist (antacids) or eats a small amount of food. Uncomfortable sensations disappear within minutes after the manipulations.

The patient may rarely experience nausea or a feeling of fullness in the stomach. Vomiting, which occurs against a background of nausea, does not bring relief. Sometimes the patient experiences weight loss.

3 Pancreatitis and intestinal colic

With pancreatitis, it hurts above the navel if the body of the pancreas is affected.

The main symptoms are changes in stool (liquefaction). It becomes mushy and contains undigested food particles. The volume increases, the smell becomes fetid. Sometimes the stool has a foamy consistency. Diarrhea in pancreatitis is sticky and difficult to wipe off the walls of the toilet.

With intestinal colic, the nature of the pain is sharp, cramping. The pain above the navel is severe, and the patient's condition is accompanied by chills. For intestinal colic, emergency medical care is not indicated; the patient just needs to take a lying position and take a pill for spasms.

To a person suffering intestinal colic, it is recommended to limit the consumption of spicy foods, coffee and sweets. Food intake should be delimited and divided into small portions.

Pain due to cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder and bile ducts).

If the stomach hurts above the navel and the pain radiates to the right hypochondrium, then there is a high probability that the patient has an inflamed gallbladder.

Such a patient becomes irritable and abrupt, his appetite is impaired. Belching, bitterness and unpleasant odor appear in the mouth. The patient constantly feels sick and sometimes vomits.

Pain with cholecystitis is not constant, manifests itself from time to time in the form severe attacks and gives it to right shoulder. A person who suffers from this disease experiences increased diarrhea and, less frequently, constipation.

For cholecystitis, it is necessary to use choleretic agents and mineral water in large quantities. Obligatory observation by a gastroenterologist.

4 Psychogenic pain sensations

Such pain is typical for people suffering from nervousness. Torque pain occurs above the navel; the causes of pain are not related to the internal organs. Psychogenic pain is characterized by spreading throughout the entire abdominal cavity and becomes permanent. Against the background of constant excitement that a person experiences, if the stomach hurts above the navel, nausea develops.

Since the disease is exclusively psychological in nature, the patient needs to consult a neurologist. IN advanced stage A psychiatrist will help.

5 Gynecological etiology

A small percentage of cases where pain above the navel indicates illness reproductive system women. This type of pain is not indicative of ovarian diseases or fallopian tubes and is not the main symptom, but it does occur.

An ovarian cyst can cause pain in the abdomen above the pubis, while only 10% of women experience pain in the navel area.

If the pain is not severe, then a scheduled visit to the gynecologist is required. With a sharp stabbing pain it is necessary to call an ambulance.

6 Signs of gastroduodenitis

Gastroduodenitis in a calm state practically does not cause discomfort. During an exacerbation, cramping aching pain appears above the navel, as well as in the epigastric region of the abdomen above the urinary process. There is also a feeling of heaviness and fullness.

The onset of pain is provoked by eating, the pain does not go away within several hours. Nausea begins. Secretion increases salivary glands. Relieves symptoms only special drugs(antacids). Prescribing medications independently is not allowed.

Gastroduodenitis requires treatment and constant monitoring by a gastroenterologist.

7 Stomach cancer

It is almost impossible to detect stomach cancer in its early stages without conducting serious research. Symptoms of cancer are disguised as symptoms of gastritis, and only over time can the differences be seen.

A few months after the appearance of “symptoms of gastritis,” the patient feels weak. He cannot work for a long time; any action causes him severe fatigue. Gradually, appetite is lost and food becomes uninteresting. Forceful eating causes disgust and associated discomfort: heaviness in the stomach, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain above the navel.

Natural symptoms include quick loss weight. Over the course of several months, the patient may lose kg.

A person loses faith in himself and becomes depressed, putting off visiting a doctor due to developing fear. Relatives of a cancer patient need to be helped to understand how important it is to go to a specialized institution. Timely treatment can bring positive results.

8 Enzyme deficiency (enzyme-deficiency enteropathies)

Pathologies that develop with insufficient production of enzymes are called enzyme-deficiency enteropathies. This condition characterizes the defective parietal intestinal digestion. Patients cannot tolerate a certain type of food that causes duodenal irritation. After taking such products, patients experience pain above the navel, the pain is persistent and aching. Clinical symptoms include changes in stool. It is watery and straw-colored. Possible diarrhea containing fragments undigested food.

Patients need to follow a strict diet throughout their lives and exclude from the diet foods that cause enzyme deficiency. The list of such products is determined by testing - if you feel worse after eating, you should not consume the components of the meal.

The moment when your stomach hurts above your navel should not be considered insignificant. You need to monitor your well-being, listen to your body, and at the first sign of abnormalities, go to the clinic.

