What Causes Upper Abdominal Pain Just Below The Breast Bone?

Posted on Mon, 18 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 Answered on

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had moderate to severe pain in my upper stomach right below my breast bone. I also have had dark tar like bowel movements for over a week. I am 69 years old. I feel really bloated right under my breast. The pain is worse when I am sitting or standing. Lying down seems to ease the pain after 30 minutes or so. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
?? Peptic ulcer disease, or any other such gastric condition

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Your listed symptoms do very directly match that of a gastric condition, but I cannot be sure which one it is without more investigations which can include:

+Complete blood panel
+Upper GI endoscopy
+Abdominal ultrasound examination
+Stool for occult blood

I would also like to mention that darkish coloured stool is an indication of a possible upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract bleed. This along with your other symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, pain increase during certain postures/positions, etc; all point towards a few conditions which I shall also list for your reference:

+Peptic ulcer disease
+Gastric or duodenal ulcers
+Gastritis
and a few others.

My recommendations would be the following:

+Continue with gaviscon
+Try to get your hands on another syrup called sucralfate; with is an ulcer-protective, and should help with healing of the ulcer
+Consult a doctor and request for an upper GI endoscopy with would be the best diagnostic investigation for your condition right now
+Avoid smoking
+Avoid alcohol
+Avoid stress
+Drink plenty of water
+Avoid carbonated drinks
+Avoid tea and/or coffee
+Avoid oily/fried/fatty/spicy food
+Take 1 tablet of either ranitidine or omeprazole 15 minutes before each meal
+Stick to a bland liquid or semi-solid diet
+Avoid pain killers at all cost

I hope this helps. Please feel free to write to me for any further assistance, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar