In Singapore, “gastric” is often used for any pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining. The two are not the same: many people with “gastric” pain do not have gastritis, and many people with gastritis have no pain at all.
Common causes of upper abdominal pain
- Functional dyspepsia (indigestion), the most common cause, where the stomach is sensitive but looks normal
- Gastritis, most often from H. pylori infection, anti-inflammatory painkillers or alcohol
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers
- Acid reflux
- Gallstones
- Rarely, stomach cancer, the pancreas, or the heart. Pain that comes on with exertion and eases with rest should be checked urgently.
How gastritis is diagnosed
Gastritis is seen during a gastroscopy and confirmed by small tissue samples (biopsies). A breath or stool test can check for H. pylori. Long-standing H. pylori gastritis can lead to changes in the stomach lining that raise the risk of stomach cancer, so the infection should be treated (see stomach cancer screening).
When a gastroscopy is advised
- Difficulty swallowing, vomiting, weight loss, black stools or anaemia
- Symptoms that start for the first time in middle age or later
- A family history of stomach cancer
- Symptoms that continue despite treatment
Treatment
- Treat the cause: clear H. pylori, and stop or protect against anti-inflammatory painkillers
- Acid-reducing medicines for a period (see long-term acid medicines)
- Less alcohol, and stop smoking
Spicy food does not cause ulcers or gastritis, though it can make symptoms feel worse. See does spicy food cause ulcers?
General information only. Reviewed by Dr Chia Chung King, 2026-11-13. Book a consultation.