However, you should not immediately panic: in most cases, localization of pain in the abdominal area is caused by ordinary reasons. Among them are colds, an emotionally unstable condition caused by short-term or long-term problems in the patient’s life. The cause of pain may be overeating. Only a doctor will give a clear reason, after conducting a series of studies and tests.

Symptoms of the disease - pain above the navel

Pain and its causes by category:

Pain and its causes in alphabetical order:

pain above the navel

Pain in the abdominal area has always been and is one of the most unpleasant for us. After all, when our stomach hurts, we definitely can’t do anything, not even walk normally.

Often, determining the causes of pain above the navel is very difficult. In certain situations, even a consistent detailed study of the causes of pain is impossible. Often, a high-quality diagnosis and treatment prescription requires extensive experience of the attending physician, because sometimes the picture of the disease can be incomprehensible and blurred.

What diseases cause pain above the navel:

Less specific, but common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease are nausea, heaviness after eating, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, less often vomiting that brings relief, loss of appetite, body weight, heartburn.

1) a change in the patient’s well-being, detected several weeks or even months before visiting a doctor and expressed in the appearance of causeless general weakness, decreased ability to work, and fatigue;

2) unmotivated persistent decrease in appetite or its complete loss, up to aversion to food;

3) the phenomenon of “stomach discomfort”: loss of physiological feeling of satisfaction from eating, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, even after a small amount of food, as well as a feeling of heaviness, distension, sometimes pain in the epigastric region and above the navel, occasionally nausea and vomiting;

4) causeless progressive weight loss, accompanied by pallor of the skin, not explained by other diseases;

5) mental depression - loss of joy in life, interest in the environment, in work, apathy, alienation.

The stool becomes liquefied. The stool is mushy and contains particles of undigested food. The volume of stool increases. The stool has an unpleasant odor. Possibly - a foamy consistency, difficult to wash off from the walls of the toilet.

Which doctors should you contact if there is pain above the navel:

Are you experiencing pain above your belly button? Do you want to know more detailed information or do you need an inspection? You can make an appointment with Doctor Eurolab is always at your service! The best doctors they will examine you and study you external signs and will help you identify the disease by symptoms, advise you and provide the necessary assistance. You can also call a doctor at home. The Eurolab clinic is open for you around the clock.

Phone number of our clinic in Kyiv: (+3 (multi-channel). The clinic secretary will select a convenient day and time for you to visit the doctor. Our coordinates and directions are listed here. Look in more detail about all the clinic’s services on its personal page.

If you have previously performed any tests, be sure to take their results to a consultation with your doctor. If the studies have not been performed, we will do everything necessary in our clinic or with our colleagues in other clinics.

Do you have pain above your navel? It is necessary to take a very careful approach to your overall health. People do not pay enough attention to the symptoms of diseases and do not realize that these diseases can be life-threatening. There are many diseases that at first do not manifest themselves in our body, but in the end it turns out that, unfortunately, it is too late to treat them. Each disease has its own specific symptoms, characteristic external manifestations- the so-called symptoms of the disease. Identifying symptoms is the first step in diagnosing diseases in general. To do this, you simply need to be examined by a doctor several times a year in order not only to prevent a terrible disease, but also to maintain a healthy spirit in the body and the body as a whole.

If you want to ask a doctor a question, use the online consultation section, perhaps you will find answers to your questions there and read tips on caring for yourself. If you are interested in reviews about clinics and doctors, try to find the information you need on the forum. Also register on medical portal Eurolab to stay up to date latest news and information updates on the website, which will be automatically sent to you by email.

Currently, the number of gastroenterological pathologies, which are accompanied by constant or periodic pain in a stomach. If the stomach hurts above the navel, then this may primarily indicate a pathology of the stomach, duodenum and pancreas, which are anatomically located in the epigastrium.

An interesting fact is that the first signs of digestive diseases appear in at a young age due to the influence of many harmful factors, which will be described below. Often young people do not pay attention to the initial symptoms, and the disease takes a chronic, relapsing course. The most common manifestation of this pathology will be pain in the abdominal area, namely above the navel. It can have a varied character (dull, aching, cutting, dagger-like, pressing, and so on), differ in its intensity and precise localization.

There are many reasons for the appearance, from harmless functional disorders to severe organic pathology. It is worth noting that each disease, in addition to pain, has additional symptoms that need to be understood. In any case for timely diagnosis You should immediately contact a doctor.

Red flag symptoms

Separately, you should be aware of the so-called “red flags”. These are signs of an acute and serious problem that threatens the patient’s life and requires urgent hospitalization and often surgical intervention. As a rule, they appear against the background of abdominal pain just above the navel.

