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What Causes Epigastric Pain?
Question: I have been experiencing quite a bit of pain in my epigastric region, just about 2-3 inches under my xiphoid process. I take Lebetalol in the morning and do drink some coffee, and have always attributed the symptoms to that. It has seemed to go away after I have a bit to eat, but it has been hurting quite a bit over the past couple of days. I work in a health-related field and have just enough knowledge to overreact and worry over the worst case scenarios. I have taken some antacids and acid blockers, but am still experiencing the gnawing pain. What steps might I take next to treat my symptoms, what symptoms would warrant making an appointment with my physician?
Brief Answer:
It seems to be due to acid reflux.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Going by the mentioned details it seems that you are indeed suffering from a condition of acid reflux disease. The gastric acids are meant to help in digestion and are secreted all throughout the day and night. So after the entire night of fasting, there is some amount already accumulated. This is the source of your problems.
The steps to take to control it would be:
* Take small but frequent meals spaced throughout the day. This will get the acids utilized leaving not much to accumulate to cause the problems.
* Take an early breakfast, preferably a heavy one.
* Exercise and take morning walks regularly. Take plenty of green leafy vegetables and a fiber rich diet. This would help in regularizing the bowel habits and lead to quick drainage of the gastric contents.
* You may continue taking acid blockers, preferably omeprazole regularly in the morning, before breakfast, for one and a half months.
* Reduce stress. It is directly related to the problem.
* Avoid rich and spicy food.
The symptoms warranting a doctor's visit would be:
* Sudden worsening of the pain
* Fresh or altered blood in vomitus or stool
Hope that helps.
Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha
It seems to be due to acid reflux.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Going by the mentioned details it seems that you are indeed suffering from a condition of acid reflux disease. The gastric acids are meant to help in digestion and are secreted all throughout the day and night. So after the entire night of fasting, there is some amount already accumulated. This is the source of your problems.
The steps to take to control it would be:
* Take small but frequent meals spaced throughout the day. This will get the acids utilized leaving not much to accumulate to cause the problems.
* Take an early breakfast, preferably a heavy one.
* Exercise and take morning walks regularly. Take plenty of green leafy vegetables and a fiber rich diet. This would help in regularizing the bowel habits and lead to quick drainage of the gastric contents.
* You may continue taking acid blockers, preferably omeprazole regularly in the morning, before breakfast, for one and a half months.
* Reduce stress. It is directly related to the problem.
* Avoid rich and spicy food.
The symptoms warranting a doctor's visit would be:
* Sudden worsening of the pain
* Fresh or altered blood in vomitus or stool
Hope that helps.
Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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