Upper Stomach Pain At Night
5. Stomach ulcer – If your stomach is left empty for an extended time, then you may feel pain due to ulcers. Nighttime is when your stomach is empty for the longest time in a day. Stomach ulcers cause throbbing pain, especially during sleep. Several other conditions such as diverticulitis, kidney stones, food intolerances, allergies, constipation, Crohn’s disease, gut and throat conditions can also cause stomach pain.
Contents
- 0.1 Why does my upper stomach hurt more at night?
- 0.2 What helps upper stomach pain at night?
- 0.3 Why am I getting pain at the top of my stomach?
- 1 What does ulcer pain feel like?
- 2 What sleeping position relieves gastritis?
- 3 How should I sleep with gastritis pain?
- 4 What does upper gastric pain feel like?
Why does my upper stomach hurt more at night?
Digestive problems are considered the most common cause of abdominal pain at night. Eating close to bedtime means digestion is more likely to occur while lying down, making it easier for stomach acid to travel back up the digestive tract. Sleeping difficulties and sleep disorders can make conditions like ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) more likely or worse,
What helps upper stomach pain at night?
Drink more water – Drinking water can help treat a number of conditions that cause stomach pain at night, including heartburn and ulcers, both of which may be caused by excessive stomach acid that can be neutralized by water. Additionally, water helps replace fluids lost by vomiting or diarrhea, two other symptoms that often accompany conditions that cause stomach pain.
Why am I having stomach pain only at night?
Stomach pain when lying down at night can be caused by indigestion, IBS, IBD, constipation, acid reflux, GERD, pancreatitis, peptic ulcers, gastritis, diverticulitis, or gallstones. Speak to a doctor if the pain doesn’t go away or if it’s severe enough to wake you up from sleep.
Why am I getting pain at the top of my stomach?
Acute or Chronic Upper Abdominal Pain? – Know the difference between upper abdominal pain that is acute (sudden onset) or chronic (pain felt over time). This can help narrow down the causes of the pain. Acute abdominal pain happens with warning or indication.
It is often severe and may indicate a serious cause. For acute pain, especially those that rate high on the pain scale, it’s best to head directly to your nearby medical center. Common causes of acute upper abdominal pain include pancreatitis, gallbladder infection, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In these cases, medical intervention is sometimes needed immediately. Upper abdominal pain can disrupt your life. Getting a diagnosis early can help you get back on your feet. Chronic upper abdominal pain, while seemingly more manageable, needs the same attention given to acute pain. Upper abdominal pain in waves or recurring often points to a bigger problem building up.
- Pain may last for a few days or weeks, or they can show up one day, disappear the next, then return again.
- Or, chronic pain in the abdomen starts as a minor annoyance.
- Pain gets more noticeable as it builds up in severity and duration.
- As a rule, don’t ignore recurrent pain, no matter how dull.
- Get yourself checked when upper abdominal pain keeps coming back.
Leaving them untreated may cause greater damage to major organs such as the stomach, gall bladder pancreas, liver, kidneys, or intestines.
Does gastritis hurt at night?
Gastritis can lead to ulcers over time. Symptoms of ulcers include pain between the belly button and breastbone that: starts between meals or during the night.
Does gastritis hurt more at night?
Stomach ulcer – A stomach ulcer, which is sometimes called peptic ulcer, often causes burning stomach pain. The pain may grow worse when your stomach is full or when stomach acid is present. That means the pain is often worse between meals and at night.
How do you get rid of stomach pain on top?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process, Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Several conditions can cause upper stomach or upper abdominal pain. including indigestion, gas, and gastritis. Stomachaches are a common complaint in children and adults. The upper stomach houses several vital structures, including the upper intestines, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
While many issues responsible for upper stomach pain, such as gas or a stomach virus, are not cause for concern, others may require medical treatment. In this article, learn about ten possible causes of upper stomach pain, as well as treatment options and when to see a doctor. Causes of upper stomach pain can include: Gas occurs naturally in the intestines and digestive tract.
