Introduction
Upper abdominal pain — discomfort or pain in the area between your chest and belly button — is one of the most common reasons people seek surgical advice. While it can be caused by minor issues such as indigestion, it can also signal serious conditions requiring medical attention.
Common Causes of Upper Abdominal Pain
The most frequent causes I see in clinic include:
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should seek medical advice if upper abdominal pain:
• Persists for more than a few days
Risks & Complications
Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical history and examination, followed by blood tests and an ultrasound scan. Depending on findings, further investigations such as endoscopy, CT scan or MRI may be required.
