Upper abdominal muscle pain

A sudden increase in exercise, lifting, repeated coughing or a direct knock can irritate an abdominal muscle. Other causes can include acid reflux, gastritis, gallstones or gastroenteritis. Food poisoning may bring cramps, vomiting or diarrhoea. Coeliac disease or Crohn's disease can cause recurring abdominal symptoms with bowel changes and tiredness. Diverticular disease is more often felt lower in the abdomen, but abdominal pain still needs to be judged by its full pattern. A condition presenting with pain does not mean that pain alone identifies it.

Pause the activity that provokes the pain and use gentle movement as tolerated. Note whether coughing, bending, pressing the area, eating or lying down changes it. Drink enough fluid and choose light meals if nausea is present. A pharmacist can advise whether a simple pain reliever is suitable for you, especially if you have stomach, kidney or liver problems or take other medicines.

Seek prompt medical advice for pain that persists, recurs, limits movement or follows an injury. Get urgent help for severe or worsening pain, a rigid or very swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, black stool, fainting, fever with marked illness, chest pain or breathing difficulty.

Does the pain behave like an abdominal wall strain, or should my digestive organs be assessed? Do I need an examination or tests? Which activities, medicines and warning signs should I avoid or monitor?