In gastroenterology these include:

1. Vomiting of blood and in the form of “coffee grounds”, the presence of scarlet blood in the stool, melena (stool turns black).
2. Acute stabbing pain in the epigastric region.
3. Swallowing impairment (dysphagia).
4. Muscle tension on the anterior abdominal wall, which is a sign of peritonitis.
5. A noticeable decrease in the intensity of pain against the background of progressive weakness, pallor, increased heart rate, sweating, fainting states(indicates that bleeding has started).
6. Unreasonable loss of body weight, aversion to food (indirectly indicates a neoplasm).
7. the appearance of the first any symptoms of gastrointestinal damage after 45 years (also speaks in favor of a neoplastic process).
8. the presence of signs of intestinal obstruction or pyloric stenosis (vomiting of food eaten the day before, belching rotten, lack of bowel movements, and so on).

All these signs indicate an organic process that requires urgent decisive action to save the patient’s life. If you have at least one of the listed options, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dial an emergency number.

Causes of pain

Pain above the navel is a common symptom with problems with the upper gastrointestinal tract. At a young age initial manifestations in 80% of cases it is caused by functional disorders digestive system: functional dyspepsia, biliary dyskinesia or irritable bowel syndrome. Only 20% of such patients are initially diagnosed with organic pathology (acute or chronic gastritis, or gastroduodenitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, tumors, and so on). In turn, organic pathology predominates in older people.

Functional dyspepsia

There are two forms: postprandial distress syndrome and epigastric pain syndrome. In the second case, there will be a pressing pain above the navel of moderate intensity, possible heartburn, belching, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, bloating and early satiety. Sometimes there is vomiting. It is worth noting that functional dyspepsia, like any functional malfunction in the body, is a diagnosis of exception.

Dyskinesia

It is observed in hypokinetic and hyperkinetic variants. The first form causes dull aching pain of moderate intensity in the right hypochondrium. Painful sensations in the hypomotor form are quite long-lasting (several hours). The hyperkinetic variant is characterized by short-term attacks of pain (up to 1 hour). Patients complain about sharp pain under the right rib, abnormal bowel movements (constipation or disorders), bitter taste in the mouth, weakness.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Characterized by painful sensations above and at the level of the navel (mesogastric, right and left lateral areas), below the navel (right and left iliac regions). In addition, patients are concerned about abdominal bloating, which seems incomplete emptying intestines, urgent urge to defecate, stool disorders (constipation, diarrhea, their alternation). A feature of the syndrome is that the manifestations disappear after defecation.

Gastritis

The symptoms are quite similar to those of functional dyspepsia, they are just more pronounced. This is especially noticeable in the case of type B gastritis (associated with Helicobacter pylori). The pain is localized in the epigastric (epigastric) region, is very pronounced, is paroxysmal and diffuse in nature, causes severe discomfort to the patient, and is accompanied by heartburn. Gastritis with low acidity (type A) is characterized by dull, pressing, fairly long-lasting pain.

Peptic ulcer

With a stomach ulcer, the symptoms are similar to gastritis, but painful sensations associated with food intake and they are more localized. With a duodenal ulcer, pain occurs in the area of ​​the right border of the epigastrium. Patients complain of hunger attacks at night. Their intensity decreases 1 -1.5 hours after eating.

Tumors

The neoplastic process rarely manifests itself in the early stages; symptoms appear quite late in its development. Pain and other manifestations are very diverse and can have different localizations.

Calculous and non-calculous cholecystitis

Accompanied by attacks of acute pain in the right hypochondrium with vomiting, stool disorders, fever, deterioration general condition. Chronic form The disease gives periodic painful attacks localized under the right rib.

Acute and chronic pancreatitis

With pancreatitis, there is pain under the left rib, but the pain is of a girdling nature. The patient is also concerned about bloating, bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation), vomiting, a feeling of fullness, and heartburn.

Other reasons

The stomach hurts above the navel, the main reasons for this were discussed above, but there are cases of other etiologies (appendicitis, solaritis, abdominal myocardial infarction, neuropathies, colitis, enteritis, and so on).

Diagnostics

The “gold standard” for diagnosing diseases of the stomach and duodenum is fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS). If you suspect N.R. associated disease, a urease test and biopsy are required.

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs (ultrasound of the abdominal cavity) is an informative and cheap method of research that will allow diagnosing diseases of other internal organs, volumetric formations abdominal cavity. Also ideal for annual preventive monitoring in people over 40 years of age.

Computer (CT) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to clarify the diagnosis.

When found initial symptoms illness, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. This will allow you to quickly and timely establish a diagnosis, perform treatment, and eliminate the disease at early stage while maintaining quality of life.

Pain in the upper abdomen can be a signal of diseases of the internal organs, which are located in the abdomen. Therefore, if you experience pain, you should definitely consult a doctor, especially if it lasts more than half an hour without a break. It will help make the correct diagnosis and avoid serious health consequences.

