What illnesses could cause upper stomach pain and nausea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Upper stomach pain with nausea is a common symptom combination that can point to several underlying health conditions. The most frequent causes include:

Gastritis – inflammation of the stomach lining
Peptic ulcers – open sores in the stomach or upper intestine
Gallbladder disease – including gallstones or cholecystitis
Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas
Gastrointestinal infections – viral or bacterial

Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms but require very different treatments, identifying the likely cause early is essential to getting the right care and avoiding complications.

The fastest way to understand what may be behind your symptoms is to take a free, instant online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll receive personalized insights based on your specific symptoms, along with clear guidance on next steps—whether that means home care, seeing a primary care doctor, or seeking urgent evaluation. It's confidential, requires no sign-up, and can help you walk into any appointment better informed.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of stomach pain and nausea Learn if stomach pain needs urgent care Find out what your symptoms might be Find OTC relief for stomach pain See a doctor for stomach pain and nausea Understand safe home remedies for nausea Check if symptoms point to serious illness

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Explanation

Common Causes of Upper Stomach Pain and Nausea

Several conditions can lead to upper abdominal pain and nausea:

Gastritis: This is the inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. It can be triggered by factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications (like NSAIDs), or infections.
Peptic Ulcers: These are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Symptoms often include burning pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and bloating. Ulcers can be caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori or the long-term use of certain medications.
Gallbladder Disease: Conditions such as gallstones or cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) can cause pain in the upper right abdomen, which may radiate to the back or shoulder. Nausea is also a common symptom, especially after eating fatty foods.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can lead to severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, along with nausea and vomiting. This condition can be caused by gallstones, chronic and excessive alcohol use, or certain medications.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause upper abdominal pain, heartburn, and nausea due to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This condition is often exacerbated by certain foods, obesity, and smoking.

Other Potential Causes

In addition to the common causes mentioned, other conditions that may lead to upper stomach pain and nausea include:

Infections: Viral or bacterial infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract can cause nausea and abdominal pain.
Functional Dyspepsia: This is a chronic condition characterized by discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen without any identifiable cause.
Cardiac Issues: In some cases, heart-related issues, such as angina or a heart attack, can present with upper abdominal pain and nausea, particularly in women.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience persistent or severe upper stomach pain and nausea, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as fever, vomiting blood, or significant changes in appetite), it is important to seek medical attention. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can start by taking a free symptom checker test for personalized insights. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies or lab tests, to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

(References)

Murali N, El Hayek SM. Abdominal Pain Mimics. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2021 Nov;39(4):839-850. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.07.003. Epub 2021 Sep 10. PMID: 34600641; PMCID: PMC8430370.
Sherman R. Abdominal Pain. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 86.
Govender I, Rangiah S, Bongongo T, Mahuma P. A Primary Care Approach to Abdominal Pain in Adults. S Afr Fam Pract (2004). 2021 Mar 10;63(1):e1-e5. doi: 10.4102/safp.v63i1.5280. PMID: 33764143; PMCID: PMC8378095.

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