The epigastric region is a zone located immediately below the xiphoid process, which corresponds to the projection of the stomach onto the anterior cavity of the peritoneum.
Mentally drawn line along the lower edge of the ribs separates the abdomen from what is higher - to the ribs - a triangle is obtained, which is the epigastric region or epigastrium.
Causes of epigastric pain
- damage to the diaphragm, duodenum, esophagus, etc., that is, everything related to the gastrointestinal tract, as well as with right-sided pneumonia, right-sided pyelonephritis, heart disease, pleura and pericardium, reflux;
- hiatal epigastric hernia, fundus gastritis, pancreatitis, damage to the spleen, constipation, as well as left-sided pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, left-sided pneumonia;
- acute appendicitis, in which pain first appears around the navel or in the epigastrium, and then moves to the right side (iliac region);
- acute pancreatitis is manifested by a sharp constant pain in the epigastrium, and then takes on a zoster;
- with myocardial infarction, the epigastric region (gastralgic form) sometimes hurts, the symptoms are similar to ulcer perforation, and the pain is acute. The pulse is frequent, with arrhythmia and a decrease in blood pressure;
- pneumonia and pleurisy - while pain intensifies with coughing and breathing, shallow breathing, wheezing and noise are noted. The epigastric region is painful and tense;
- purulent peritonitis, developed as a result of ulcer perforation;
- perforation of a stomach ulcer;
- the epigastric region is sensitive in acute duodenitis, nausea, vomiting and other manifestations are observed;
- pyloroduodenal stenosis. It is observed after eating, there is heartburn, sometimes vomiting;
- hepatic colic is acute, cramping in nature, characterized by pains that are quickly stopped by antispasmodic drugs;
- the epigastric region hurts with many infectious diseases. Sudden abdominal pain, nausea, repeated vomiting, and diarrhea indicate that this is most likely a foodborne illness (IPT). However, with gastrointestinal disorders, intoxication phenomena are observed: headache, dizziness, lower abdominal pain, chills and weakness appear, there is a short-term loss of consciousness and convulsions;
- epigastric pains are characteristic of foodborne diseases, may be a symptom of salmonellosis and acute dysentery, which occurs similarly to foodborne diseases, with an initial period of viral hepatitis, leptospirosis;
- pain in the epigastric is sometimes the first sign, even before the hemorrhagic syndrome, Crimean fever, in which mild chills and vomiting often occur;
- with typhus, the solar plexus is affected , which is also accompanied by pain in this area.
Thus, if you feel pain in the epigastric region, and it makes you uncomfortable, while at home painkillers do not help - call emergency care. Many diseases are manifested by such a symptom, even life-threatening.
You should contact gastroenterologists and surgeons who will conduct an examination and determine the diagnosis.