Is it serious to have epigastric pain when hungry?

Epigastric pain is a condition where the epigastric region, the area in the upper abdomen just below the rib cage, is painful or uncomfortable. This is where several important abdominal organs are located, including the stomach, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Stomach ulcers can cause upper abdominal pain when hungry.

There are many different causes of epigastric pain, ranging from injury to digestive problems. However, the most common causes are gastritis, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and pancreatitis. Other less common causes include gallbladder disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and appendicitis.

Another common cause of epigastric pain is hunger. Severe hunger pangs can trigger intense stomach cramps, leading to discomfort or a dull ache in the abdomen.

Additionally, people with gastritis often experience epigastric pain. This symptom can be particularly severe when hungry. Similarly, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are conditions that can cause epigastric pain when hungry.

To differentiate between epigastric pain caused by hunger and other health problems, it's necessary to consider the timing and symptoms of the pain. If the cause is hunger, the pain usually occurs just before a meal, when the stomach is rumbling, and will lessen after eating something.

Conversely, the underlying causes of epigastric pain do not lessen regardless of what they eat. In addition, patients may experience other accompanying symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, or chest pain.

If epigastric pain persists or becomes severe, it is necessary to see a doctor for examination and treatment. To determine the cause of the pain, the doctor needs to conduct a thorough assessment, ranging from physical examination and blood tests to CT scans and endoscopy.

Treatment for epigastric pain will depend on the underlying cause, but common treatments include medication, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments, according to Healthline.

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