When this gas accumulates, it can cause feelings of pressure, bloating, or fullness. An infection, virus, diarrhea, or constipation can cause gas pain to become very intense. Gas may be the culprit if:
The pain comes in waves.The pain causes the stomach to swell.It feels like something is moving in the stomach.There is burping or passing of gas.A person has diarrhea or constipation.
Gas pain is not usually serious, and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can help. A person can also try eating more slowly to avoid swallowing air and prevent the gas from getting worse. Some people notice that certain foods, such as broccoli, are more likely to cause gas pain.
Gas usually goes away, without treatment, within a few hours. If it occurs with a fever, uncontrolled vomiting, or intense pain, it is best to see a doctor. Indigestion is a burning feeling in the upper stomach, and sometimes in the mouth or throat. The pain may also feel like it stems from the chest.
The medical term for indigestion is dyspepsia. It usually appears when there is too much acid in the stomach, which can happen after eating highly acidic foods. Less commonly, indigestion can result from a stomach ulcer, acid reflux, or even stomach cancer,
- Frequent indigestion that is very painful or occurs with unexplained weight loss could be a sign of a more serious concern.
- OTC medicines are highly effective at managing temporary indigestion.
- Identifying the triggers, such as certain foods, can help a person make healthful lifestyle changes.
- People with frequent or severe indigestion may wish to speak to a doctor about managing their symptoms or diagnosing an underlying cause.
Indigestion medication is available for purchase online. Gastritis causes the stomach lining to become swollen and painful. Acute gastritis occurs in the short term and comes on quickly, usually because of a bacterial infection, such as with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Crohn’s disease autoimmune diseasessarcoidosisallergiesviruses in people with weakened immune systems
Antibiotics can usually treat bacterial infections. When gastritis is chronic, diagnosing and treating the underlying cause can help. For many people, reducing stomach acid by eating a less acidic diet or taking medications can also help. Pain relievers can help with symptoms, while medicines that protect the stomach lining can prevent the symptoms from getting worse. Stomach viruses can cause vomiting and nausea. Gastroenteritis is a stomach virus that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, in addition to upper stomach pain. People with a stomach virus may also have headaches, muscle aches, and low energy. Some people call gastroenteritis the stomach flu, but it is not actually a type of flu.
- For most people, symptoms go away on their own within a few days.
- Avoiding heavy meals and drinking only clear liquids can help a person stop vomiting.
- It is vital to avoid dehydration, so consider drinking something that restores electrolytes, such as a sports drink, until the symptoms pass.
- Some people may need medical treatment to avoid dehydration, including those with weakened immune systems, babies and very young children, and people with serious health conditions, such as cancer,
There is a selection of electrolyte products available for purchase online. Many muscles extend to the upper stomach. Pain from a mild muscle injury or spasms can cause temporary pain in the upper abdomen. The pain often gets better with gentle massage and rest.
- Some people also find relief by using cold and hot packs.
- If muscle pain is intense or does not get better after a few days, see a doctor for an evaluation.
- Hot and cold packs are available for purchase online.
- Appendicitis is an infection of the appendix.
- Without treatment, it can cause the appendix to rupture, and the condition can become life-threatening.
In the early stages of appendicitis, a person may notice a dull ache around their belly button, but this pain can radiate to the upper stomach. As the infection gets worse, the pain moves to the lower-right side. In most cases, a doctor treats appendicitis by removing the appendix.
- Gallstones are hard formations of cholesterol or bilirubin that can develop in the gallbladder.
- They do not always cause problems, but sometimes they block a biliary duct.
- A blockage from a gallstone can cause intense pain in the upper-right stomach, as well as vomiting, fatigue, and exhaustion.
- Untreated gallstones can affect the functioning of the liver and pancreas.
When this happens, a person may experience jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes, or they may develop a serious infection of the pancreas. In most cases, a doctor treats gallstones by removing the gallbladder, and a person can live a regular life without this organ.
- Or, a doctor may prescribe medication to dissolve the stones.
- If gallstones pass on their own, a doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as more exercise or a lower-fat diet, to reduce the risk of the stones reoccurring.
- The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder work together to support digestion.
- All three organs are in the upper-right side of the stomach.
