14 Reasons Why you have Upper Abdominal Pain
9. Bowel Obstruction
When waste is not able to leave the intestines as it should, and instead gets backed up in the body, a bowel obstruction can occur. This can be due to a variety of factors, including food, infections or eating things you shouldn’t. Untreated bowel obstructions are dangerous and may even cause death.
In the case of a blockage in the intestines, toxins are released into the bloodstream. Some bowel obstructions will work themselves out and pass before they get serious. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove obstructions or to allow them to pass.
A bowel obstruction can cause upper abdomen pain, stomach discomfort, nausea, painful bowel movement, cramping, swelling of the abdomen, and inability to expel gas. An X-ray can diagnose bowel obstructions. Children and the elderly are at greater risk, but anyone can be affected.
