Nonulcer stomach pain

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis
Complications
Treatments and drugs
Prevention
Coping and support

Definition

Sometimes, people see their doctors for stomach pain that they think is caused by an ulcer, but it isn't. Although you may have gnawing upper abdominal pain, diagnostic tests don't reveal an ulcer or other digestive problem. If this is so, you may have a type of indigestion known as nonulcer stomach pain, formally called nonulcer dyspepsia (dis-PEP-se-uh).

Nonulcer stomach pain is a common, sometimes long-lasting (chronic) disorder of the upper gastrointestinal system, which includes your esophagus and first part of your small intestine (duodenum) as well as your stomach. The disorder can cause signs and symptoms that resemble those of a peptic ulcer, such as pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen, often accompanied by bloating, belching and nausea.

Symptoms