Sometimes, untreated gallstones block biliary ducts, causing pain in the liver or pancreas. Liver diseases, such as hepatitis, can cause liver pain. Pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, may also cause pain. Some other causes, such as liver or pancreatic cancer, are less likely.
yellow eyes or skindark urinevery pale or white bowel movementsnauseavomitingpain that gets progressively worse
The right treatment depends on the underlying cause. People with pancreatitis may need to stay in the hospital for fluids and observation. Liver diseases require medication, and a liver transplant can treat advanced liver disease. Cancers of the liver and pancreas can require chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
vomiting bile, a greenish-yellow substancea swollen stomachan inability to pass gas or have a bowel movementintense cramping
A bowel obstruction is a medical emergency, as the bowel can tear or become seriously infected. Medications, fluid, and pain relievers often help. In some cases, a surgeon may need to remove the blockage. Small pouches called diverticula can appear in the intestines, especially in the colon,
When these pouches become inflamed or infected, a person can develop intense abdominal pain. The location of the pain depends on where the diverticula are. While diverticula are more common in the lower intestines, they can also appear in the upper intestines, causing pain in the upper stomach. Diverticulitis may also affect bowel function, causing symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.
Probiotics and a high-fiber diet often help treat diverticulitis. If the infection gets worse or does not go away, a doctor may perform a surgery to remove the diverticula or a part of the intestines. Share on Pinterest A person should see a doctor within 24 hours if they have a fever and abdominal pain.
Vomiting lasts longer than 12 hours.There is a fever along with abdominal pain.Abdominal pain occurs following an injury, such as a blow to the stomach.A person develops abdominal pain after taking a new medication.Stomach pain occurs in someone with a weakened immune system due to HIV, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressants.
Go to the emergency room or seek urgent care if:
There is severe pain in the upper-right abdomen.The stomach pain is unbearable.There is stomach pain and white or pale stool.A pregnant woman develops severe abdominal pain.A person develops signs of severe dehydration, such as not urinating, chapped lips, very dry skin, confusion, dizziness, or sunken eyes.A newborn has persistent vomiting or a high fever.
Abdominal pain can be a minor inconvenience or so intense that it makes functioning difficult. It is important to pay attention to other symptoms before deciding whether medical attention is necessary. In many cases, especially those due to minor infections or gas, upper stomach pain will go away in a few hours or days.
What does upper gastric pain feel like?
Symptoms – The signs and symptoms of gastritis include:
Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating Nausea Vomiting A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating
Gastritis doesn’t always cause signs and symptoms.
What does ulcer pain feel like?
Peritonitis – In peritonitis, an infection can rapidly spread into the blood ( sepsis ) before spreading to other organs. This carries the risk of multiple organ failure and can be fatal if left untreated. The most common symptom of peritonitis is sudden abdominal pain, which gets steadily worse.
How long should gastritis pain last?
Acute gastritis – With acute gastritis, pain usually comes on suddenly but is temporary, sometimes described as acute attacks or “flares”. Generally, acute gastritis lasts anywhere from 2-10 days and can be greatly improved with symptomatic treatment. People usually recover from acute gastritis without complications or need for further medical intervention.
What level of pain is gastritis?
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU Gastritis or Abdominal Pain affecting your quality of life? Let our team of caring professionals help you find answers. Contact Us Patients suffering from gastritis can experience a range of symptoms, from mild nausea or a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating, to more severe symptoms like severe pain, a burning sensation, and vomiting.
- The root of these symptoms is an inflammation of the mucus lining of the stomach.
- For people experiencing chronic gastritis, symptoms appear gradually over a long period of time and don’t go away quickly on their own.
- Acute gastritis, on the other hand, appears suddenly, usually after eating.
- Gastritis, left untreated, can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Though rare, chronic gastritis can even increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Can gastritis hurt everyday?
But why does gastritis pain hurt so bad? – Doctors can’t explain why the pain is excruciatingly intense for some people and mildly nagging for others. The short answer is that people perceive pain at different intensities. Dr. Lee says gastritis pain usually occurs in the mid-upper stomach region, just below the breastbone and above the belly button.
