Diagnosis and Symptom Categories
Epigastric Pain Syndrome
Related terms · EPS · Epigastric Pain Syndrome
Epigastric Pain Syndrome is a type of functional dyspepsia characterized primarily by pain or burning in the epigastric region.
Overview
Epigastric Pain Syndrome: Please check these three things first
- Epigastric Pain Syndrome is a type of condition characterized by recurring pain or burning sensations near the solar plexus Functional Dyspepsiaas one of its branches.
- heartburn·Since the location may overlap with pain from gastritis or the heart, we do not distinguish them based on sensation alone.
- We examine the relationship between the pain and meals, fasting, or sleep, whether it changes when pressed, and how you responded to previous medications.
Definitions and Distinctions
What is Epigastric Pain Syndrome?
We focus on pain or burning in the solar plexus area, which may not necessarily occur at the same time as meals. Epigastric Pain Syndrome is a branch of functional dyspepsia centered on pain or burning in the epigastric region.
- Easily Confused Terms
- Gastric ulcer·Other causes of solar plexus pain, such as gallbladder or heart issues, are first distinguished through necessary tests.
- Why this is checked during the medical evaluation
- We check the timing of the pain in relation to meals, as well as nocturnal symptoms and warning signs.
- Information to prepare
- Please let us know the location and duration of the pain, and whether it spreads to your back or chest.
More details
Connecting Epigastric Pain Syndrome to my symptoms
Pain is located near the solar plexus, and the relationship with meals varies by person
The pain or burning of Epigastric Pain Syndrome recurs near the solar plexus. For some, it worsens after meals; for others, eating provides temporary relief; and some feel pain on an empty stomach. Please note when it starts, how long it lasts, nocturnal pain, abdominal bloatingand whether nausea occurs simultaneously.
The location may overlap with heartburn, gallbladder pain, or heart symptoms
The boundary between the solar plexus and the chest may not feel distinct to the patient. The order of evaluation changes depending on whether the primary symptoms are acid reflux and heartburn after lying down, pain spreading from the upper right abdomen to the back, or chest pressure and cold sweats during exercise. If you experience sudden, severe pain or difficulty breathing, seek prompt medical evaluation first.
Treatment follows the timeline of pain remaining after tests
If solar plexus pain recurs even after completing necessary tests for gastritis or ulcers, the pain itself must be addressed in treatment. In Korean medicine treatment, we check if the pain changes according to meals, fasting, sleep, tension, or cold sensations. While maintaining the improvements made by previous medications, we determine Korean herbal medicine treatment tailored to the remaining pain and digestive discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions when looking into Epigastric Pain Syndrome
If my solar plexus burns, does it always mean I have too much stomach acid?
Not necessarily. Acid reflux, gastritis, functional pain, and sensory hypersensitivity can all cause similar burning sensations. If acid reflux has decreased after taking acid suppressants but solar plexus pain remains, please describe these two symptoms separately.
What kind of epigastric pain requires prompt medical evaluation?
Do not wait if the pain starts suddenly and severely, or is accompanied by chest pressure, shortness of breath, cold sweats, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, or black stools. A medical evaluation is also necessary first if the pain continues to worsen or if you experience weight loss.
Gastrointestinal Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can proceed to a detailed explanation after confirming the simple meaning.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideEpigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS)Epigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS) is a pattern of functional dyspepsia centered on pain or burning in the epigastric region (the upper central abdomen). It does not only occur after meals and may overlap with postprandial distress syndrome. If you experience black stools, vomiting blood, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, or if the pain newly worsens, do not dismiss these as functional symptoms; you must first undergo an evaluation to determine the cause.→
- Condition GuideFunctional DyspepsiaThe core of functional dyspepsia is postprandial fullness (feeling full for a long time even after eating little), early satiety (difficulty finishing a normal meal), or pain and burning localized in the epigastric area. It is divided into Postprandial Distress Syndrome (PDS), centered on postprandial fullness and early satiety, and Epigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS), centered on epigastric pain and burning, though the two patterns can overlap. Bloating, nausea, and burping may also accompany these; if heartburn or reflux behind the sternum is primary, GERD is examined separately. Conditions that create similar symptoms, such as gastroparesis or peptic ulcers, are first distinguished through necessary tests. Do not dismiss hematemesis (vomiting blood), melena (black stools), difficulty swallowing, frequent or persistent vomiting, unintentional weight loss, jaundice, or persistent severe pain as functional. If chest pain spreads to the jaw, neck, or arm, or if you experience shortness of breath, a cardiac emergency evaluation is the priority.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I check first when I have abdominal pain and bloating?The phrase 'indigestion' can encompass a variety of symptoms, including pain in the epigastric area (the pit of the stomach), a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount, acid reflux, lower abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements. Start by noting whether your most distressing symptoms occur before or after meals, or before or after bowel movements. If you vomit blood, have black stools, vomit to the point of dehydration, or experience sudden and severe abdominal pain, do not wait to record your symptoms; seek medical attention immediately.→
- Digestive Health ColumnWhat is the difference between PDS, where you feel full after eating very little, and EPS, where the epigastric area hurts?→
Evidence and Update Information
The definitions and safety standards in the materials below were referenced.