Epigastric Pain – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide

That sense of fullness, pressure, or discomfort in the upper abdomen region is more common than we realize. This area, known as the epigastrium, is home to some vital organs. So, it makes sense that any condition that affects the organs will cause epigastric pain.

Epigastric pain is manageable and treatable for the most part. Oftentimes, epigastric pain is caused by mild conditions like indigestion, acidity, or gas. When the symptoms persist or worsen, it is usually a sign that something more serious is at play.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the exact definition of epigastric pain, its various causes and symptoms, and its treatment options. Understanding a condition is the first step to overcoming it. One should stay informed about common conditions like epigastric pain, so you can make informed decisions, seek early medical intervention when needed, and live a more peaceful life.

What is Epigastric Pain?

The central part of the abdomen, just below the rib cage, is home to some of your most vital organs: the stomach, pancreas, and liver. Oftentimes, these three organs face the brunt of the abdominal conditions. Epigastric pain is a discomfort that strikes below the ribs, typically in the upper abdomen region. There are many causes for epigastric pain, including indigestion, gas, acid reflux symptoms, gastric ulcers symptoms, and more. You may also feel bloated and nauseous. The conditions that occur here, leading to epigastric pain, are some of the most common ailments a person experiences.

While most of the time, the symptoms in this area are not a warning sign, sometimes, they can be a glaring sign of something bigger. This is why every discomfort or pain coming from this area is considered seriously.

Mild cases of epigastric pain often resolve themselves. Doctors may prescribe some OTC medications and rest. More serious cases of epigastric pain may be life-threatening and require a more intensive and aggressive treatment.

Since this space in your abdomen houses so many vital organs, as well as part of the esophagus, the source of epigastric pain can be any of these. To understand the various ways epigastric pain emerges in the body, let’s take a look at some causes of epigastric pain.

Causes of Epigastric Pain

There are several causes of epigastric pain.Let’s look at the broader categories you can separate these causes into.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

• Acid Reflux (GERD): Have you ever felt a weird, burning sensation in your chest? Maybe it is more obvious when you eat something very spicy or greasy. This is called acid reflux or heartburn. Heartburn happens when the acid in your stomach recedes back into the esophagus. The stomach acid leaves behind a burning sensation and perhaps a foul taste in your mouth.

Read More About – Reduce Heartburn: 11 Ways to Alleviate Acidity at Home

• Gastritis: Simply put, gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. Your stomach lining is built to withstand the natural acid secreted in the stomach. Sometimes, this lining can get inflamed. Some autoimmune disorders also cause inflammation of the stomach lining. It is characterized by an acidic taste in your mouth, a persistent cough, burning in the chest or throat, trouble swallowing, nausea, etc.

Read More About – Gastritis : Decoding The Stomach Inflammation Causing Disease

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: A peptic ulcer is characterized by sores on the stomach lining. This is caused by a bacterial infection or by long-term use of certain medications. The medications that commonly cause this are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Symptoms include burning stomach pain, nausea, bloating, vomiting, etc.

Read More About – Ulcer Diet : What Foods To Eat & Avoid In Ulcer

• Indigestion: This is a fairly common condition. It is a general term for discomfort after eating. It is characterized by stomach cramps, bloating, burping, and a feeling of fullness. Indigestion frequently leads to epigastric pain if it is untreated.

• Pancreatitis: In this condition, the pancreas gets inflamed. It can be acute or chronic, typically showing symptoms like nausea, upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, vomiting, etc. Pancreatitis causes include gallstones, heavy alcohol use, and high triglyceride levels.

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• Hiatal Hernia: A Hiatal Hernia is characterized by your stomach getting pushed up towards your diaphragm through the hole where your esophagus passes through. Hiatal hernias don’t necessarily cause pain every time, but they can lead to really bad acid reflux or GERD. This can cause epigastric pain or heartburn.

NON-DIGESTIVE SYSTEMS

• Cardiac Issues: Cardiac problems can sometimes cause epigastric pain. This is seen more in women and requires immediate medical attention. In women, cardiac problems present differently than in men. Oftentimes, cardiac problems like chest pain get dismissed as gas or acidity. So, it takes longer to diagnose cardiac issues in women. When left unchecked, cardiac problems cause pain in the upper abdomen area, up the jaw & neck, and down the arms.

• Anxiety & Stress: Psychological factors can cause epigastric pain. Sometimes, psychological conditions like anxiety and stress manifest as psychosomatic symptoms. You can get an upset stomach from anxiety and stress, even acidity and indigestion.

Read More About – Anxiety Disorder – Its Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

• Musculoskeletal Pain: If you are lifting heavy things, coughing persistently, or exercising frequently, there is a chance that you might develop a more localized ache in the epigastric area. Strained muscular pain can radiate towards the abdominal area and cause epigastric pain.

Symptoms of Epigastric Pain

Pain is the primary symptom of epigastric pain. It is often accompanied by other symptoms that can help pinpoint the actual cause of the epigastric pain. These symptoms include:

• A constant sense of pain and discomfort or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen.
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Early fullness after eating
• Heartburn
• Poor appetite
• Indigestion
• GERD
• Gastritis
• Gallbladder inflammation
• Gallstones
• In severe cases, a heart attack.

Because the epigastric region comprises so many vital organs, symptoms of epigastric conditions can overlap with symptoms of other conditions. 

