Your upper stomach pain when breathing can stem from several issues, often related to the chest cavity rather than the stomach itself. According to medical information, this pain is often a sign of damage to the muscles or tissues in the chest cavity rather than the stomach. When you breathe, the diaphragm tightens and relaxes, so issues in that area, or nearby, can cause pain. Several potential causes exist and should be investigated by a medical professional for accurate diagnosis.
Possible Causes of Upper Stomach Pain When Breathing
Here's a breakdown of some potential reasons for the pain:
- Injury: Muscle strains or other injuries in the chest or abdominal area can cause pain that worsens with breathing.
- Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm. This can cause pain and discomfort.
- Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining around the lungs (pleura) can cause sharp chest pain that worsens when you breathe. This can sometimes be felt in the upper abdominal area.
- Acid Reflux: While often felt as heartburn, severe acid reflux can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the upper abdomen and is exacerbated by deep breathing.
Other Potential Causes
The provided reference also mentions "other causes," implying the list above isn't exhaustive. Other possibilities might include:
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone can cause chest pain.
- Lung Conditions: Certain lung infections or conditions could cause referred pain to the upper abdomen.
What To Do
Since diagnosing the cause requires a proper medical evaluation, consider the following:
- Consult a Doctor: Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
- Describe Your Symptoms: Provide a detailed description of the pain, including when it started, what makes it worse, and any other associated symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, heartburn).
- Undergo Examination: Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and may order tests like X-rays or other imaging to determine the cause of the pain.
