When Tummy Trouble Hits

Upper abdominal pain is certainly no fun, whether it hits after you've eaten a meal or after you've skipped one! Surgeon DR THNG YONGXIAN shares insights into some of the causes and symptoms, as well as when it's time to see a doctor.

- CHERRY LAI

Upper abdominal pain can result from a variety of causes, but there are a few common culprits. “Upper abdominal pain can be caused by gallstones within the gallbladder, stomach inflammation or gastritis,” Dr Thng says. “Less commonly, it could result from liver growths in the left lobe, pancreatitis, or inflammation of the transverse colon.”

He also notes that upper abdominal pain is often mistaken for post-meal indigestion, which can cause discomfort or belly pain unrelated to any underlying disease.

Recognising symptoms and telling them apart

How can we identify the symptoms and causes of upper abdominal pain, and what warning signs should we look out for? Dr Thng explains:

Gallstones: Typically, gallstones cause pain after a heavy or oily meal.

Gastritis: Gastric pain often occurs when the stomach is empty or when you have skipped meals.

Pancreatitis: The pain tends to radiate to the back and gets relieved when bending forward.

Liver growths: These tend to occur more often in individuals with chronic hepatitis B or C.

When to consult a doctor