Upper abdominal pain can be no big deal—or it can merit a trip to the ER. Here's how experts say you can tell the difference.

The patient had been in her usual state of health until 4 weeks before the current presentation, when intermittent abdominal pain developed ... quadrant, and right upper quadrant.

A 43-year-old woman with a 7-month history of intermittent abdominal pain and a 20-pound weight ... was unremarkable, except for right upper quadrant tenderness without rebound.