What To Do About Upper Abdominal Pain When Hungry

Experiencing upper abdominal pain when hungry is often a sign of duodenal inflammation or duodenal ulcers. This discomfort typically occurs due to stomach acid irritating the sensitive nerve endings in the ulcerated areas of the duodenum. The pain can usually be relieved quickly by eating or taking medications that neutralize stomach acid and protect the stomach lining, such as magnesium aluminum carbonate, sucralfate, or aluminum hydroxide gel.

Duodenal ulcers tend to follow a chronic and recurring pattern, sometimes lasting for months or even years. Symptoms may flare up periodically, especially during seasonal transitions like fall to winter or winter to spring. During these flare-ups, pain on an empty stomach is a common complaint. While eating late at night might temporarily ease the discomfort, it does not offer a long-term solution or cure.

For a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, patients should consider undergoing gastroscopy and testing for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. H. pylori is a major cause of recurring duodenal ulcers and can lead to serious complications such as bleeding, perforation, or pyloric obstruction if left untreated.

Effective management requires medical intervention, including antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori and acid-reducing medications to promote healing. Addressing the root cause is essential to prevent future episodes and reduce the risk of complications.