Epigastralgia is not a common stomach pain, as it is this condition reaches more areas of the abdomen area.
Patients who experience this type of digestive pathology show discomfort that is located in the epigastrium, the upper area of ​​the abdomen, as stated by this study conducted by the University Hospital of Guadalajara (Mexico).
The person feels as if a rope were gripping the entire abdomen, an oppressive burning that manifests itself in nausea and great discomfort.
The pain is so intense that the person usually goes to the emergency room scared not knowing what is happening.
Now though in most cases the cause is simple indigestionepigastric pain can be associated with a number of other disorders or diseases that require diagnosis.
Below we propose to get acquainted with more information on the subject.
Read also Symptoms that allow us to identify the cause of abdominal pain
What is Epigastralgia?
Epigastralgia is basically pain located in the epigastrium, an area that runs from the upper abdomen to the navel.
As we know, multiple organs and structures are concentrated in this region, making it difficult to know at first what causes this suffering.
On the other hand, the patient can suffer this discomfort continuously on a daily basis or appear suddenly.
The symptoms would be as follows:
- Severe pain in the epigastrium
- Nausea, as stated by this investigation performed by the Clinica Las Condes (Chile).
- Stomach ache
- abdominal cramps
- cold sweats
- gas, according to this study of the Virgen de la Salud Hospital in Toledo.
- Episodes of diarrhea or constipation
What causes epigastric pain?
Epigastralgia due to esophageal problems
- Esophagitis, as stated by this investigation performed by the Hospital de Navarra, and hiatal hernia.
- Esophagitis is caused by reflux of the esophagus, something we need to treat as soon as possible.
- Hiatus hernia is common once you’re past age 50, according to this study from the Doctor Peset hospital in Valencia. It presents with acidity, swallowing and digestion problems, bad breath, etc.
stomach problems
- Epigastralgia can originate in some pathology located exclusively in the stomach.
- One of them is undoubtedly an ulcer, especially peptic ulcer. The pain intensifies at night and we usually find relief when we eat.
- On the other hand, inside in most cases, epigastric pain is due, according to this, to acute gastritis investigation made by the Archbishop Loayza National Hospital of Peruwhether infectious, toxic or food.
- In this case the pain is very intense, and is usually accompanied by vomiting and great discomfort.
Epigastralgia due to intestinal problems
This data is important. Sometimes, that pain in the upper abdomen is caused by appendicitis.
- This is why it is important that whenever we experience severe pain in the upper part of the stomach, we do not hesitate to consult a doctor or go to the emergency room if the suffering is high.
- On the other hand, Crohn’s disease, in its early stages, usually originates from this discomfort in the epigastrium.
- When the epigastric pain reaches the left side of the abdomen, we are talking about a problem in the colon, such as diverticula (according to this study conducted by the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital.
- Likewise, irritable bowel disease is one of the origins of epigastric pain, according to the information of this study by the aforementioned Ramón y Cajal hospital, in which case it is common for the pain to appear in the form of colic and gas.
Pancreatic problems
Acute pancreatitis usually begins with epigastric pain, according to the information obtained from the Mayo Clinic. It’s important to be aware of these types of upper stomach symptoms, especially when accompanied by vomiting and abdominal distension.
Warnings of a heart problem
- Acute myocardial infarction can present with epigastric pain, i.e. with pain in the upper part of the abdomen, according to this investigation created by Campus Medynet, one of the official medical platforms for spreading health on the web.
- The pain should be sudden, overwhelming and accompanied by vomiting. In any case, and to rule it out, it never hurts to go to the emergency room to get a diagnosis of this discomfort as soon as possible.
How to prevent problems associated with epigastric pain?
As we have seen, epigastric pain is just a symptom associated with some type of medical condition.
Although they are all very varied (indigestion, ulcers, irritable bowel, heart problems…) there is one common element that can help reduce the likelihood of suffering from this type of disease.
That common factor is food. If we take care of our diet, we reduce the likelihood of suffering or intensifying these diseases, as stated by this study made by the Provincial Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology (Cuba) .
Therefore, take note of these tips:
- Reduce fat intake.
- Opt for alkaline foods.
- Eat in small quantities several times a day.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid foods with preservatives and other chemicals.
- Reduce the consumption of sugar and salt.
- Use caution with medications such as ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Finally, feel free to consult your doctor in case of any problem, discomfort or alteration related to your digestive system.
Prevention and treatment are synonymous with health and well-being.
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