What is the epigastric area
Emily Dawson
Published May 13, 2026
The upper part of your abdomen, which sits below your rib cage, is known as the epigastrium. Your pancreas sits within the epigastrium, as well as parts of your small intestine, stomach and liver. Pain or discomfort below your ribs in this area of the upper abdomen is called epigastric pain.
Where is your epigastric?
The epigastrium is the area of central abdomen lying below the sternum and above the umbilicus.
What is the meaning of epigastric pain?
Epigastric pain is a name for pain or discomfort right below your ribs in the area of your upper abdomen. It often happens alongside other common symptoms of your digestive system. These symptoms can include heartburn, bloating, and gas. Epigastric pain isn’t always cause for concern.
What are the common causes of epigastric pain?
- Indigestion. …
- Acid reflux and GERD. …
- Overeating. …
- Lactose intolerance. …
- Drinking alcohol. …
- Esophagitis or gastritis. …
- Hiatal hernia. …
- Peptic ulcer disease.
What does the epigastric region surround?
Contents. The epigastrium lies over a number of structures in the abdomen. Part of the liver lies in the right of the epigastrium. It also lies over the duodenum, the edge of the spleen, part of the stomach, and part of the pancreas.
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 …
Can epigastric pain cause back pain?
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.
What foods help with 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.How can I treat epigastric pain at home?
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet. …
- Take a garlic extract supplement. …
- Try probiotics. …
- Drink green tea with manuka honey. …
- Use essential oils. …
- Eat lighter meals. …
- Avoid smoking and overuse of painkillers. …
- Reduce stress.
Excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress or the use of medications including aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs can cause gastritis. As well as epigastric pain, other symptoms include stomach bloating, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite and vomiting blood.
Article first time published onWhat 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.
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 is the differential diagnosis of epigastric pain?
Pain locationPossible diagnosesRight upper quadrantRenal: nephrolithiasis, pyelonephritisEpigastricBiliary: cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, cholangitisCardiac: myocardial infarction, pericarditisGastric: esophagitis, gastritis, peptic ulcer
Where do you feel epigastric pain?
Epigastric pain is pain that is localized to the region of the upper abdomen immediately below the ribs. Often, those who experience this type of pain feel it during or right after eating or if they lie down too soon after eating. It is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn.
What quadrant is the epigastric region found?
Note the specific quadrants and regions each of the following organs of the body are found: stomach – epigastric region and the LUQ. heart – epigastric region and RUQ/LUQ.
Is the epigastric region above the stomach?
Epigastric. The epigastric (above stomach) region contains the majority of the stomach, part of the liver, part of the pancreas, part of the duodenum, part of the spleen, and the adrenal glands. This region pushes out when the diaphragm contracts during breathing.
What does epigastric mean in medical terms?
Medical Definition of epigastric 1 : lying upon or over the stomach. 2a : of or relating to the anterior walls of the abdomen epigastric veins. b : of or relating to the abdominal region lying between the hypochondriac regions and above the umbilical region epigastric distress.
What organs body structures and diseases can cause epigastric pain?
- Barrett’s esophagus (cellular changes in the esophagus that may lead to esophageal cancer)
- Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
- Gallstones or gallbladder disease.
- Hiatal hernia (protrusion of the stomach into the chest through a hole in the diaphragm)
What organs are involved 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.
How can you tell the difference between gastric pain and heart pain?
“If you belch or pass gas and the pain goes away, you could just be experiencing stomach pain or heartburn,” said Joseph Lash, M.D., cardiologist with Norton Heart and Vascular Institute. “If the pain persists and you have shortness of breath or nausea, it could be a heart-related issue.”
What breakfast is good for gastritis?
- high fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.
- low fat foods, such as fish, lean meats, and vegetables.
- foods with low acidity, including vegetables and beans.
- noncarbonated drinks.
- caffeine-free drinks.
What is the best drink for gastritis?
Some people with gastritis can tolerate small amounts of cola or other caffeinated or caffeine-free carbonated soft drinks, but you’re better off avoiding soda all together. Better beverage options include water, cranberry juice, and green tea, which has been linked to a decreased risk of gastritis and stomach cancer.
Can I eat eggs with gastritis?
Yes, plain eggs are a good source of protein to eat when you have gastritis. A few caveats: Avoid eggs that are fried, cooked in butter, or mixed with cheese. Pepper and other spices can aggravate the stomach lining.
Is boiled egg good for gastric?
As part of a balanced diet, eggs contribute to a healthy digestive tract and can be helpful during acute digestive problems. In addition to being packed with nutrients, eggs are usually easy to digest compared to some other high-protein foods, such as meat and legumes.
Is banana good for gastric?
Bananas. Bananas are easy to digest and are known to ease stomach pain. They have a natural antacid effect and can relieve symptoms such as indigestion. This high potassium fruit also increases mucus production in the stomach which helps prevent the irritation of the stomach lining.
Is Bread Bad for gastritis?
A Gastritis Diet White wheat flour, including breads, pasta, and rice are also beneficial. Choosing meats that are lower in fat content like chicken and turkey is also recommended. Eating a diet low in fat, salt, and added sugar is an effective gastritis treatment in the long term.
What is the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety?
Follow the 3-3-3 rule. Look around you and name three things you see. Then, name three sounds you hear. Finally, move three parts of your body — your ankle, fingers, or arm.
What is the fastest way to relieve gastric pain?
- Move. Walk around. …
- Massage. Try gently massaging the painful spot.
- Yoga poses. Specific yoga poses can help your body relax to aid the passing of gas. …
- Liquids. Drink noncarbonated liquids. …
- Herbs. …
- Bicarbonate of soda.
- Apple cider vinegar.
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 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.
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.