Nagging discomfort.Dull or burning pain.Intense stabbing pain.
The pain quality varies widely. It can come and go in some. In others, it may be constant with waxing and waning intensities — with or without specific triggers (like it may be worse before or after eating). Sometimes, the pain will come and hang around.
Chest pains, shortness of breath, weakness or inability to tolerate any foods or liquids by mouth.High-grade fever.Vomiting or bowel movements with blood.Rapid change or severe escalation of your pain.
What sleeping position relieves gastritis?
Switch to the Best Sleeping Position for Acid Reflux – Reducing potential GERD triggers is a common aspect of managing the condition. Since many GERD issues arise at night, it may help to adjust your sleeping position and make changes to your mattress or bed frame.
Multiple research studies have found that sleeping on your left side is the best sleeping position for GERD. Sleeping with your left side down reduces reflux episodes and exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid. Sleeping in other positions, including on your back, can make reflux more likely. In addition to sleeping on your left side, you may want to consider propping up the top of the bed – not just the pillows under your head – by at least 6 inches.
This can cut down on reflux symptoms when lying down. Using an adjustable bed frame is one easy way to incorporate this change.
How should I sleep with gastritis pain?
You’re trying to get a good night’s sleep, but it just isn’t happening. In addition to tossing and turning, the burning sensation of heartburn isn’t making your sleep efforts any easier. What’s going on? Was it something you ate? Your sleeping position? Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, are frequent causes of sleeplessness.
- As many as one in four people who experience sleep disturbances report that they have nighttime heartburn.
- For people who have been diagnosed with GERD, the rate is even higher; three people out of four report having nocturnal GERD symptoms,
- These individuals are more likely to suffer sleep problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and daytime sleepiness as a result of their nighttime heartburn.
Sleeplessness poses a serious health problem. In addition to the physical and mental effects that stem from lack of sleep, people who experience nocturnal GERD are at greater risk for some of the worst complications of the disease, including erosive esophagitis, dyspepsia, and esophageal cancer,
Most obviously, individuals may be awakened by the pain of heartburn, which occurs when stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus and eats away at the esophageal lining.If acid reflux reaches the back of the throat or larynx, it may prompt a coughing fit or choking.People might wake up when they experience regurgitation, in which a small amount of stomach acid comes up through their esophagus and into their mouth.GERD has been identified as a risk factor for sleep apnea, a disorder in which the person repeatedly stops breathing during the night. Researchers believe that refluxed stomach acid causes the voice box to spasm, which blocks the airways and prevents air from flowing into the lungs.
Unfortunately, many of the mechanisms of sleep make GERD more likely. For example, just the act of lying down increases the risk of acid reflux. When you are in a sitting or standing position, gravity helps keep gastric acid in the stomach. When you lie flat, however, it’s much easier for stomach acid to backflow into your esophagus.
Also, sleeping people tend to swallow less frequently. This slows the regular esophageal contractions that normally keep food moving down the esophagus and prevent acid from moving back up. Sleepers also produce less saliva, which plays a role in returning esophageal pH levels to normal after an incident of acid reflux.
GERD and Sleep Position: Dos and Don’ts If you are a GERD sufferer, you can do a lot to improve your quality of sleep by changing your sleeping position. Doctors recommend that you:
Do elevate the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches to assist gravity in keeping your stomach acid from refluxing. Don’t sleep on your back, particularly if you are obese, because the pressure on your stomach could help drive acid into your esophagus. Don’t sleep on your right side. For some reason, this seems to prompt relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter — the tight ring of muscle connecting the stomach and esophagus that normally defends against reflux. Do sleep on your left side. This is the position that has been found to best reduce acid reflux,
You also can improve your chances of a good night’s sleep by waiting for three to four hours after you eat before going to bed. That gives your stomach a chance to process your meal and move it through your digestive system. Your stomach will then be empty and less likely to promote reflux when you lie down.
What are the symptoms of GERD at night?