Binge eating

This can also cause blockage of blood vessels, inflammation of internal organs, and chronic pain.

When a person consumes a lot of milk (containing lactose), this can provoke an allergy, intolerance to milk and its products.

There are foods, especially fatty ones, that cause increased formation of gases, and this is also very harmful to internal organs, which means abdominal pain may occur.

Such pain usually comes on suddenly and can last for several hours and then go away on its own.

Inflammation of the appendix

If your stomach hurts at the top and right, as well as around the navel, the cause may be an inflammatory process in the intestines - in its right part. The cause of abdominal pain can also be inflammation of the appendix.

The culprit of inflammation of the appendix may be the retention of feces, which ultimately pass through the rectum. If you do not respond to pain in the upper abdomen in time, the appendix may become even more inflamed over time, its walls stretching and tearing. Then urgent surgical intervention is needed, since the person may die from blood poisoning.

For what other reasons can pain in the right abdomen occur?

The reason may be inflamed bowel. He turns in an unnatural position for him and twists. Then part of the intestine may become inflamed due to diverticulitis or colitis. And the person may feel pain in the upper abdomen.

The nature of the pain may not be very sharp, constant, aching, these pains are more like spasms. The pain may last for 15-20 minutes, but after half an hour has passed, the pain goes away. Then after some time the pain may occur again.

If this is your situation, you should immediately call a doctor and go for an inpatient examination. Associated symptoms are stool retention or, conversely, diarrhea. These two unpleasant states can alternate.

Pneumonia as a cause of abdominal pain

Could pneumonia really be the cause of abdominal pain? It turns out that this is true. But why? Some people experience a cough, fever, and stomach pain after they get a cold. The pain is localized on the right.

But what does this have to do with pneumonia, that is, pneumonia? When a lung becomes infected, it becomes inflamed. And when this inflamed lung touches the diaphragm, it becomes irritated and transmits this irritation to the part of the intestine that comes into contact with it.

This causes pain in the right side of the abdomen. This is how an inflamed lung can affect pain in the upper abdomen - through the intestines, which are located in the abdominal cavity. So, infection in the intestines may be a consequence of infection in the lung.

Ringworm as a cause of abdominal pain

This is surprising, but lichen can also cause pain in the right corner of the abdomen. Especially the lichen that is located inside the abdominal cavity. Moreover, this pain can be localized in any part of the body, because lichen can be located anywhere where there are nerves. Ringworm may appear next to nerve endings, which are found throughout the body.

The virus, which can cause rashes in the nerve area, can remain in the body for years. But implicitly, a person may not know about it. As soon as an infection enters the body, the virus awakens from its dormant state and internal rashes appear. The trigger for infection can be not only a virus, but also stress, allergies, and other situations dangerous to health.

With rashes inside caused by shingles, the nerves can become inflamed, and this causes severe pain shallow in the peritoneum, almost at the very surface of the skin. In addition to pain, the skin can be very irritable, there may be a burning sensation, itching, which alternates with pain or precedes it. This pain may not subside for 5 days.

The stomach is a hollow organ

That is why it may contain organs and systems that hurt if they have an inflammatory process, chronic diseases, deformation, atrophy or damage.

The stomach (its upper part) may hurt if a person has the following diseases. Gastrointestinal tract

Gastritis, stomach cramps, stomach ulcers, gallstones, gallstone dysfunction.

These diseases may be accompanied by symptoms: nausea, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea.

If a gastrointestinal disease is accompanied by bleeding, you should urgently call ambulance, but in no case should you use strong palpation of the pain site, you should not massage the painful area, as the bleeding may increase.

Wandering pains

Pain can occur in a completely different part of the body, and not in the one where a specific organ hurts. The pain can radiate to some other part of the body, so it can be difficult to determine the diseased organ and the source of the pain by the location of the pain.

More research is needed to understand the cause of the pain. For example, when a woman has abdominal pain on the left and above, the source of this pain may be right lung, not the left. This may be with a diagnosis of right-sided pneumonia.

Stomach pain

When the stomach hurts, the pain can be localized around the navel. Concomitant diseases may include a stomach ulcer, as well as gastritis, a violation of the level of acidity in the stomach (it is often elevated).

If a person is bothered by pain in the navel area, it may be pain in the duodenum, which is inflamed. The organs responsible for pain around the navel (in the upper abdomen) can be the gallbladder and bladder.

If the left or right side of the abdomen hurts

Pain in the abdomen on the left may indicate that the stomach, colon, or pancreas are not in order.

Abdominal pain on the right and above may indicate an inflammatory process in the gallbladder. Severe pain in this organ means that you need to immediately contact an ambulance, otherwise the pain syndrome may worsen.

