What should you know about bloating and fullness in upper abdomen?

Upper abdominal symptoms sit between the ribs and the navel and can include pressure, belching, nausea, burning or feeling full after a small amount. A large or fast meal, fizzy drinks and swallowed air can contribute. Repeated discomfort may occur with Helicobacter Pylori Infection, Coeliac Disease, Food Intolerance or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Constipation can create pressure higher in the abdomen too. The location gives useful information, but it does not identify one cause by itself.

Try slower meals, modest portions, still drinks and a gentle walk. Notice whether symptoms follow fatty meals, dairy, wheat-containing foods, caffeine or alcohol, but do not remove several food groups at once. Write down the timing, associated pain, stool changes, medicines and whether lying down makes it worse. A clinician can decide whether an examination, breath test, blood test or other assessment is appropriate.

Book an appointment for persistent or recurrent upper abdominal fullness, reduced appetite, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, black or bloody stool, or pain that is becoming more frequent. Obtain urgent care for severe pain, vomiting blood, a rigid or rapidly swollen abdomen, faintness, chest pressure, or trouble breathing.

Ask what upper abdominal symptoms could fit your meal pattern, whether Helicobacter Pylori Infection or another cause needs checking, and which medicines or dietary changes should be tried first.