Journal List Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) v.3(8); 2007 Aug PMC3099296
As a library, NLM provides access to scientific literature. Inclusion in an NLM database does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents by NLM or the National Institutes of Health. Learn more about our disclaimer. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y).2007 Aug; 3(8): 605–606.
G&H What is the prevalence of nighttime GERD among GERD patients in the United States? WO Approximately 14–20% of adults in the United States experience heartburn at least once a week, and among these individuals, approximately 70–75% experience heartburn at night at least once a week. These data come from results of two important epidemiologic studies by Farup and associates and Shaker and associates that found that between 70% and 75% of individuals with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reported nighttime heartburn and that approximately 40% of these individuals reported that nighttime heartburn disrupted their sleep.
The bottom line is that nighttime heartburn is very prevalent in GERD patients. Most GERD patients experience both daytime and nighttime symptoms, and it is relatively rare to encounter a patient who has only daytime or nighttime symptoms.1 am not aware of any studies examining the prevalence of just nighttime GERD in the general population.
G&H Are the typical presenting symptoms of patients with nighttime GERD different from those of other GERD patients? WO The most common GERD symptoms among individuals who have daytime and/or nighttime GERD are heartburn and regurgitation.1ndividuals who have significant nighttime GERD tend to have increased extraesophageal symptoms such as regurgitation compared to individuals with daytime GERD.1ndividuals with nighttime GERD may wake up more often choking or coughing or with regurgitation (ie, an acid or sour taste in their mouth) at nighttime.
A recent study has also shown that individuals with nighttime heartburn tend to have more severe GERD symptoms. G&H How does nighttime GERD heighten the risk of a more complicated disease course? WO 1ndividuals who have nighttime heartburn are certainly experiencing nighttime gastroesophageal reflux.1n these individuals, episodes of nighttime reflux tend to have a longer acid clearance time, which means that they have a greater degree of acid mucosal contact for each reflux event.
- This is a problem because the length or duration of the acid mucosal contact facilitates the back diffusion of hydrogen ions into the esophageal mucosa, which causes esophageal injury.
- There are substantial data, consequently, to suggest that nighttime reflux is the primary cause of the complications of gastroesophageal reflux (ie, esophagitis) and respiratory complications such as chronic cough, wheezing, and exacerbation of bronchial asthma.
For some time, there has been a belief that reflux is just reflux, that it does not make a difference whether it occurs in the daytime or nighttime because it is still the same entity and it is still the same disease. However, there is increasing recognition amongst gastroenterologists concerning the importance of nighttime gastroesophageal reflux and the differences between the physiologic responses to acid mucosal contact during sleep and during the daytime.1n that sense, nighttime GERD really constitutes a very different, much more serious entity.
G&H Have there been studies comparing different options for the treatment of nighttime GERD? WO There have not really been any studies comparing proton pump inhibitor (PP1) treatments for nighttime GERD or for sleep disturbances associated with nighttime GERD. However, a clinical trial conducted by Johnson and colleagues, which was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, did examine the use of 20 mg and 40 mg of esomeprazole (Nexium, AstraZeneca) versus placebo.
The study showed that esomeprazole given once daily in the morning, as is normally prescribed, was very successful in relieving nighttime heartburn and sleep disturbance symptoms associated with nighttime heartburn. G&H How does treatment for nighttime GERD differ from treatment for daytime GERD? WO When meeting with a patient, I think that it is important to establish whether or not nighttime heartburn is an important component of the patient’s symptom complex.
If it is determined that the individual does have nighttime heartburn and consequently nighttime reflux, I would consider that individual as having a more “malignant” form of gastroesophageal reflux, and would treat him or her more aggressively, focusing on relief of nighttime reflux and nighttime symptoms.
Likewise, because nighttime GERD is a more aggressive form of the disease, a clinician may be more likely to perform an endoscopy on a patient in whom significant nighttime heartburn is suspected. Otherwise, as in a typical GERD case, endoscopy would not be normally involved if the patient is responsive to treatment.
G&H Do nighttime GERD patients require special follow-up? WO In a patient with a suspected nighttime heartburn component, a clinician may choose to follow up with the patient more frequently to ensure that the nighttime symptoms are being relieved because, as previously mentioned, the continued presence of nighttime reflux is a significant factor in an individual who may be refractory to treatment.
