Some Basics...

• There are many things that can cause pain in the upper part of the stomach (abdomen). Most causes are not serious.
• Pain in this area can be caused by eating too much. It can be caused by a food or a drug that upsets the stomach. It can be caused by more serious problems like stomach ulcers or a gallbladder attack.
• Reflux disease (GERD) causes a burning pain that goes into the chest. Laying down makes pain worse. Some people with reflux get a sour or bitter taste in their mouths.
• Stomach pain is more likely to be serious in an older person.

Pain Scale

• None: No pain. Pain score is 0 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• Mild: The pain does not keep you from work, school, or other normal activities. Pain score is 1-3 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• Moderate: The pain keeps you from working or going to school. It wakes you up from sleep. Pain score is 4-7 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• Severe: The pain is very bad. It may be worse than any pain you have had before. It keeps you from doing any normal activities. Pain score is 8-10 on a scale of 0 to 10.

Common Causes of Upper Stomach Pain in People Younger Than 50 Years of Age

• Appendicitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Nonspecific abdominal pain
• Peptic ulcer disease

Common Causes of Upper Stomach Pain in People Older Than 50 Years of Age

• Appendicitis
• Bowel obstruction
• Diverticulitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Pancreatitis
• Peptic ulcer disease

Other Causes

• Angina and heart attack
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Hepatitis
• Herpes zoster
• Pneumonia

Warning!

A person can have a heart attack and think that it is just "heartburn." If you are over 40 years old or have any of these risk factors, you could be having a heart attack:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Someone in your family has had a heart attack

1. What You Should Know:
   • Mild stomach pain can be caused by an upset stomach, gas pains, or eating too much. It can also be caused by reflux disease (GERD). Sometimes mild stomach pain is the first sign of a vomiting illness like stomach flu.
   • You can treat mild stomach pain at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Fluids: Sip only clear fluids until the pain is gone for more than 2 hours. Clear fluids include water, broth, and water mixed with fruit juice. Then slowly return to a normal diet.
3. Diet:
   • Start with clear liquids. When you feel better, you can begin eating a bland diet.
   • Avoid alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them.
   • Avoid greasy or fatty foods.
4. Stop Smoking: Smoking can make heartburn and stomach problems worse.
5. Avoid Aspirin: Avoid aspirin and drugs such as Motrin, Advil, and Aleve. These drugs can bother your stomach. Try taking Tylenol.
6. Antacid: If you are having pain now, try taking an antacid like Mylanta or Maalox. Follow all instructions on the bottle.
7. Reflux Disease (GERD): Eat smaller meals and avoid snacks for 2 hours before sleeping. Avoid foods that tend to cause heartburn and stomach problems. These include fatty/greasy foods, spicy foods, mints, chocolate, and drinks with caffeine.
8. What to Expect: With harmless causes, the pain most often goes away within 2 hours. With stomach flu, the pain may come and go for 2-3 days. You may have belly cramps before you vomit or have diarrhea. If your pain does not stop and gets worse, it may be more serious.
9. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Severe stomach pain occurs
   • Stomach pain is constant and lasts more than 2 hours
   • You get worse