The gallbladder, when inflamed, can cause pain not only on the right, but also on the left in the abdomen; the pain can wander throughout the entire area of ​​the peritoneum and bother a person in its central part. Such pain may be a signal that the functions of the duodenum are impaired; the stomach may also hurt with pancreatitis.

Heart and lung diseases

They can also provoke pain in the abdomen - at the top and right or at the top and left. This pain can be very sharp, the person turns pale, he develops cold sweat, lips turn blue, the person suffers from general weakness.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

The stomach and duodenum are located in the abdominal cavity, so they can cause pain in the abdomen, mainly in the upper part. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can be very serious, for example, it can be a stomach ulcer with perforation or a duodenal ulcer.

Types of perforation

Perforation is a tear in the walls of an internal organ, such as the stomach. Perforation is a possible and very painful and dangerous consequence of ulcers in their chronic and acute form. The localization of pain can be in the stomach or duodenum.

Perforation of an ulcer can be directed into the abdominal cavity (to any part of it; such a perforation is called free). Or the perforation can be directed to the retroperitoneal region, to the tissue, or to the omental bursa (such a perforation is called atypical). This condition is accompanied by acute pain.

Three stages of the perforated ulcer process

The first stage is shock

It lasts for six hours from the moment the duodenal or stomach ulcer perforates. The symptoms are as follows: severe stabbing pain in the upper abdomen. This pain occurs suddenly, in the form of a blow.

The following symptoms are nausea, vomiting, general unstable condition, the person turns pale, breaks out in a cold sweat, and becomes weaker. The lips of a patient with a perforated ulcer in the first stage turn blue, breathing is intermittent, frequent, labored, and superficial.

The heart beats frequently, sometimes strongly, sometimes weakly, heartbeats become more rare, the heart may hurt along with abdominal pain. At the same time, when they touch it, the stomach hurts even more. The body temperature may not rise at this stage of the ulcer. The stomach sharply retracts, the person breathes through the chest, not the stomach.

The second stage - false well-being

It occurs after the first stage has passed - up to 10 hours, lasts 4 hours.

Abdominal pain becomes much weaker and subsides. The heart begins to beat faster, the body temperature becomes higher, the tongue is dry, the stomach is swollen. A person may suffer from inability to pass gas or stool. The stomach hurts in the upper part.

If you do not call a doctor during this stage, the person may suffer from peritonitis - the diseased organ bursts, the blood may become infected.

The third stage – peritonitis

This stage occurs 10-12 hours after the onset of abdominal pain and perforation of the ulcer. After the stage of pain subsiding and the heart functioning in the stage of peritonitis, a new wave of pain begins and feeling unwell. This stage is characterized by the following symptoms.

• Severe, rolling waves of abdominal pain.
• The abdomen is swollen, gases still do not pass.
• Body temperature becomes higher and higher, reaching 39 degrees and above.
• The heart begins to beat stronger and more often, and it may hurt.

Where does an ulcer begin?

An ulcer can begin with severe and sharp pain in the upper abdomen. It looks like a knife was stuck into her. True, the pain may gradually disappear. This happens because the ulcer (a hole in the diseased organ) is covered by internal organs - the right upper part of the liver or the greater omentum.

When an ulcer perforates into the omental bursa, a person does not experience shock, since the pain is not so strong and sharp.

What does pain in the upper right corner of the abdomen mean?

There are the liver, intestines (part of it), gall bladder, diaphragm (its right part), as well as the pancreas.

If at least one of these organs begins to hurt, then the pain is felt in the right upper abdomen, it can be quite severe.

If your liver hurts

Pain in the liver can occur due to the fact that this organ swells, becomes inflamed, and the liver lining stretches. The cause may be heart disease, viral or bacterial infections, or chemical agents that a person may not even be aware of.

Worms in the liver– if they settle there, the liver swells, this can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Hepatitis (A, B, C) – can occur due to infection of the liver by viruses (viral hepatitis). This name consists of two Greek words - “hepat” - liver, and “itis” - inflammation. Viruses that cause hepatitis are divided into types, hence the different names for hepatitis - A, B, C.

Hepatitis A

The source of contamination is water from coli and other viruses, or food contaminated with viruses.

Hepatitis B

It is transmitted mainly through blood, this happens through sexual contact, drug addiction, if people brush their teeth with the same toothbrush, infection can also occur in a salon through manicure or pedicure supplies.

Hepatitis C

People can become infected with it when they come into contact with a person with hepatitis, use his needle, or become infected through the blood.

Toxic hepatitis

It can be contracted when a person takes high doses of medications or other substances that may be too toxic or cause allergies. These could be antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, contraceptives, alcohol, household chemicals, including detergents, and household chemicals. This type of hepatitis is called toxic hepatitis because the body is oversaturated with toxins.

