Pain in the middle of the upper abdomen
The most common cause of upper abdominal pain in the middle concerns the stomach. The first cause is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach, also known as gastritis. It can be caused by stress, various drugs, large amounts of alcohol or even bacteria.
The symptoms are often rather unspecific upper abdominal pain. It can be triggered by pressure. The most common cause of chronic upper abdominal pain in the middle is bacteria-mediated gastritis.
The bacteria responsible for this are called Helicobacter pylori and can be treated well with a triple therapy consisting of two different antibiotics and a stomach acid inhibitor. If an ulcer does develop, there are typical symptoms that can give an indication of the location of the ulcer. If the ulcer is located in the area of the stomach, upper abdominal pain occurs mainly immediately after eating or independently of food.
If the ulcer is located more in the area of the duodenum, i.e. in the intestine that joins the stomach, the pain typically occurs at night or when one is fasting (see: Upper abdominal pain at night). However, they become better after eating. The cause of the ulcers is also here bacteria, smoking, the intake of certain painkillers (the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Diclofenac) in combination with a cortisone preparation.
An inflammation of the esophagus by ascending stomach acid can sometimes be a cause of upper abdominal pain in the middle. Further causes of central upper abdominal pain can be an inflammation of the pancreas, an incipient appendicitis or sometimes a blockage of the intestinal vessels. A heart attack can also lead to pain in the middle of the upper abdomen without causing the typical chest pain in the area of the heart.
Upper abdominal pain belt-shaped
A typical cause of belt-shaped pain in the upper abdomen is inflammation of the pancreas. The main symptoms of so-called pancreatitis are a sudden onset of upper abdominal pain, which can radiate in all directions and can form a belt around the body. The pain can radiate into the back or chest and can therefore sometimes be misinterpreted.
The patient may also complain of nausea and vomiting, fever or increased air accumulation in the abdomen. Bluish discoloration in the area of the navel or both flanks is rather rare. The abdomen may be distended.
Physicians call such a belly “bulging elastic”. Inflammation can be caused by a blockage in the pancreatic duct due to stones, e.g. gallstones. Alcohol or medication can also cause this.
In the laboratory, typical increases in pancreatic enzymes are found. At the beginning of the treatment, monitoring of the patient and a temporary suspension of food intake are the first priority.
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