Left Epigastric Pain – Possible Reasons

Are you feeling a sharp pain in your left epigastric region, just under the ribs? It can be an unsettling feeling. The exact reason for it may vary person to person. Some reasons may point to something common and easily treatable, while some reasons may be more serious. Let’s take a look at the possible reasons for left epigastric pain. 

• Spleen Issues: An enlarged or ruptured spleen can cause pain in the upper left abdomen and requires urgent medical care. Symptoms that follow a spleen enlargement or rupture include fatigue, a feeling of fullness, and an increased susceptibility to infection.

Read More On – Which Foods To Avoid With Enlarged Spleen 

• Digestive Issues: Since a significant portion of the stomach and pancreas takes up the left upper side of the epigastric region, conditions like gastritis, stomach ulcers, or pancreatitis can cause left epigastric pain.

• Kidney Issues: Kidney infection or kidney stones can cause pain on the left side of the epigastric region. This kind of pain radiates from the back to the epigastric region.

Right Epigastric Pain – Possible Causes

Similarly, we have right epigastric pain. Certain conditions can trigger pain in this region; it depends on which organ is affected the most. Let’s take a look at what awaits us on the right side.

• Gallbladder Disease: The gallbladder is located in the upper right stomach area. Inflammation of the gallbladder or gallstones can cause pain that begins in that region and then radiates to the epigastrium, which is the epigastric region.
• Liver Conditions: Conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis, and more can cause serious inflammation and pain in the right upper abdomen. This can be perceived as epigastric pain.
• Duodenal Ulcers: The first part of the small intestine is called the duodenum. Sometimes, this part gets inflamed and forms sores. These sores are called duodenal ulcers. These ulcers can cause significant epigastric pain that is generally more apparent on the right side.

Epigastric Pain Radiating to the Back

There are several health conditions that cause epigastric pain that radiates to the back. They are as follows:

• Pancreatitis: Radiating pain to the back is one of the most common signs of pancreatitis. It is usually accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting.
• Peptic Ulcer Penetration: Epigastric pain that radiates to the back can be caused by a peptic ulcer penetrating through the stomach wall to reach the pancreas. This can cause significant pain.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause epigastric pain that radiates to the back. The pain is sudden and severe. This is a life-threatening condition.

Epigastric Pain During Pregnancy

Epigastric pain during pregnancy is fairly common. Your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes. There is growing pressure on the uterus and abdominal walls. Digestive issues are common during pregnancy. While some digestive troubles are expected, if you are experiencing epigastric pain that is severe or persistent, it could be a hint at something more serious. Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, ectopic pregnancies, premature labour, etc., can cause significant epigastric pain. These symptoms are typically accompanied by other symptoms like headaches, vision problems, or swelling.

If you are pregnant and experiencing similar symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.

Epigastric Pain Treatment Options

Epigastric pain treatment options depend on the intensity of the pain, its location, and its underlying cause. A doctor will first look at your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and order diagnostic tests like a blood test, imaging, or endoscopy. Then, the treatment begins according to your specific needs.

• For milder cases of indigestion or reflux, OTC medicines, dietary changes, and plenty of rest are effective treatment options. They can provide much-needed relief within a short period.
• For more complex cases like GERD, gastritis, or ulcers, doctors may prescribe prescription-strength acid-blocking medications. These medications can reduce and help manage the epigastric pain.
• For bacterial infections like H. pylori, a round of antibiotics should do the trick.
• For gallbladder problems, doctors may prescribe medication to dissolve gallstones, or they may be surgically removed.
• For severe or complicated cases, hospitalization may be necessary. This is followed by intravenous fluids and pain management. Severe cases require specialized care to reduce epigastric pain.

Epigastric Pain Treatment at Home

Mild epigastric pain can be treated at home. Say, you have indigestion or gas; this can be treated with some OTC antacids and dietary changes.

You can eat smaller meals, more frequently, to reduce the pressure on your stomach. Avoid eating foods that trigger epigastric pain. For instance, spicy or acidic food can trigger epigastric pain. If possible, avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol, too.

Avoid lying down immediately after a meal. Keep your upper body elevated, so you can prevent acid reflux.

You can try herbal remedies like ginger tea or peppermint tea. Herbal remedies can gently soothe your digestive tract, ensuring long-term relief. You can also learn to manage your stress. Stress is a common trigger for digestive problems. Try deep breathing exercises, yoga, or take a warm bath to relax.

You can use a warm compress on the area where you are experiencing epigastric pain. Heat can help relax the muscles and provide some relief.

And the most important step: stay adequately hydrated. Hydration is important for the smooth functioning of all the systems in your body. Oftentimes, dehydration is the cause of epigastric pain, which goes away once your hydration needs are met. So, don’t ignore that feeling of thirst.

Conclusion

Epigastric pain is a complex condition because it encompasses a variety of other health conditions. The epigastric region houses vital organs like the stomach, the pancreas, and the liver. Most epigastric conditions can be managed with some medications and rest. Persistent and severe cases of epigastric pain can be a red flag for a serious underlying illness. If you are noticing additional symptoms like fever, chest pressure, shortness of breath, or blood in your vomit or stools, you should immediately consult a doctor.

By learning about the condition, you are already taking the first step to recovery. With sufficient knowledge about any condition, you have the power to make informed decisions about your health. It also helps to seek medical attention at the appropriate time.