Gastric Pain (Patient Counselling Guide)

Gastric pain is usually used to describe pain or discomfort in the upper region of the abdomen. It could be generalized, diffuse, or specific to the right or left (or both) upper quadrant of the abdomen. People tend to blame the stomach most often when they have gastric pain, but this pain could also be due to other organs eg, heart, pancreas, liver, or gallbladder. One of the most common causes of gastric pain is peptic ulcer. It is the presence of ulcers or sores which form in the lining of the stomach or in the duodenum (at the beginning of the small intestine, just below the stomach). Dyspepsia or indigestion is a pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or feeling of fullness soon after starting to eat, which could be a symptom of a digestive disorder. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another common cause of gastric pain. It is the abnormal backflow of stomach acid and juices into the esophagus. Gastric pain can be a sign of a serious condition that needs immediate attention (eg, myocardial infarction) or a change in lifestyle, that is why a visit to a physician is recommended if gastric pain persists for a long time or increases in intensity.

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