Where does liver pain come from?

When the heart muscle is too weak, it can be very difficult to pump blood from the veins that pass through the heart. This blood stagnates, in particular, in the lungs, and then the person begins to choke. The lungs stretch and hurt.

The same thing happens to the liver when it stagnates deoxygenated blood. The liver stretches, and then the right upper abdomen hurts. The nature of this pain is not very strong, but the pain is constant, boring, aching, it is felt deep in the abdomen, since the liver is not very close to the surface of the skin. The pain does not subside, does not come in waves - it comes without spasms, evenly, but relentlessly.

Hepatitis test

To determine whether you may have hepatitis, use a test.

• Have you had shellfish in your diet in the last 2-3 weeks? (may be hepatitis A)
• Could you use a needle that was used to prick another patient? (may be hepatitis B)
• Have you had alcohol intoxication in the last week or two (possible hepatitis C)
• Have you had a blood transfusion in the last week or two (hepatitis C)
• Do you have yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and your urine has become intensely red or red-brown (hepatitis of any kind)

Gallbladder disease

Gallbladder disease occurs when the liver produces too much bile and backs up into the gallbladder. Bile is very hot in its composition and therefore irritates the walls of the gallbladder, they become inflamed.

If a person has not eaten for a long time or has been on a low-fat diet, then bile tends to accumulate in the gallbladder. The intestines also suffer from this, suffering from a large amount of bile.

The gallbladder can suffer from problems and pain if there are stones in it.

The liver also responds with additional pain, which can also suffer from excess bile, in addition, if it does not do its job well, its functions are weak.

Gallbladder infection

Pain in the upper right side and in the middle of the abdomen can also occur when the liver and gall bladder are affected by infection.

Risk groups for these diseases include people of any age and any physical activity, as well as gender. Particular danger is faced by women from the group “Over 40”, when they have had several births, whose intestinal function is disrupted due to the formation of gases, who abuse contraceptives.

Symptoms of gallstone diseases do not appear quickly, the pain is slight at first. At first, a person may feel gas, then the stomach becomes bloated, then the stomach may begin to hurt, and this condition can get worse over months or even years. Over the years, pain in the gall bladder can intensify to sharp and dagger-like pain. They become stronger when a person has eaten fatty, sweet, and vegetables that can cause fermentation in the intestines: apples, cabbage.

Symptoms of gallbladder disease and what to do

In the event of an attack of acute pain, you should immediately consult a doctor. It's more dangerous than constant It's a dull pain in the liver, which is also a reason to consult a doctor for examination. Acute pain in the right side of the abdomen, the cause of which is the gallbladder, may be accompanied by increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

There may be a high temperature, but only in in a rare case when the gall bladder is inflamed. Then the gall bladder becomes inflamed, the temperature rises to 40 degrees, the person shakes, shudders, and has a fever. Pain in this case can occur not only in the upper right, but also under the right shoulder blade and in the back in the center of the spine.

Gallstones

Gallstones can be large or small. If the stones are smaller than average, they can leave the gall bladder on their own, into the bile ducts through which bile passes into the intestines. This may cause abdominal pain in the form of colic.

They pass in waves and spread throughout the body. Waves of pain arise because stones are pushed through the bile ducts and touch their walls, which can injure them. Then the walls of the bile ducts become inflamed and painful. When the stones come out of the ducts, the person feels better and the pain goes away. And still, in this case, it is necessary to call a doctor to exclude cases of injury to internal organs by stones.

Consequences of stone formation

If the stones come out of the gallstone and pass through the ducts, then there is no need to remove them. But there may be a situation when the stones turn out to be too large and cannot come out on their own, or they sit too firmly in the gallbladder. Then there are several ways to get rid of them. This is the dissolution of stones, extraction (crushing) of stones, or a method of surgical intervention.

If stones block the bile ducts and cannot get out of them, a person's skin and whites of the eyes. This disease is popularly called jaundice. As soon as the stones pass through the bile ducts, the pain subsides and the jaundice disappears, the skin and whites of the eyes return to their usual color.

Pain in the pancreas

They can occur when the pancreas becomes inflamed or develops cancer. This organ, the pancreas, is called pancreas. It is located deep in the peritoneum, so pain in the pancreas is usually felt deep inside, and not at the surface of the skin. The pancreas is located from right to left, so pain in the pancreas can be localized on the right, left, or in the middle of the abdomen.

Compared to other organs located in the abdominal cavity - the gallbladder and liver - the pancreas can hurt much less often. But there are still cases of pain in it.

Attacks of pancreatitis

Such attacks can often bother people who eat too much fatty or fried food, as well as those who abuse alcohol and have gallbladder pain.

