HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Severe Epigastric Pain

default
Posted on Wed, 3 Sep 2014
Question: I have started having severe epigastric pains that radiate into my left shoulder. The pain is made worse with any movement and it feels like something is being pinched off in my gut. What could this be ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Rule out cardiac cause; GIT condition more likely

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help.

I should rightfully start by asking when this pain is triggered? Is it after a heavy meal? Does it occur or increase with stress? Since when have you been experiencing such a presentation?

I am slightly concerned as your presentation does resemble a gastrointestinal tract (GIT) condition, but due to the left shoulder pain it is always best to rule out a cardiac cause. So if possible, please do get an EKG (ECG) done at any nearby clinic or hospital and get it seen by a doctor on duty. Once a cardiac cause is ruled out we can go ahead with assuming the other possible gastrointestinal causes.

A list of possible causes can look like this:
-Ulcers (duodenal or gastric)
-Pancreatitis
-Acid reflux (or conditions similar to this like gastrosophageal reflux disease)
-Barrett's esophagus
-Hiatus hernia
-Oesophagitis
and a few others.

Keeping this in mind, I would suggest you schedule a visit to your doctor, who would recommend a few investigations to confirm the cause sir. At your age, with irregular meal timings and high levels of stress, we are seeing an increasing occurrence of such conditions.

In the meantime, please make sure you drink plenty of water, eat your meals on time, avoid spicy/fried/fatty food, avoid carbonated drinks and avoid stress. I hope you find my response helpful. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Severe Epigastric Pain

Brief Answer: Rule out cardiac cause; GIT condition more likely Detailed Answer: Hello sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I should rightfully start by asking when this pain is triggered? Is it after a heavy meal? Does it occur or increase with stress? Since when have you been experiencing such a presentation? I am slightly concerned as your presentation does resemble a gastrointestinal tract (GIT) condition, but due to the left shoulder pain it is always best to rule out a cardiac cause. So if possible, please do get an EKG (ECG) done at any nearby clinic or hospital and get it seen by a doctor on duty. Once a cardiac cause is ruled out we can go ahead with assuming the other possible gastrointestinal causes. A list of possible causes can look like this: -Ulcers (duodenal or gastric) -Pancreatitis -Acid reflux (or conditions similar to this like gastrosophageal reflux disease) -Barrett's esophagus -Hiatus hernia -Oesophagitis and a few others. Keeping this in mind, I would suggest you schedule a visit to your doctor, who would recommend a few investigations to confirm the cause sir. At your age, with irregular meal timings and high levels of stress, we are seeing an increasing occurrence of such conditions. In the meantime, please make sure you drink plenty of water, eat your meals on time, avoid spicy/fried/fatty food, avoid carbonated drinks and avoid stress. I hope you find my response helpful. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help. Best wishes.