Answer:

The epigastric region, located above the navel and beneath the rib cage, houses vital organs such as the stomach, bile ducts, and pancreas. Pain in this area, along with nausea, can signal several digestive conditions:

Digestive disorders: Indigestion or slow gastric emptying can cause bloating, nausea, and discomfort in the epigastric region after eating.

Gastroduodenal ulcers: Excess stomach acid, helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, or prolonged use of anti-inflammatory pain relievers can damage the stomach and duodenal lining, leading to ulcers. Symptoms include dull or burning epigastric pain, which worsens when hungry or after eating, along with nausea, bloating, and loss of appetite.

Nervous stress: Chronic stress negatively impacts the digestive system through nervous and endocrine mechanisms, increasing acid secretion and disrupting stomach motility.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus irritates the esophageal lining, causing heartburn behind the sternum, chest pain, nausea, and a bitter taste in the mouth. Symptoms often appear after eating or lying down.

Acute pancreatitis: Abnormal activation of pancreatic enzymes, often due to heavy alcohol consumption, gallstones, or high blood triglycerides, can cause acute pancreatitis, presenting as epigastric pain, nausea, or vomiting.

A doctor performs a gastroscopy for a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Additionally, gallstones or appendicitis can cause dull pain in the epigastric region or around the navel. If you experience epigastric pain with nausea, rest and reduce stress to soothe digestive activity. Eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoid overeating, and limit spicy, hot, fatty foods, and alcohol.

If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention at a multidisciplinary hospital. This is especially important if the pain becomes severe and continuous, or if it is accompanied by one or more symptoms such as fever, weight loss, black stool, repeated vomiting, or vomiting blood.

Doctors will perform a clinical examination. Depending on the condition, they may order a gastroduodenoscopy, hp bacteria test, blood test, biochemical analysis, ultrasound, or abdominal computed tomography scan to diagnose the condition and provide timely, effective treatment.

Master of Science, Doctor Ha Thuy Trang

Department of Gastroenterology - Hepatobiliary - Pancreatic

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi