Upper middle abdominal pain

This type of pain is more commonly referred to as upper middle abdominal pain and as the name suggests is localised solely in this area.

This type of pain is mainly associated with the stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas and heart or lungs.

There are a few common illnesses associated with this type of pain and these include pancreatitus, indigestion and peptic ulcers.

Pancreatitus

This is an inflammation of the pancreas and is characterised by severe pain in the upper middle abdomen. There may also be pain felt in the middle of the back. This type of illness takes the form of being either acute or chronic and depending on which type you have will result in differing treatment.

Acute pancreatitus often occurs after excessive alcohol consumption but can also be caused by certain drugs, gall stones and metabolic disease. Diabetes may result as a cause of having this illness due to the lack of insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and therefore any damage to this organ may result in a reduction in insulin production.

Chronic pancreatitus may result in contracting diabetes. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and therefore any damage to this organ may result in a reduction in insulin production and hence cause the onset of diabetes.

Treatment of this illness usually results in a hospital stay and in some severe cases the organ itself may have to be removed. This may lead to future problems in digesting food however this can be combated by taking prescribed medication which produces the digestive enzymes necessary which would have been ordinarily produced by the pancreas.

Indigestion

This term is very loose and covers a wide variety of complaints such as flatulence, a feeling of fullness to more painful symptoms such as a burning sensation which can also be felt in the lower back. Indigestion is generally caused by overeating, smoking and heavy drinking and also stress. Pregnancy may also cause this form of illness especially during the latter stages.

The use of antacid tablets and medicines can be used effectively to provide quick and efficient relief for this. Also drinking milk and some herbal teas can help relieve symptoms.

Peptic Ulcers

A peptic ulcer is caused by a break in the lining of the stomach, duodenum or oesophagus. It is caused by a build of excess acid which erodes the wall of the stomach. The body usually produces a type of mucus which helps maintain the lining of the stomach and when production of this mucus declines then this lets the acid produced by the stomach wall break down the lining and thereby an ulcer will form.

The pain symptoms associated with this are very similar to indigestion however the pain is usually more severe and long lasting. Indigestion may last only a relatively short period of time whilst having an untreated ulcer will remain painful until treated.

Treatment usually takes the form of antacids but these are carefully regulated. Also it is advised to eat bland and non acidic foodstuffs which will not irritate the lining of the stomach. Milk may help as this is known to put a lining on the stomach. If you are a smoker it is essential that you stop as smoking irritates the lining. So too does alcohol.