Why does my stomach hurt below my sternum?

Gastritis. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It may cause upper abdominal pain (just below your breastbone). The pain is often described as a burning feeling.

What causes pain in the upper stomach?

Stomach pain is pain in the abdomen and it's one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor's office. Upper stomach pain may be caused by GERD, heartburn, gastritis, pancreatitis and ulcers.

When should I worry about upper abdominal pain?

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for severe upper abdominal pain that comes on suddenly, especially if it is accompanied by: an inability to have bowel movements. bloody stool, vomiting blood, or abdominal rigidity, which refers to an abdomen that is very firm or hard. breathing difficulties.

Why does my upper stomach hurt under my chest?

GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is acid reflux that can irritate your esophageal lining. GERD can lead to heartburn, which you may feel moving up from your stomach and into your chest. This can cause you to feel pain in your upper abdomen.

How do you get rid of upper stomach pain?

Pain from a mild muscle injury or spasms can cause temporary pain in the upper abdomen. The pain often gets better with gentle massage and rest. Some people also find relief by using cold and hot packs. If muscle pain is intense or does not get better after a few days, see a doctor for an evaluation.

Pain Below The Breastbone (Sternum)

What does upper gastric pain feel like?

Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating. Nausea. Vomiting. A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.

Why does my stomach hurt right under my breasts?

When the stomach's lining becomes inflamed, this is known as gastritis. Not everyone will experience symptoms, but a sharp, stabbing or burning pain under the left breast is a potential clue that gastritis may be present. The pain can also be accompanied by heartburn, feeling sick, vomiting, and bloating.

What organ is right below the sternum?

The thymus is a small organ located just behind the breast bone (sternum) in the front part of the chest.

What does pancreatitis pain feel like?

If you have acute pancreatitis, you may experience: Moderate to severe upper abdominal pain that may spread to your back. Pain that comes on suddenly or builds up over a few days. Pain that worsens when eating.

What organ is below the rib cage in the middle?

Your spleen is tucked below your rib cage next to your stomach on the left side of your belly.

What is pain in the middle of stomach?

Less serious causes of abdominal pain include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies, lactose intolerance, food poisoning, and a stomach virus. Other, more serious, causes include appendicitis, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a bowel blockage, cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux.

When I press on the top of my stomach it hurts?

Abdominal tenderness is generally a sign of inflammation or other acute processes in one or more organs. The organs are located around the tender area. Acute processes mean sudden pressure caused by something. For example, twisted or blocked organs can cause point tenderness.

Where is the pain felt with pancreatitis?

The main symptom of pancreatitis is pain felt in the upper left side or middle of the abdomen. The pain: May be worse within minutes after eating or drinking at first, more commonly if foods have a high fat content. Becomes constant and more severe, lasting for several days.

What are the four types of abdominal pain?

There are four types of abdominal pain: upper, lower, right-sided and left-sided. Each type has specific symptoms and causes, and all are briefly discussed below (for detailed discussion click here).

Where is gastritis pain located?

Dr. Lee says gastritis pain usually occurs in the mid-upper stomach region, just below the breastbone and above the belly button. People describe gastritis pain in different ways, but these descriptions are common: Nagging discomfort.

How do I know if I have an ulcer or gastritis?

There are also many differences between the two conditions. Both conditions cause inflammation in the stomach lining, but gastritis is general inflammation while an ulcer is a patch of inflamed stomach lining. Ulcers cause more severe, localized pain with the risk of cancer, bleeding, and stomach perforation.

What triggers gastritis?

What Causes Gastritis? Gastritis can be caused by irritation due to excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also be caused by any of the following: Helicobacter pylori (H.

How do you calm down gastritis?

What are the early warning signs of pancreatitis?

When should I go to the hospital for abdominal pain?

You should also seek emergency care if severe stomach pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms: A feeling of lightheadedness or that you could faint. Dark or black stool. Difficulty breathing or chest pain.

What are the symptoms of your pancreas not working properly?

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis

Constant pain in your upper belly that radiates to your back. This pain may be disabling. Diarrhea and weight loss because your pancreas isn't releasing enough enzymes to break down food. Upset stomach and vomiting.

Why do doctors push on your stomach?

Pressing on your stomach is a way to find out if the size of your internal organs is normal, to check if anything hurts, and to feel if anything unusual is going on. Looking, listening, and feeling are all part of a physical exam.

What organ is in the upper middle abdomen?

Organs found in this quadrant include: the liver, the gallbladder, duodenum, the upper portion of the pancreas, and the hepatic flexure of the colon. Pain in the right upper quadrant may be indicative of hepatitis, cholecystitis, or the formation of a peptic ulcer.

How do you release trapped gas?