The epigastric region is the area immediately below the xiphoid process, which corresponds to the projection of the stomach onto the anterior peritoneal cavity.
A mentally drawn line along the lower edge of the ribs separates the stomach 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 right-sided pneumonia, right-sided pyelonephritis, diseases of the heart, pleura and pericardium, reflux;
hiatal epigastric hernia, fundic gastritis, pancreatitis, spleen involvement, 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 becomes shingles;
whenmyocardial infarction sometimes hurts the epigastric region (gastralgic form), the symptoms are similar to the perforation of the ulcer, and the pain is acute. At the same time, the pulse is frequent, arrhythmia and a decrease in blood pressure are observed;
pneumonia and pleurisy - while the pain is aggravated by coughing and breathing, shallow breathing, wheezing and noises are noted. Epigastric region painful and tense;
- purulent peritonitis resulting from ulcer perforation;
- gastric ulcer perforation;
- epigastric region is sensitive in acute duodenitis, nausea, vomiting and other manifestations are observed;
- pyloroduodenal stenosis. Observed after eating, there is heartburn, sometimes vomiting;
- hepatic colic is acute, cramping in nature, characterized by pain that is quickly stopped by antispasmodic drugs;
- epigastric region hurts with many infectious diseases. Sudden abdominal pain, nausea, repeated vomiting, diarrhea, indicate that this is most likely a food poisoning (PTI). However, with gastrointestinal disorders, intoxication phenomena are observed: headache, dizziness, pain in the lower abdomen, chills and weakness appear, there is a short-term loss of consciousness and convulsions;
- pain in the epigastrium is characteristic of food poisoning, can be a symptom of salmonellosis and acute dysentery, which proceeds similarly to food poisoning, with the initial period of viral hepatitis, leptospirosis;
- pain in the epigastrium is sometimes the first sign, even before the hemorrhagic syndrome, of the Crimean fever, in which moderate 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 gives you discomfort, while painkillers do not help at home, call emergency help. 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.
