Epigastric Abdominal Pain

 

Epigastric Abdominal Pain:

Causes and Management

Pain in the epigastric region the central upper abdomen located just below the ribcage is a frequent medical concern. The severity may vary from mild discomfort to intense pain and can present as acute or chronic. Recognizing its underlying causes and adopting appropriate management approaches is essential for both clinicians and patients.

Anatomy of the Epigastric Region

The epigastric area lies above the umbilicus and between the costal margins. It encompasses or is closely associated with several key organs and structures, such as:

• Stomach
• Duodenum
• Pancreas
• Left lobe of the liver
• Part of the gallbladder
• Lower esophagus
• Major blood vessels (e.g., aorta, celiac trunk)

Because of its anatomical complexity, pain in this area may originate from gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, cardiovascular, or even psychological conditions.

Common Causes of Epigastric Pain

 Gastrointestinal Causes

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

·        Cause: Ulceration of the gastric or duodenal lining due to Helicobacter pylori or NSAIDs.

·        Symptoms: Burning pain, worse on an empty stomach, relieved by food or antacids.

·        Diagnosis: Endoscopy, H. pylori testing.

·        Management: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), eradication therapy, lifestyle changes.

Gastritis

·        Cause: Gastric mucosal inflammation linked to infection, alcohol, NSAIDs, or stress.

·        Symptoms: Burning or gnawing pain, nausea, vomiting.

·        Management: PPIs or H2 blockers, dietary adjustments, treating the root cause.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

·        Cause: Acid reflux into the esophagus.

·        Symptoms: Heartburn, regurgitation, burning epigastric pain.

·        Diagnosis: Clinical evaluation; pH study or endoscopy if needed.

·        Management: PPIs, weight control, avoiding triggers.

Functional Dyspepsia

·        Cause: No structural disease found.

·        Symptoms: Bloating, early satiety, nonspecific epigastric pain.

·        Diagnosis: By exclusion.

·        Management: Dietary modifications, prokinetics, antidepressants if appropriate.

       Pancreatic Causes

Acute Pancreatitis

·        Cause: Gallstones, alcohol, hypertriglyceridemia.

·        Symptoms: Severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting.

·        Diagnosis: Elevated amylase/lipase, imaging (CT/MRI).

·        Management: Hospitalization, IV fluids, analgesia, treating precipitating factor.

Chronic Pancreatitis

·        Cause: Long-term alcohol use, genetic predisposition.

·        Symptoms: Recurrent abdominal pain, malabsorption (steatorrhea), weight loss.

·        Management: Pain relief, enzyme supplements, dietary support.

   Hepatobiliary Causes

Biliary Colic

·        Cause: Gallstones temporarily blocking the cystic duct.

·        Symptoms: Episodic right upper quadrant/epigastric pain after fatty meals.

·        Diagnosis: Ultrasound.

·        Management: Analgesia, elective cholecystectomy.

Cholecystitis

·        Cause: Gallbladder inflammation, usually from stones.

·        Symptoms: Constant pain, fever, nausea.

·        Diagnosis: Ultrasound, Murphy’s sign.

·        Management: Antibiotics, surgical removal.

Hepatitis

·        Cause: Viral, alcohol-related, or autoimmune.

·        Symptoms: Mild abdominal pain, fatigue, jaundice.

·        Diagnosis: Liver function tests, serology.

·        Management: Depends on cause—antivirals, supportive care, or lifestyle changes.

   Cardiovascular Causes

Myocardial Infarction (Inferior Wall)

·        Cause: Coronary artery blockage.

·        Symptoms: Epigastric pain resembling indigestion, nausea, sweating, breathlessness.

·        Diagnosis: ECG, cardiac biomarkers.

·        Management: Urgent revascularization, medications (antiplatelets, nitrates).

Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection

·        Symptoms: Sudden tearing pain in epigastrium or back.

·        Diagnosis: CT angiography.

·        Management: Emergency surgery.

   Other Causes

• Esophagitis or Esophageal Spasm – Can mimic GERD; diagnosed by endoscopy or manometry; managed with PPIs or muscle relaxants.
• Psychogenic Pain – Often linked with stress or anxiety; addressed through counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Referred Pain – Pain originating from other regions, such as the thoracic spine.

Diagnostic Approach

1.   History and Physical Examination – Assess pain features (onset, duration, type, food relation, radiation) and associated symptoms (nausea, vomiting, weight loss, jaundice, chest pain).

2.   Laboratory Tests – CBC, liver enzymes, lipase/amylase, cardiac enzymes.

3.   Imaging –

·        Ultrasound: gallbladder, liver, aorta.

·        Endoscopy: gastritis, ulcers.

·        CT scan: pancreas, tumors, vascular issues.

Management Overview

Initial Care

·        NPO (nothing by mouth) if vomiting or pancreatitis is suspected.

·        IV fluids, analgesics (paracetamol or opioids if necessary).

·        Antacids or PPIs for acid-related symptoms.

Cause-Specific Management

·        Infections: antibiotics (e.g., H. pylori, cholecystitis).

·        Structural problems: surgical repair (gallstones, aneurysms).

·        Lifestyle measures: diet and habit changes in GERD or dyspepsia.

·        Psychological support for functional or stress-related pain.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

• Severe or sudden onset of pain
• Pain spreading to back or chest
• Associated chest pain or breathlessness
• Vomiting blood or passing black stools
• Jaundice
• Unexplained weight loss

Conclusion

Epigastric pain may result from minor digestive issues or serious, life-threatening conditions. A stepwise approach beginning with detailed history-taking, followed by targeted investigations helps determine the cause. Prompt diagnosis and tailored management are vital to prevent complications and ensure better outcomes.