Symptoms of pancreatitis - vomiting, nausea, weakness, increased sweating, and the sweat may be cold. These manifestations of pancreatitis appear differently than manifestations of gallbladder deformity. The pain is localized not in the right upper abdomen, but in the back. It becomes more painful for a person while lying down, and easier while walking or sitting. The greatest relief is in a sitting position, leaning forward. Then the pain subsides.

To make sure that you really have pancreatitis, you need to do additional diagnostic tests. Needed lab tests blood and urine. Pancreatic enzyme tests are needed. These tests can help determine whether a person really has pancreatitis or a disease with similar symptoms.

Pain in the left upper abdomen

The causes of this pain may be diseases of the kidneys, spleen, intestines (its left part), stomach, pancreas, and also the diaphragm (its left part). The liver and gallbladder are located on the right, therefore, with their diseases, pain is localized on the right, not on the left. True, there are exceptions, and pain in inflamed organs can radiate to the left.

The cause of pain is the spleen

This organ is located quite close to the surface of the skin, so pain in the spleen can cause pain that is not deep. Unlike the pancreas, which is located deep, then the pain radiates to the left upper side, as if from the inside, from the depths. They can also radiate to the spine.

The spleen works very intensively when it eliminates blood cells- red blood cells from the blood. This process occurs after red blood cells have been developing for a full third of the year - 120 days. Then the red blood cells that are captured by the spleen enter the Bone marrow. Then the spleen becomes inflamed, which makes it larger, its capsule enlarges, the spleen tissue stretches, and pain occurs in it. The spleen capsule becomes soft, loose, and from stretching it experiences overstrain, which increases the pain.

When the spleen can't handle it

The spleen can burst, and then incredible pain occurs in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. The reason that the spleen bursts can be a serious disease such as infectious mononucleosis.

If the spleen is sprained, a person should not engage in vigorous exercise because this increases the risk that it may burst. Also, if you have mononucleosis, you should avoid severe physical labor, constant movement throughout the day. Any injury, blow or fall can cause splenic rupture. That is why the doctor, when examining the spleen by palpation, should not press too hard with his fingers on this organ to avoid damaging it.

It happens that the spleen can rupture without any external influence on it, on its own, under external pressure. What are the symptoms that the spleen is ruptured?

Severe pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, very sensitive skin in the area where it hurts, the skin around the navel becomes bluish. These are signs that a person may have a ruptured or damaged spleen. Bluishness around the navel occurs because blood accumulates in the area due to a ruptured spleen.

The cause of pain on the left is the intestines

Because the colon located along the entire line of the abdomen, the pain can be localized not only on the left, but also in any part of the abdominal cavity. Gases can often accumulate in the intestines, which causes the stomach to swell and the left side of the stomach to hurt. The cause of pain can also be diverticulitis, an inflammatory process in the intestines.

Symptoms, in addition to pain, may also include stool retention, diarrhea, the appearance of blood in the stool, and a temperature of 37 to 38 degrees. Blood in the stool may be due to bleeding in the large intestine (in its lower section). The cause of bleeding can also be hemorrhoids.

Bleeding in small intestine, stomach or upper colon can be recognized by the black color of the stool.

The cause of pain is the stomach

The stomach is located on the left side of the abdominal cavity. Therefore, pain in the stomach is localized on the left. The causes of stomach irritation, and therefore pain in it, can be irritation of the mucous membrane, dyspepsia, gastritis. Also, stomach irritants can be alcohol abuse, smoking, poor diet, frequent use of medications, in particular aspirin, which irritates the gastric mucosa.

The nature of the pain is aching, constant, not too strong, but the pain is long-lasting. Side effects such a condition – vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating (cold sweat).

If pain in the upper abdomen continues for more than a day, you should definitely consult a doctor for additional examination. Perhaps constant pain for longer than a day indicates an ulcer, cancerous tumors, or gastritis.

In all these cases can serve good help antacid drugs.

Abdominal pain may be caused by a diaphragmatic hernia.

The diaphragm is an organ that serves to separate chest cavity from the abdominal. The diaphragm contains an opening through which the esophagus passes towards the stomach.

The size of this opening can voluntarily shrink or increase as the diaphragm muscles weaken. Then the upper section of the stomach falls out of the abdominal cavity into the chest cavity, this is a violation of its natural boundaries and location. This condition of the diaphragm is called a hernia.

Symptoms of this condition are increased stomach acidity, this acid enters the mucous membrane, which causes irritation of the mucous membrane and pain. The pain may radiate to the left abdomen or to the heart area.

If a person begins to doubt whether he has pain: the diaphragm or the heart, he needs to pay attention to the difference between the symptoms. If a person’s pain intensifies when lying on his back after flexion or extension, it means that the cause of the pain is not the heart, but the diaphragm. In case of heart pain, flexion and extension of the body do not in any way affect the nature of the pain.