If the patient has any remaining residual nighttime symptoms, then it may be a good idea to perform 24-hour pH monitoring to more thoroughly assess the extent to which the treatment is resolving the nighttime reflux. G&H Has there been any research investigating nonacid reflux events during sleep? WO My colleagues at the Lynn Health Science Institute and I conducted a study to assess whether or not individuals who are taking twice-daily PPI therapy, which is currently fairly common in patients being treated for reflux, continued to have nighttime reflux (acid or nonacid) despite this powerful acid suppression.
- In addition, we wanted to investigate whether or not nonacid reflux was occurring at night and whether there was greater proximal migration of nonacid reflux, which might put the tracheal bronchial tree at risk.
- We found that giving individuals 40 mg of esomeprazole twice daily did reduce nighttime acid exposure, as expected.
There was a continuation of nighttime reflux, and the majority of nighttime reflux events under those conditions were nonacid. We also found, however, that patients woke up as frequently or had arousal responses from sleep as frequently with nonacid reflux as with acid reflux, and there was no difference with the proximal migration of acid events versus nonacid events.
- This suggests to me that the esophagus is capable of recognizing nonacid reflux during sleep and providing the same protective measures that would be in place with nonacid events as with acid events.
- G&H What research is currently ongoing in this field? WO In nighttime reflux, there is a continuing interest particularly in individuals who may be considered “asymptomatic” but have “silent reflux.” In other words, these individuals have reflux at night but have no obvious symptoms of heartburn.
Because their nighttime reflux disturbs their sleep, the primary manifestation in many of these individuals is sleep complaint/disturbance. This is an area that my colleagues and I are currently researching further and preparing papers for publication.
What does upper gastric pain feel like?
Symptoms – The signs and symptoms of gastritis include:
Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating Nausea Vomiting A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating
Gastritis doesn’t always cause signs and symptoms.
What is the pain at the top of the stomach under the ribs?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process, Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Epigastric pain refers to pain or discomfort right below your ribs in the area of your upper abdomen. It can have many causes, including acid reflux, gallstones, or indigestion.
- Depending on the cause, you may need medical attention and monitoring.
- Is this cause for concern? Epigastric pain is a name for pain or discomfort right below your ribs in the area of your upper abdomen.
- It often happens alongside other common symptoms of your digestive system.
- These symptoms can include heartburn, bloating, and gas.
Epigastric pain isn’t always cause for concern. This condition has many possible causes, especially when it happens right after eating. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between pain that’s a result of something harmless, like overeating or lactose intolerance, and pain that happens because of an underlying condition, such as GERD, inflammation, or infection.
- Eep reading to learn more about what may be causing your symptoms.
- Heartburn is a result of acid reflux.
- This can cause burning chest pain.
- Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a name for digestive symptoms that happen when you eat types of foods that don’t seem to agree with you.
- The most common symptom of heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest after you eat.
This burning feeling usually is worse when you lie or bend down. This is because the acid moves farther up your esophagus. Common symptoms of indigestion include:
feeling bloatedburpinggetting full even if you haven’t eaten muchnauseapressure in your abdomen from gas
Learn more: How to stop overeating » Lactose intolerance happens when your body has trouble digesting dairy products, such as milk or cheese. Dairy products all contain a type of sugar called lactose. Typically, symptoms will occur every time you eat dairy.
feeling bloatedstomach painspressure in your abdomen from gasdiarrheanauseathrowing up
Drinking alcohol in moderation, or about one drink per day, normally doesn’t cause stomach pain. But drinking too much alcohol at one time or over a long period of time can cause your stomach lining to become inflamed. Long-term inflammation can lead to bleeding. Drinking too much can also cause conditions such as:
gastritis, or stomach inflammation pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreasliver disease
These conditions can all cause epigastric pain, too. Check out: Gastritis diet: What to eat and what to avoid » When you eat too much, your stomach can expand beyond its normal size. This puts a lot of pressure on the organs around it. This pressure can cause pain in your gut.
