Why does my epigastric region hurt
John Thompson
Updated on March 28, 2026
Most commonly, epigastric pain is the result of overeating, drinking alcohol while eating, or consuming greasy or spicy foods. Epigastric pain can be caused by digestive conditions, such as acid reflux or lactose intolerance. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another possible cause of epigastric pain.
How do you relieve epigastric pain?
Your doctor may recommend antacids or even acid-blocking medicines to relieve your pain. If an underlying condition such as GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, or peptic ulcer disease is causing your epigastric pain, you may require antibiotics as well as long-term treatment to manage these conditions.
What does pancreatic pain feel like?
The most common symptom of both acute and chronic pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdominal area, usually under the ribs. This pain: May be mild at first and get worse after eating or drinking. May become constant, severe, and last for several days.
Why does the middle upper part of my stomach hurt?
Pain in the upper abdomen can often be attributed to temporary problems such as indigestion or gas. Persistent or severe upper abdominal pain may be related to other digestive tract conditions or to conditions of the body wall, blood vessels, kidneys, heart, or lungs.What organs are in the epigastric region?
The epigastric region contains the duodenum, a portion of the liver, the pancreas and a portion of the stomach, while the umbilical quadrant contains the transverse colon and the duodenum. In the hypogastric quadrant lie the small intestine, bladder and the uterus.
How do you relieve diaphragm pain?
- avoiding foods that cause heartburn or acid reflux.
- breathing exercises (including deep, diaphragmatic breathing)
- eating smaller portions.
- exercising within your body’s limits.
- improving posture.
- lowering stress.
- quitting smoking and heavy drinking.
- stretching and warming up before exercise.
When should I worry about upper abdominal pain?
In most cases, it is safe to wait and see if upper stomach pain goes away without treatment. If the pain persists or gets worse, it is best to see a doctor. See a doctor within 24 hours if: Vomiting lasts longer than 12 hours.
What are the signs of a bad pancreas?
- Upper abdominal pain.
- Abdominal pain that radiates to your back.
- Tenderness when touching the abdomen.
- Fever.
- Rapid pulse.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
What does upper gastric pain feel like?
The signs and symptoms of gastritis include: Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating. Nausea. Vomiting.
What does poop look like with pancreatitis?Certain persistent changes in stool color are characteristic for specific conditions such as: Pale yellow, greasy, foul-smelling stool: malabsorption of fat due to pancreatic insufficiency, as seen with pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease.
Article first time published onHow do you know if something is wrong with your pancreas?
To check for acute pancreatitis, the doctor will probably press on your belly area to see if it is tender and check for low blood pressure, low fever, and rapid pulse. To diagnose chronic pancreatitis, X-rays or imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI may show whether the pancreas is calcified.
What causes epigastric pain radiating to the back?
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is inflammation of the pancreas. It occurs suddenly and causes pain in the upper abdominal (or epigastric) region. The pain often radiates to your back. AP can also involve other organs.
What causes pain in upper left quadrant?
Pain in the upper left abdomen can indicate a problem with the spleen. The spleen can become enlarged due to infections or certain conditions, such as liver disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of an enlarged spleen include: feeling full soon after eating small amounts.
How do you know where the epigastric region is?
Anatomical terminology In anatomy, the epigastrium (or epigastric region) is the upper central region of the abdomen. It is located between the costal margins and the subcostal plane.
What are the warning signs of an ulcer?
- Dull, burning pain. The most common sign of a stomach ulcer is dull, burning pain in the stomach area. …
- Indigestion or heartburn. …
- Nausea or vomiting. …
- Change in stool color. …
- Unexplained weight loss.
What does indigestion feel like?
You feel a mild to severe pain in the area between the bottom of your breastbone and your bellybutton. Burning in the upper abdomen. You feel an uncomfortable heat or burning sensation between the bottom of your breastbone and your bellybutton. Bloating in the upper abdomen.
What causes abdominal pain in females?
Crampy pain may be due to gas, indigestion, inflammation or infection, or, in women, from menstrual cramps or endometriosis. Severe pain that comes in waves may be caused by kidney stones. Trauma to the body wall, hernias, and shingles can also cause lower abdominal pain.
What would cause your diaphragm to hurt?
Trauma, twisting movements, and excessive coughing can all strain the rib muscles, which can cause a pain similar to diaphragm pain. The pain of broken ribs can also resemble diaphragm pain. Treatment options include: over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)
Can anxiety cause your diaphragm pain?
What happens when my diaphragm is tight? There are many reasons why you may be experiencing pain from your diaphragm. What many people do not talk about, is that just like any other muscle, our diaphragm can get tight and restricted. One of the reasons our this muscle gets tight is stress and/or anxiety.
Can anxiety cause diaphragm spasms?
Anxiety can also cause muscle spasms. The most common reasons for spasms include: Muscle Tension Anxiety causes a considerable amount of muscle tension, and muscle tension can lead to both cramping and spasms. Muscle tension is a lot like exercise – it tires out the muscles and causes them to spasm as a result.
What are the symptoms of an epigastric hernia?
- A bulge in the affected area.
- Pain — which can range from a dull ache to severe pain — especially when coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects.
- Bloating or constipation.
What does an inflamed pancreas feel like?
Pain in the upper abdomen is a common symptom. Pain may spread to the back and feel worse when you’re eating and drinking, such as in cases of pancreatitis. See a doctor right away if you have these symptoms. Other causes of an enlarged pancreas may produce few or no symptoms at all.
How do you check your pancreas?
A procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) uses a long tube with a camera on the end to examine your pancreas and bile ducts. The tube is passed down your throat, and the camera sends pictures of your digestive system to a monitor.
Can pancreatitis go away on its own?
A:If acute pancreatitis is mild, it may go away on its own without treatment. But in more serious cases, treatments for both acute and chronic pancreatitis can include IV fluids, medications, and possibly surgery depending on the cause of the pancreatic inflammation.
Where does it hurt if you have pancreatitis?
People with acute pancreatitis usually look and feel seriously ill and need to see a doctor right away. The main symptom of pancreatitis is pain in your upper abdomen that may spread to your back.
What color is stool with pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, a blockage in the pancreatic duct, or cystic fibrosis can also turn your stool yellow. These conditions prevent your pancreas from providing enough of the enzymes your intestines need to digest food.
Can a person live without a pancreas?
It’s possible to live without a pancreas. But when the entire pancreas is removed, people are left without the cells that make insulin and other hormones that help maintain safe blood sugar levels. These people develop diabetes, which can be hard to manage because they are totally dependent on insulin shots.
What helps pancreatic pain?
- Analgesics. You may be able to help your pain with over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. …
- Tricyclic antidepressants. …
- Pancreatic enzyme supplements. …
- Stents. …
- Celiac plexus nerve block. …
- Surgery.
Can epigastric pain be cardiac?
Cardiovascular causes as an etiology for epigastric pain are likely to be found in people with co-morbid conditions placing the patient at risk for cardiovascular disease such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Hypertension, known coronary artery disease (CAD), dyslipidemia, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking history, but also …
What should I eat if I have epigastric pain?
Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet. Certain foods may cause your pain, such as alcohol or foods that are high in fat. You may need to eat smaller meals and to eat more often than usual.
Is epigastric pain the same as abdominal pain?
If your stomach ache is in a particular area of the stomach, or abdomen, you can eliminate other causes and narrow down to the cause. One such type of stomach ache dictated by the area of the abdomen is called epigastric pain.