(801) 442-2000
36 S. State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111Map

InstaCare Online

Abdominal Pain, Upper

Pain is primarily centered in the upper abdomen (i.e. just below rib cage and above belly button)

General Information

There are multiple causes of abdominal pain.
Gastritis and peptic ulcer disease are common and typically cause pain in the upper abdomen (epigastrium), sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes a burning pain that radiates into chest. Lying down aggravates symptoms. May get a sour or bitter taste in mouth.
Abdominal pain in the elderly carries with it a higher risk of serious illness.
The possibility of a heart attack needs to be considered in anyone over the age of 35 or anyone who has cardiac risk factors.
Cardiac risk factors include: diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), obesity, smoking, and a family history of heart attack at an age of less than 60.