Upper abdominal pain is a common reason patients visit both Plymouth Urgent Care and Bloomfield Urgent Care. Upper abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from mild to more serious issues.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Often caused by overeating, consuming spicy or fatty foods, or eating too quickly, the upper abdomen may become uncomfortable as a result of indigestion.

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause upper abdominal pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or bloating.

• Acid Reflux (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, leading to pain in the upper abdomen and chest, often after eating.

• Gallstones: These are solid particles that form in the gallbladder and can block bile flow, causing pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating fatty foods.

• Peptic Ulcers: Sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or small intestine can lead to upper abdominal pain, typically worsening when the stomach is empty.

• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen, often radiating to the back, and is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

• Liver Conditions: Conditions such as liver disease or fatty liver can cause pain or discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen.

• Muscle Strain: Overexertion or injury to the muscles in the abdominal wall can lead to localized pain in the upper abdomen.

If you or a loved one is experiencing upper abdominal pain and is unsure of the cause, Plymouth Urgent Care and Bloomfield Urgent Care is here to help. Our skilled medical team will evaluate your symptoms, provide a thorough diagnosis, and recommend the appropriate services and treatment to help you feel better quickly and safely. Whether you need immediate care or preventive services, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Upper abdominal pain can have many causes, ranging from minor issues that resolve on their own to more serious conditions that require prompt medical attention. At Plymouth Urgent Care & Bloomfield Urgent Care, our experienced medical team is here to help you evaluate and manage your symptoms. You should seek medical attention for upper abdominal pain if the pain is severe, enduring, or if it is coupled with additional worrisome symptoms. Some signs that warrant immediate attention include:

• Severe or sudden pain: If the pain is intense or starts suddenly, it could indicate a serious condition such as pancreatitis or a perforated ulcer.

• Pain that radiates to the chest or back: If the pain spreads to the chest, neck, or back, it could be a sign of heart issues or a more serious gastrointestinal problem.

• Nausea, vomiting, or fever: These symptoms, especially when combined with abdominal pain, may suggest an infection, gallstones, or other underlying conditions.

• Unexplained weight loss or jaundice: If you notice a significant weight loss or yellowing of the skin or eyes, it could indicate liver disease or other serious concerns.

• Blood in stools or vomit: If you see blood in your stool or vomit, it could signal a gastrointestinal bleed and requires immediate medical attention.

If you experience any of these symptoms or if the pain is not relieved by over-the-counter remedies, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment. At Plymouth Urgent Care and Bloomfield Urgent Care, we are here to help if you’re unsure about your symptoms. Our healthcare professionals are available to provide thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment, including preventive care, to help you feel better and stay healthy. Whether you’re seeking immediate treatment, we’re dedicated to providing the care you need.

Gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder, and when they obstruct the normal flow of bile, they can cause significant upper abdominal pain. This pain, often referred to as biliary colic, occurs when a gallstone temporarily blocks the cystic duct, which allows bile to flow from the gallbladder into the small intestine. The resulting pain typically develops in the upper right part of the abdomen, just below the rib cage, and may radiate to the back or right shoulder blade. It is often triggered by eating fatty or greasy foods and can last from several minutes to a few hours.

If a gallstone causes a persistent blockage, it may lead to inflammation of the gallbladder, known as cholecystitis. This can result in more severe and prolonged abdominal pain, often accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and tenderness in the upper abdomen. If you experience sudden, intense upper abdominal pain, especially with nausea, vomiting, or fever, it is important to seek prompt medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Our experienced medical team can evaluate your symptoms, perform lab tests if needed, and provide the appropriate treatment for further care.

Upper abdominal pain can be related to heartburn or acid reflux, as both conditions involve the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Heartburn, a common symptom of acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD), often causes a burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest, especially after eating. The discomfort can worsen when lying down or bending over.

When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes or weakens, stomach acid can return to the esophagus and irritate its lining, causing acid reflux. This leads to pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest. Other symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux include regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, and a chronic cough. In some cases, food poisoning can cause similar symptoms, such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. If heartburn or symptoms of food poisoning are frequent or severe, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

At Plymouth Urgent Care & Bloomfield Urgent Care, our experienced medical team can help you determine if your symptoms are related to acid reflux or if another underlying condition may be the cause. We are committed to providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatment to help you feel better and address your health concerns. Contact us today for more information or schedule an appointment online! We have convenient locations to serve in Plymouth MI, and Bloomfield Hills MI. We serve patients from Plymouth MI, Bloomfield Hills MI, Livonia MI, Novi MI, Worden MI, Canton MI, Southfield MI, Troy MI, Farmington Hills MI and BEYOND.