Symptoms

The symptoms of central upper abdominal pain vary greatly depending on the cause. A reflux of stomach acid causes heartburn. The pain often occurs after eating very high-fat meals and can also cause pressure on the breastbone.

Patients also report that they have to burp and feel a sour taste. Acute inflammation of the stomach mucosa is usually a newly occurring pain in the central upper abdomen, which appears rather long-lasting and often occurs only after the increase in meals. However, they can also occur as severe burning and stabbing pain.

These are aggravated by exerting pressure on the central upper abdomen or by tilting the patient forward. A chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, on the other hand, leads to long-lasting, recurrent pain that can vary in intensity and severity.As a result of untreated gastritis, a stomach ulcer can develop, which also causes pain in the central upper abdomen. Patients describe an occurrence of pain after eating, often in combination with nausea and vomiting.

If an ulcer breaks out, very strong, sudden, stabbing, destructive pain in the central upper abdomen sets in, making rapid treatment necessary. In the case of inflammation of the pancreas, burning and stabbing pain in the middle upper abdomen is indicated, which often radiates into the back. The abdomen proves to be very sensitive to pressure in this area and is often described as rubbery.

Other symptoms that can accompany the central upper abdomen pain when the pancreas is inflamed are fever, fatigue, dark urine, light-colored stool and a change in skin color. Central upper abdominal pain triggered by a heart attack can be recognized by newly occurring dull or suddenly onsetting pain. It can also lead to a pulling in the abdomen. In the case of an aneurysm, a slowly increasing pain develops, which constricts the upper abdomen and radiates into the back. Overall, the symptoms of central upper abdominal pain can be very varied and require further diagnostic clarification.