Top 10 remedies to relieve upper stomach pain

Upper stomach pain can be unsettling. A sharp twinge right between your ribs and belly button; it leaves behind a dull ache, perhaps a burning sensation. Most of the time, it’s your body’s way of asking for attention.

In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of upper stomach pain, what remedies you can follow, when you should seek medical help, and the specific locations where upper stomach pain can occur.

Common Causes of Upper Stomach Pain

Pain in the upper stomach area usually stems from a few common sources. Let’s take a look at them today.

1. Gas: Digestive conditions like IBS, GERD, and IBD can cause issues like gas, indigestion, gastritis, etc. These symptoms typically cause pain in the upper stomach area. Gas occurs naturally in the intestines. Gas accumulation can make you feel full, bloated, and a sense of pressure. Gas usually passes on its own, but in the case that it doesn’t, you can take OTC medications to help pass it. You can also try eating slowly and keep track of which foods are causing gas. Read More About - Gas Relief: Top 9 Home Remedies for Stomach Discomfort
2. Indigestion: Indigestion can be a pain literally. It indicates that there is too much acid in the stomach. Indigestion is typically followed by heartburn or acidity. You can feel the burning sensation in your throat and mouth, and it might stem from the chest. Antacids can help ease some of the acidity and indigestion. Identify your trigger foods and avoid or limit them. If your indigestion is frequent, it could hint at something more serious. Consult a doctor if you have recurring bouts. Read More About - Top 9 Best Remedies For Indigestion Treatment
3. Gastritis: Gastritis is a short-lived condition, but one that causes substantial pain, nausea, and vomiting. It is often the result of an infection. You might be prone to long-term gastritis if you have:
4. Crohn’s disease
5. Autoimmune diseases
6. Sarcoidosis
7. Allergies
8. Chronic infections

You can generally take antibiotics to treat a gastritis infection. If the gastritis is chronic, consult a doctor and treat the underlying cause.

Read More About - Gastritis: Decoding The Stomach Inflammation Causing Disease

1. Appendicitis: Appendicitis occurs when your appendix is inflamed. If you leave it untreated, your appendix can rupture. This can be life-threatening. Appendicitis symptoms include a dull ache around the belly button, which radiates to the upper stomach area. If the infection gets worse, the pain can radiate downwards, to the left side. Read More About - Know The Symptoms Of Appendicitis
2. Gallstones: Gallstones occur in the gallbladder. They are hard formations of cholesterol. They might always cause problems, but they can also cause blockages. Gallstones-related blockages create intense pain in the upper right stomach area. Read More About - Gallstones Symptoms, Causes, & Natural Home Remedies
3. Liver or Pancreas Conditions: The liver and pancreas are also located in the upper stomach area. Gallstone complications can cause pain in the liver or pancreas, too. Conditions such as hepatitis and pancreatitis can cause intense pain, as they are more inflammatory conditions. Hepatitis affects the liver.
4. Bowel Obstruction: A bowel obstruction refers to a blockage in the intestines. This blockage doesn’t allow anything to pass through. This causes immense pain, constipation, and digestive issues. You need immediate medical help if you have a bowel obstruction to avoid complications, such as a bowel tear. This can lead to infections. Read More About - Understanding Bowel Obstruction And Its Causes

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If your upper stomach pain is persistent and does not seem to go away even after OTC medications, you should consult a doctor. Consult a doctor immediately if:

1. Your stomach pain keeps getting worse despite medications
2. Abdominal pain started after an injury
3. Pain is accompanied by fever and chills
4. Urination is painful, or there is too little or too much urination
5. You have a weak immune system
6. Vomiting and diarrhea last more than a few days
7. Abdominal pain started after a new medication

These are situations that warrant a trip to the emergency room:

1. Severe pain
2. Pain in the upper right stomach
3. Blood in vomit or stool
4. Difficulty urinating or having bowel movements
5. Severe dehydration
6. Stomach pain during pregnancy

Top 10 Remedies to Relieve Upper Stomach Pain

1. Water: This sounds like an obvious answer, but you would be surprised at how many problems occur due to dehydration. If your upper stomach pain is mild, similar to when you have gas, reach for some water. If your digestive tract does not have enough fluid, it can cause pain. If you are having diarrhea, keep drinking water regularly to replenish the lost fluids.
2. Ginger: Ginger has been used as a way to treat an upset stomach for centuries. It is that one household remedy that works for most common ailments. Ginger can ease nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, indigestion, and more. You can make a tea, chew it raw, or add fresh ginger to your food. If you are on blood thinners, limit your ginger intake, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile is an herb that is most commonly consumed as a tea. It can be used for treating stomach pain. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease conditions like gastritis, GERD, IBS, etc. It also contains polyphenols that can relax the digestive system, ease symptoms like indigestion, cramps, and vomiting. Read More About - Top 10 Chamomile Tea Benefits For Good Health
4. Peppermint: The mint family is great at soothing an upset stomach. Peppermint has menthol and methyl salicylate, which are compounds that have antispasmodic effects. It can calm down the stomach and reduce nausea and cramping. Peppermint moves through the digestive tract smoothly. It can help break down food quickly.
5. Heating Pad: A heating pad can soothe a stomachache. It can relax the stomach muscles and ease cramping. Heating pads are highly effective against menstrual cramps. Similarly, you can ease stomach cramps brought on by conditions like IBS.
6. Seltzer and Lime: Seltzer and lime are a popular at-home remedy for indigestion. You can also use it to treat stomach pain that is caused by food allergies, stomach flu, and peptic ulcers. You can find seltzer and lime in carbonated sodas. If you want it without sugar, make it at home with fresh lime juice in a glass of seltzer or soda water. You can also ease nausea and gas with this concoction.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can ease certain types of stomach aches. It contains probiotics that help neutralize gut bacteria, reduce acid reflux, stomach pain, and bloating. Dilute it with water; otherwise, it will increase the acidity in your stomach. Read More About - Surprising Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar that Change your Life
8. Exercise: Exercise helps ease many pain points in our health. It clears your mind, improves cardiovascular health, and your skin benefits, too! For those with stomach aches, you can do some gentle exercises to relieve any trapped gas. Cycling and swimming are good exercises. You can also walk in place for 30 minutes if you can't do a formal exercise.
9. Breathing exercises :Breathing exercises can be very rewarding. Take in deep breaths to ease stomach pain. Remember: you have to breathe deep, from the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This system carries the message to the digestive tract to calm down.
10. Fiber:One of the best remedies to relieve upper stomach pain is to consume regular fiber. It has a mild laxative effect that keeps the bowel moving smoothly. If your stomach pain is caused by constipation, you can include more fiber in your diet to keep the digestive process going.

