SURGERY abdominal pain (epigastric)
Channel: The Good Gp
Date: 2019-05-11

The epigastrium is the area of central abdomen lying below the sternum and above the umbilicus. There are a number of common causes of pain in that area and, as ever, accurate diagnosis depends on good history taking and examination.

CAUSE
1.GERD
2.Obesity.
3.Gastric irritants, such as alcohol, smoking and caffeine.
4.Pregnancy.
5.Hiatus hernias .
6.Stress.
7.Gastritis is a common cause of epigastric pain. It is often worse after eating and will generally improve with proton pump inhibitors. Test for the presence of Helicobacter pylori.
8.Peptic ulcer tends to cause acute or chronic gnawing or burning pain. This may be improved by food if caused by a duodenal ulcer, and worsened by food if a gastric ulcer. Typically the pain is worse at night.