What Are the Causes of Upper Abdominal Pain in a Woman?

Almost every woman experiences abdominal pain from time to time. Usually, abdominal pain does not indicate a serious medical condition and typically subsides in a short period of time. However, if pain is persistent or severe, upper abdominal pain could indicate a serious medical condition.

Types

• Upper abdominal pain may be caused by many different types of illness. Possible causes include appendicitis, gallbladder inflammation, gallstones, small intestine inflammation, gastroesophageal reflux, hepatitis, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, non-hodgkin's lymphoma, and peptic ulcers. Upper abdominal pain may also be caused by heart conditions, such an angina, heart attacks and pericarditis. Lung conditions, such as pneumonia, pneumonthorax and pleurisy, may also cause upper abdominal pain.

Right-Sided Pain

• If the pain is mostly on the right side of the upper abdomen, the possible causes include appendicitis, bile duct inflammation, diverticulitis, gallstones, gallbladder cancer, hepatitis, liver problems, pericarditis, pleurisy, pneumonia, peptic ulcer, shingles and stomach cancer.

Left-Sided Pain

• If the pain is mostly on the left side of the upper abdomen, the possible causes include angina, aortic aneurysm, diverticulitis, enlarged spleen, heart attack, pneumonia, ruptured spleen, spleen infection and torn colon.

Considerations

• Upper abdominal pain may require emergency medical treatment. If the pain prevents you from sitting still or if you feel compelled to curl up into a ball to alleviate the pain, seek emergency medical care. Also, if other symptoms such as continual nausea and vomiting, bloody stools, yellowing skin or abdominal swelling are present, go to the nearest emergency room for treatment.

Prevention/Solution

• If mild to moderate abdominal pain continues for several days, schedule a doctor's appointment. Do not take over-the-counter pain medications for stomach pain because they may make the pain worse. Also, try eating smaller meals until the pain subsides.