Medical Problems: Upper Abdominal Pain

OVERVIEW

This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of upper abdominal pain. This term is a subcategory of the broader topic of abdominal pain.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Upper abdominal pain refers to abdominal pain that is present in either of the two upper quadrants (right upper quadrant and left upper quadrant). Because their are not really any anatomical differences based upon sex in this region of the body, this page covers the approach one would take for both males and females.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

 

ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL

The differential diagnosis for upper abdominal pain can be organized in a few different ways:

CLINICAL “WORKUP”

Now that the possible causes of upper abdominal pain have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with upper abdominal pain

  • Collecting the history
  • Performing the physical
  • Ordering studies/tests
  • Intrepreting clinical data

 

Page Updated: 01.23.2017