If you cannot understand what the nature of the pain is, consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis. It is necessary to examine the organs that are located in the chest and the organs that are located in the abdominal cavity. Then the exact cause of the pain will be clear.

Is the pain caused by the pancreas?

Yes, it can cause pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. The pancreas is located in the upper part of the abdominal cavity, so its inflammation or damage, as well as infection with toxins, can cause pain on the left side, mild or severe. The pain may radiate to the middle of the abdominal cavity, as well as to its right side. The cause of pain on the left side can also be pancreatic cancer.

People who smoke a lot, drink alcohol frequently, and also use a lot of medications, in particular steroids and diuretics, may be at risk for pancreatic diseases with subsequent pain on the left side.

These tools can be used for cancerous tumors, asthma, internal organ transplantation, inflammatory processes during the flow of bile from the bile ducts. Therefore, all these diseases can be the cause of pain in the left upper abdomen. Another serious cause of abdominal pain on the left side can be stones in the gall bladder or bile ducts. They scratch and damage the walls of the bile ducts, causing them to become injured and painful.

Symptoms that can be used to determine the cause of pain in the pancreas can be sharp and severe pain in the left abdomen, which is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, increased temperature of the body or the area where the pain occurs.

At-risk groups

People with gallbladder diseases, pancreatitis, diabetes, alcohol and tobacco abusers, as well as those who take high doses of medications, in particular those with a diuretic effect.

The cause of pain is the lungs

The lungs are organs that can cause pain in both parts of the abdominal cavity, including the left side. When a person has (or is suffering from) pneumonia, viral pleurisy, tuberculosis, any other disease that can cause irritation or inflammation in the lungs, he may have pain in the left quadrant of the abdomen. The pain in the lungs is not the same as in other organs - it feels as if many small needles have dug into the abdominal cavity. The pain is sharp, sharp, dagger-like.

Painful sensations from pain in the lungs intensify when a person inhales sharply and deeply. Pain in the lungs can also affect the diaphragm, then the pain is localized in the abdomen - any part of it.

Therefore, you need to pay special attention if, after pneumonia, you experience abdominal pain for which you cannot find an explanation. This may be the transfer of infection and irritation from one internal organ to another.

Cause of pain: rib injuries

If a person has injured a rib, the pain may radiate to left side belly. This pain can intensify with increased physical activity, with blows, injuries, even small, strong shocks.

Risk groups include older people whose bones become too brittle and weak, women who are breastfeeding or pregnant (due to loss of calcium), women before and after menopause who also suffer from increased fragility bones.

Pain in the right side of the abdomen can be a symptom of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, and stones in the bile ducts. If the cause of the pain is shingles, then after 6-7 days, small red rashes may appear in the area where it hurts. These rashes run exactly along the line where the person feels pain. From this symptom you can accurately determine that the cause is lichen and not another disease.

The cause of pain is kidney pathology

This may well be when the right upper abdomen hurts. The kidneys are located on different sides of the lower back, so the pain can be localized in both the right and left parts of the abdomen at the top.

Particularly severe pain occurs in the kidneys when they are infected with viruses or bacteria, and a source of pus forms in it. If there are also stones in the kidneys, then the pain can be simply unbearable. A kidney stone that passes can cause a jerking pain that travels down your back in waves. This pain can radiate to the groin, testicle (in men), testis (in men), ovary (in women).

Of course, not everything is listed in these tables. The most common mistaken action taken by patients when their stomach hurts is to take painkillers, especially for severe and prolonged pain. Pain is one of the protective functions body, which signals various diseases. And by getting rid of pain, we do not eliminate the cause of its occurrence. For severe and prolonged abdominal pain, when seeing a doctor is absolutely necessary, taking painkillers can complicate the correct diagnosis.

For more full understanding variety of causes of abdominal pain, we present a modern classification of the most common pain.

Classification of abdominal pain

I. Abdominal pain associated with abdominal reasons

II. Pain associated with extraperitoneal causes

III. Metabolic causes

IV. Neurological/psychiatric causes

V. Toxic causes

VI. Uncertain mechanisms

And a little more detail about the causes of abdominal pain according to their localization, because it allows you to more accurately determine the scope of the differential diagnosis.

Causes of abdominal pain depending on location

Reason diffuse non-localized pain can be:

Gastroenteritis
Mesenteric ischemia
Intestinal obstruction
Irritable bowel syndrome
Peritonitis
Diabetes
Malaria
Familial Mediterranean fever
Metabolic diseases
Psychiatric diseases

Doctors classify abdominal pain as R10 in the International Classification of Diseases ICD-10.

Professional medical publications regarding abdominal pain