- It can also make it hard to breathe because your lungs have less room to expand when you inhale.
- Overeating can also cause stomach acid and contents to back up into your esophagus.
- This can cause heartburn and acid reflux.
- These conditions can make the epigastric pain that you feel after eating much worse.
If you have an eating disorder related to binge eating, repeated vomiting after eating can also cause epigastric pain. Learn more: Identifying gallbladder problems » A hiatal hernia happens when part of your stomach gets pushed up towards your diaphragm through the hole that the esophagus passes through, which is called the hiatus.
indigestionburning feeling in your chestirritated or sore throatburping loudly
Esophagitis happens when your esophagus lining becomes inflamed. Common causes include acid coming back up from your stomach, allergies, infection, or chronic irritation from medications. If you don’t treat it, over time esophagitis can eventually lead to scarring on your esophagus lining. Common symptoms of esophagitis include:
burning in your chest or throatabnormal acidic taste in your mouthcoughinghaving trouble swallowing or having pain when swallowing
Gastritis happens when the lining of your stomach (mucosa) becomes inflamed due to a bacterial infection, an immune system disorder, or ongoing damage to your stomach. It can be acute and last for only a brief time, or it can be chronic, lasting for years or more if you don’t get treatment. Common symptoms of gastritis can include:
pain or discomfort in your upper body or chestnauseavomiting, or throwing up blood or something that looks like coffee groundspassing black stool
Peptic ulcer disease happens when the lining of your stomach or small intestine gets damaged due to a bacterial infection or by taking too much of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. Common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease can include:
nauseavomitingfeeling easily fullstomach pains that food can make better or worsesigns of bleeding that can include tiredness, paleness, or shortness of breath
Barrett’s esophagus happens when the tissue that lines your esophagus starts to become more like the tissue lining your intestines. This is known as intestinal metaplasia. This condition requires close follow-up. Unchecked, Barrett’s esophagus can lead to cancer of the esophagus.
throat soreness or hoarsenessabnormal acidic taste in your mouthburning in your stomachheartburnhaving trouble swallowing
Epigastric pain can develop when your gallbladder becomes inflamed as gallstones block the opening of your gallbladder. The condition is known as cholecystitis, This can be painful and may require hospitalization or surgery. Common symptoms of gallbladder inflammation can include:
not having an appetiteintense pain around your gallbladder (upper right side of your stomach)nausea and vomitingbloating and gashigh feverclay-colored stoolsskin that looks yellow ( jaundice )
Mild epigastric pain is common while you’re pregnant due to the pressure that your growing pregnancy puts on your abdominal area. It’s also common because of the changes in your hormones and your digestion. You may also experience frequent heartburn while you’re pregnant.
However, significant epigastric pain in pregnancy is sometimes a symptom of a serious condition known as preeclampsia, It requires close monitoring by your doctor and can become life-threatening if severe. You’ll require close observation, blood pressure checks, blood tests, and urine tests to rule this out as a cause of epigastric pain.
Treatment for epigastric pain depends on the cause. If your pain is a result of your diet or overeating, your doctor may recommend that you change your diet or lifestyle. This may include exercising for about 30 minutes each day or eating healthier foods.
- Eating foods like ginger and taking vitamin B supplements may help relieve symptoms like nausea and throwing up.
- Shop for vitamin B supplements online.
- If the pain is a result of taking certain medications, such as NSAIDs, your doctor may tell you to stop taking these medications and help you find another way to manage pain.
Your doctor may recommend antacids or even acid-blocking medicines to relieve your pain. If an underlying condition such as GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, or peptic ulcer disease is causing your epigastric pain, you may require antibiotics as well as long-term treatment to manage these conditions.
trouble breathing or swallowingthrowing up bloodblood in your stool or black, tarry stoolhigh feverchest paindifficulty breathingpassing out
You should also see your doctor if your symptoms last for more than a few days without getting any better with over-the-counter or home treatments. Many causes of epigastric pain can easily be treated, including chronic conditions. Seeing your doctor as soon as you notice epigastric pain that isn’t going away can help you relieve your symptoms and get any underlying conditions under control.