Why does my stomach hurt?

If you’ve ever had upper stomach pain, you know how disruptive it can be. It might feel like a dull ache after a heavy meal, a burning sensation that rises into your chest at night or sharp cramps that make it hard to focus. For some people, the pain is brief and mild. For others, it’s persistent, concerning and can interfere with daily life.

Regardless of how severe symptoms are, you’re not alone if you're experiencing discomfort in this region. “Upper abdominal pain is very common and one of the most frequent reasons people seek outpatient medical care,” says Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco.

Here’s what upper stomach pain is, what commonly causes it and when to seek care.

What is upper stomach pain?

Upper stomach pain refers to discomfort in the upper portion of the abdomen, the area between the ribcage and the belly button.

Although the stomach is located in this region, pain here doesn’t always originate there. It can also arise from nearby organs, “such as the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, esophagus and spleen,” says Nagata.

People describe upper abdominal pain in many ways including burning, gnawing, bloating, cramping, pressure-like or sharp and stabbing. Common accompanying symptoms sometimes also occur and include nausea, vomiting, feeling full quickly after eating, belching and heartburn.

“While upper abdominal pain is often mild and temporary, it can also persist or become chronic,” says Dr. Alison Mitzner, a board-certified physician based in New York City.

What causes upper stomach pain? 

Many cases of upper stomach pain are related to digestion. “In adults, a common cause is acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),” says Mitzner. That's because these conditions often produce a burning sensation (heartburn) in the upper abdomen or chest.

Peptic ulcers are another significant cause, explains Nagata. These are open sores that form in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. They are most commonly linked to infection from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria or as a result of long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.

Nagata notes that hernias can also cause upper abdominal discomfort, as can "muscle strains from physical activity or persistent coughing that may also lead to localized tenderness."

Gallstones are another potential culprit, particularly when pain occurs on the right side of the upper abdomen. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder, often causing sudden, intense pain that can last from several minutes to a few hours.

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) typically causes more severe, steady pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

“Other common causes of stomach pain include inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and indigestion, which can result from reflux, medications, alcohol or other factors,” says Mitzner. Less commonly, liver disease or heart problems can also present as upper abdominal discomfort rather than classic chest pain. 

Causes can vary by age. “In children, common causes of upper stomach pain include functional abdominal pain (real pain without a clear structural disease that is often linked to stress or a sensitive gut), constipation, gastritis and viral gastroenteritis,” says Mitzner.

In both children and adults, "stress, certain foods or food intolerances and overeating can also trigger or worsen symptoms," she says.

How to relieve upper stomach pain immediately 

Treatment for upper stomach pain "depends on its underlying cause," says Mitzner. For acid-related discomfort, over-the-counter antacids can provide short-term relief. H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors reduce acid production and are commonly used to manage GERD and peptic ulcers under medical guidance. If an H. pylori infection is diagnosed, treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications, notes Nagata. 

Lifestyle adjustments can also help reduce symptoms. “Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large, heavy ones can ease pressure on the stomach,” advises Mitzner. Ditto for "avoiding trigger foods such as spicy, fatty or highly acidic items," says Nagata. Remaining upright for two to three hours after eating can also improve acid reflux.

Reducing stress may also improve symptoms, particularly in people with functional or stress-related abdominal pain. "A warm compress on the upper abdomen may also provide quick relief by easing muscle-related discomfort," says Mitzner. "And staying well-hydrated and maintaining a fiber-rich diet can also support healthy digestion and reduce upper stomach pain," adds Nagata.

Although upper stomach pain is often treatable and preventable, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. "It is important to see a doctor if the pain is severe, persistent or associated with vomiting, fever, weight loss, jaundice, blood in the stool or vomit, or chest pain," says Mitzner. "A physician may do blood tests, imaging or refer you to a GI specialist to identify the cause and provide necessary treatment."