The epigastric region: what is it? Description. Pain in the epigastric region

The epigastric region in medical practice serves as a projection guide of internal organs. Another name for this zone is epigastrium. Given the localization of the pain syndrome, the doctor during the examination of the patient reveals the site of the lesion, and also establishes a preliminary diagnosis. Where is the epigastric region? The epigastrium is located just below the xiphoid process. The epigastric region corresponds to the projection of the stomach on the anterior wall of the peritoneum.

Clinical picture

Pain in the epigastric region occurs with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. In order to determine which particular department of the digestive organ is affected, it is required to establish the intensity of pain sensations from the midline of the body. Painfulness of blunt or acute, as well as aching and bursting nature may indicate gastritis or stomach ulcer. In these cases, the patient feels discomfort in the sternum along the esophagus. As a rule, soreness is not associated with physical activity. However, discomfort can arise in connection with a violation of the diet. Usually the pancreas starts to disturb lovers of spicy and sour food, strong coffee and other products. During the period of greatest exacerbation, vomiting is observed. After it, the sensations of soreness usually disappear. To avoid such bouts, you should strictly follow the doctor's prescribed diet. To remove such symptoms it is recommended to attach a warm water bottle to the epigastric region, drink weak tea or hot water.

Time for food intake

In case of discomfort in the epigastrium, it is necessary to establish its relationship with the use of food. When seizures occur half an hour or an hour after eating, the pain is called early pain. Its duration usually ranges between 1-1.5 hours. After the ingestion of food masses from the stomach into the intestine, such sensations pass. If after eating it took a half to three hours, and began to disturb the epigastric region, it is called late. This is due to the penetration into the duodenum of gastric juice, which causes irritation of its mucous membranes. Patients who are symptomatic of these symptoms tend to feel "hungry pains". They start 6-7 hours after eating and end after a meal. People who suffer from the ulcer of an organ in the digestive system experience nighttime pain. They usually appear from 11pm and last until about 3am.

Torso and physical tension

When the stomach is lowered, the pain is greatly enhanced when the human body is in an upright position. In the case of adhesions to surrounding organs, sensations are exacerbated by lifting weights and changing the position of the trunk.

Character and intensity

Diseases of the stomach are often accompanied by aching or cramping pains. Usually they are moderately intense. However, perforation of the gastric ulcer is characterized by strong "dagger" pain. In addition, peptic pathologies are characterized by the frequency of seizures (pain alternates with the stage of absence of symptoms), seasonality of exacerbation (manifested primarily in the spring-autumn period and occurs in the summer).

Treatment

To achieve the highest results, complex therapy is used, aimed at reducing gastric acidity, healing ulcers, destroying harmful bacteria, as well as a sparing diet. Pain in epigastrium may reduce antacid preparations that have the property of enveloping the gastric mucosa. In the treatment of malignant entities, only narcotic analgesics bring relief , without them therapy is impossible.