Epigastralgia: causes and symptoms of this abdominal pain

Have you ever heard of epigastralgia? Perhaps you have even suffered from it on occasion.

Epigastralgia is a very localized acute abdominal pain, of variable intensity, produced mainly by indigestion. However, its causes may be other.

In this article we tell you what epigastralgia is, what are its most frequent causes, the symptoms that accompany it and what possible treatments to apply exist.

• We recommend you read: "14 natural laxatives to improve intestinal transit"

Epigastralgia - what is it?

Epigastralgia is pain that occurs in one area of ​​the stomach, the epigastrium (the pit of the stomach). Specifically, the epigastrium is the upper abdomen, which extends from the tip of the sternum to the navel.

Thus, epigastralgia consists, fundamentally, of stomach pain, abdominal pain or, in more common language, tummy pain. It is therefore a fairly localized pain, which is usually acute.

In fact, the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) classifies “epigastralgia” as “pain in the epigastrium”.

This medical condition is related to esophageal reflux., a disorder (disease) that carries some gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn and discomfort.

Epigastralgia itself is not serious, although it is true that it may be the symptom of some other disease, such as the one previously mentioned (esophageal flow). Thus, in each case, the possible underlying causes of epigastric pain should be analyzed.

Symptoms

As we have seen, epigastralgia can appear in isolation, or together with other symptoms of certain disorders, medical conditions or diseases (related to the stomach).

In this way, epigastric pain itself is already a symptom. But, What symptoms usually accompany epigastralgia? Some of the most frequent are the following:

• Stomach discomfort / upset
• Feeling of "bloating" (especially after eating)
• Belching (with or without regurgitation of food)
• Sickness
• Vomiting
• Stomach bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Flatulence
• Heartburn or heartburn
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia (associated with the above symptoms)

Causes

The causes of epigastralgia are diverse. Although most are related to stomach disorders, they can also be disorders or diseases in other areas or parts of the body.

However, here we will only mention its most frequent causes (but not the only ones). These causes of which we speak usually produce a banal epigastric pain, that is to say, not serious. The important thing, but, is always to go to a medical professional who can rule out a more serious cause.

1. Esophageal reflux (disease)

This disease means that the acid that we have in the stomach is redirected towards the esophagus, the structure that connects the throat and stomach. These structures, not being covered by the stomach lining, are damaged by acid.

Epigastralgia is one of the symptoms of esophageal reflux, although more may appear, such as: cough, chest pain, swallowing and / or breathing difficulties, heartburn, upset stomach, etc.

2. Gastritis

Gastritis is another possible cause of epigastric pain. It is about inflammation of the gastric mucosa; This mucosa, under normal conditions, has the function of protecting the stomach from digestive acid.

Gastritis causes the famous "heartburn" (that is, a burning sensation in the stomach). In turn, the causes of gastritis can be several; poor eating, stress, infections, substance abuse, etc.

3. Indigestion

Food indigestion, also known more globally as "dyspepsia", involves certain stomach disorders and symptoms, such as epigastric pain. Specifically, "dyspepsia" is all that digestion disorder.

Thus, dyspepsia causes symptoms such as epigastralgia but also others: heartburn, vomiting, nausea, stomach bloating, flatulence, etc.

The causes of indigestion vary, and may be these: a poor diet (that is, unhealthy), drinking something that is spoiled, eating too fast, or in the wrong posture, overeating, etc.

It should be mentioned that indigestion is the most common cause of epigastric pain. This can be fought simply by changing our diet, as we will see later.

4. Pregnancy

Interestingly, pregnancy is another possible cause of epigastric pain. Specifically, what can cause this symptom is the fetus itself, by pressing on the walls of the woman's abdomen.

On the other hand, as there are many hormonal changes during pregnancy, these can also produce symptoms such as gastric reflux, including epigastric pain among its symptoms.

5. Peptic ulcer

Another possible cause of epigastralgia is a peptic ulcer. These are lesions of the mucosa that lines our stomach, which originate when the defenses of our digestive system are deficient or insufficient.

This insufficiency of defenses makes the digestive system itself unable to fight the agents that damage it. (for example bacteria).

6. Acute gastroenteritis

Another possible cause of epigastric pain is gastroenteritis.. The pain in the stomach caused by gastroenteritis usually varies in intensity. In addition, it can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even fever.

Generally, it is caused by a viral infection (although there may be other causes). The ideal thing to fight a gastroenteritis is a lot of hydration (juices, water ...) and an astringent diet.

Treatments

How to combat epigastralgia? What treatments are there for it? Everything will depend on the cause of it.

However, in a generic way we can say that the main indications that are transmitted in cases of epigastralgia go along the lines of changing our diet, making it more healthy; what is usually recommended is a reduction in fat consumption, as well as a decrease in the amount of food we eat. The objective is to "take care" of our stomach, preventing it from getting "stuffed" or suffering from certain foods, generally unhealthy.

On the other hand, when the dietary guidelines are insufficient, a possible treatment is surgical intervention.. This is recommended, always by the medical professional, in severe cases of epigastralgia (when the associated pain is very severe), or when the cause of it is an underlying disease, such as esophageal reflux or an ulcer peptic.

Regarding drug treatment for epigastric pain, stomach protectors are usually prescribed, such as omeprazole. This and other drugs decrease gastric acid production and alleviate the symptoms of the gastrointestinal disorders described.

Ibuprofen is also sometimes prescribed along with other anti-inflammatories (you should always prescribe it a doctor), although it is true that this type of medication can be aggressive for the stomach. It is always better to consult with your GP.

Bibliographic references

• Millham, F.H. (2016). Acute abdominal pain. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016: chap 11.

• Principles of Internal Medicine. (1998). Harrison (15th Edition). And Compendium (14th Edition)

• Rodríguez-Lago, I. and Cabriada, J.L. (2016). Diagnostic protocol for acute epigastric pain. Medicine-Medical Training Program, 12 (2): 92-95.

• Sánchez, T., Moreno, I. and García, E. (2010). Acute epigastralgia. Electronic Book of Urgent Topics: Digestive and Surgical. Navarre Health Service.