Upper Stomach Pain Under the Breasts – Possible Reasons

Upper stomach pain under the breasts can be caused by various factors. There are digestive issues, such as acid reflux, gastritis, peptic ulcers, gallstones, or gas. It could also be a muscle strain, a hernia, or a symptom of something more serious. The pain could also be brought on by pancreatitis, heart problems, or pregnancy.

Don't ignore chest pain or upper stomach pain. If the pain becomes more severe, seek medical help immediately.

Upper Stomach Pain During Pregnancy

The most common reasons for upper stomach pain during pregnancy are:

1. Acid reflux
2. Constipation
3. Stretched ligaments
4. The baby is moving
5. Braxton Hicks contractions
6. Gas
7. Food allergies and sensitivities

More serious reasons for upper stomach pain during pregnancy are:

1. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage.
2. Placental abruption is when the placenta separates from the uterus early.
3. Premature labour is when the labour process starts before the 37th week of pregnancy.
4. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious pregnancy complication where the embryo attaches outside the uterus.
5. Other illnesses like kidney stones, kidney function, pancreatitis, appendicitis, or ulcers.

Pain in Upper Left Side of Stomach – What It Means

Pain in the upper left side of the stomach can mean a lot of things; not all reasons may be bad. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you may feel pain in the upper left side of your stomach.

1. Trapped gas: Trapped gas can cause a lot of pain, and sometimes the pain can be misunderstood. Trapped gas is usually caused by food or digestive conditions. You might feel bloated and in pain.
2. Constipation: Constipation is characterized by fewer than three bowel movements per week or hard stools that are difficult to pass. Constipation makes you feel bloated, gives you a stomachache, causes little to no appetite, and causes cramps.

Read More About - Home Remedies For Constipation

1. Heartburn: Heartburn is a common cause of pain in the upper left side of the stomach. The pain from heartburn ranges from mild to severe, a burning sensation radiating in the chest, throat, and mouth.
2. IBS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic condition. It encompasses a group of intestinal symptoms. The symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, indigestion, acidity, etc.
3. Angina: Looking at more serious conditions, Angina could be one that causes pain in the upper left stomach area. Angina is characterized by chest pain. The blood that travels to your heart lacks adequate oxygen. This causes a tightening feeling in your chest, jaw, back, shoulders, and arms.
4. Heart Attack: A heart attack is one of the most serious conditions that presents as pain in the upper left side of the stomach. If you suspect you are having a heart attack, do not wait and call your emergency hotline immediately. Some of the most common symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, tightness, or pressure. The pain may radiate up your jaw, down your arms, across your shoulders and back, and through your neck. You may have pain in one or two of these locations. However, at the first warning sign of a heart attack, call for medical help.

Read More About - Heart Attack: Causes, Treatment, Signs & Symptoms

1. Pericarditis: Pericarditis is characterized by the swelling of the heart membrane. It is named after the membrane itself, the pericardium. It causes symptoms, such as low-grade fever, weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, dry cough, swelling in the feet, etc.

Upper Stomach Pain That Comes and Goes in Waves

Upper stomach pain can come and go in waves. Generally, it is not a cause for concern. However, you should still keep an eye out for worsening symptoms. Let’s take a look at what causes upper stomach pain that comes and goes in waves.

1. Gas can cause this kind of pain in the upper stomach area.
2. Acid reflux, which is when the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, can be one reason.
3. Indigestion or gastroenteritis can also cause a burning discomfort.

More serious causes include:

1. Liver conditions
2. Pancreatic conditions, like pancreatitis
3. Gallbladder conditions, like gallstones
4. Contraction of the organ that is in pain

Upper Stomach Pain at Night – Causes & Solutions

Typically, the upper stomach pain at night comes from digestive issues. Indigestion, acid reflux, or gas are the most common culprits. Avoid lying down too soon after a meal. If your symptoms persist or get worse, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Upper Stomach and Back Pain at the Same Time in Females

The combination of upper stomach and back pain is not exclusive to women. It could mean several things. There could be an issue with her gallbladder, pancreas, or kidney. Conditions like pancreatitis and kidney problems require immediate and proper care, so it is best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Conclusion

Upper stomach pain comes in many forms. Good news for us is that most of the time, it is not anything too serious, and gentle home care can do the trick. However, understanding the condition can help you stay one step ahead in your or a loved one’s care. Tweak your diet, ensure hydration, warmth, and use OTC medications when needed. If you start noticing that the symptoms are lingering longer than usual or they feel severe, you should contact a doctor immediately.