Understanding Epigastric Pain: Causes and Concerns

Epigastric pain refers to discomfort or pain in the upper part of your abdomen, just below your rib cage. This area is known as the epigastrium, and it contains important organs such as your stomach, pancreas, liver, and part of your small intestine (the duodenum). While epigastric pain is commonly associated with indigestion, it can also be a symptom of various other conditions. Understanding the potential causes of epigastric pain is essential for seeking the right treatment.

Common Causes of Epigastric Pain

Epigastric pain can result from a variety of factors, some of which are more common than others. These causes can range from mild to more serious, and recognizing the underlying condition is important for appropriate management:

• Indigestion: One of the most common causes of epigastric pain, indigestion can occur after overeating, drinking too much, or consuming greasy or spicy foods. It’s typically temporary and often improves after the discomfort subsides.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD): GORD is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort in the upper abdomen. This acid reflux can irritate the lining of the oesophagus and cause pain in the epigastric region.

• Stomach or Duodenal Ulcers: Ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of your stomach (gastric ulcers) or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). These can cause a burning or gnawing pain in the epigastric area, especially after eating.

• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen. This pain can sometimes radiate to the back and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever.

• Gallstones: When stones form in the gallbladder, they can block bile flow, leading to sharp pain in the upper abdomen. This is often felt after eating fatty foods and can sometimes be accompanied by nausea.

• Abdominal Hernia: A hernia occurs when part of the abdomen’s contents pushes through a weak spot or tear in the abdominal wall. This can result in a lump and pain in the epigastric region, especially when straining or lifting.

• Bladder Problems: Although the bladder is lower in the abdomen, issues like infections or irritation can cause referred pain that might be felt in the upper abdomen as well.

• Infections in the Female Reproductive Organs: Conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause abdominal pain, which may be felt in the epigastrium as well.

• Diverticulitis: This condition occurs when small pockets (diverticula) in the bowel wall become infected or inflamed, causing abdominal pain that may radiate to the upper abdomen in some cases.

When Epigastric Pain May Signal a Serious Condition

Although epigastric pain is often caused by benign factors such as indigestion or overeating, there are situations where it may be a sign of something more serious. Some conditions that can cause significant epigastric pain include:

• Cardiac Problems: In some cases, epigastric pain can be a symptom of heart-related issues, such as a heart attack. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or chest pain.

• Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer): Stomach cancer can develop when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the stomach. Although rare, this form of cancer may cause persistent pain in the upper abdomen, especially as the disease progresses. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, nausea, and difficulty eating.

Related Conditions

Epigastric pain can be associated with several other conditions. Here are a few related issues that may cause discomfort in the upper abdomen:

• Abdominal Hernia (or Epigastric Hernia): A hernia occurs when a part of the abdomen's contents pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. An epigastric hernia specifically forms in the upper abdomen and can cause pain and a visible lump.

• Diverticulitis: This occurs when small pouches in the bowel wall (diverticula) become inflamed or infected. Diverticulitis typically causes lower abdominal pain, but in some cases, it can cause pain in the upper abdomen as well.

• Helicobacter pylori Infection: This bacterium can infect the stomach lining and is a common cause of peptic ulcers. An H. pylori infection can lead to epigastric pain, along with symptoms like bloating, nausea, and indigestion.

• Pelvic Oncology: Pelvic oncology refers to cancers affecting the organs in the lower abdomen and pelvis. These cancers may sometimes cause referred pain in the epigastric area, especially if they involve the reproductive organs or the bladder.

• Stomach Ulcers: Stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) are painful sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. These ulcers can cause sharp or burning pain in the upper abdomen, particularly after eating.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience persistent or severe epigastric pain, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. Especially if the pain is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting or nausea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Black or bloody stools
• Pain that lasts longer than a few days

At Ready Health Standish, we are committed to diagnosing and treating the causes of epigastric pain, no matter how simple or complex they may be. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals will work with you to understand your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Conclusion

Epigastric pain, though common and often mild, can also indicate a more serious underlying condition. Whether the pain is due to indigestion, ulcers, or something more severe, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider. If you're experiencing persistent or concerning abdominal pain, Ready Health Standish is here to help. Contact us today for expert care and advice.

Your health and comfort are our priority.