What causes stomach epigastric pain?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Epigastric pain may be caused by irregular eating habits, cold exposure to the abdomen, chronic gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, etc. It can be improved by adjusting diet, keeping the abdomen warm, and medication. If the pain persists or worsens, or is accompanied by vomiting blood or black tarry stools, prompt medical attention is necessary. Overeating or excessive consumption of spicy, raw, or cold foods can irritate the gastric mucosa and trigger spasms.
Epigastric pain may be caused by irregular diet, cold exposure to the abdomen, chronic gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, etc. Symptoms can be improved through dietary adjustments, keeping the abdomen warm, and medication. If the pain persists or worsens, or is accompanied by vomiting blood or black stools, prompt medical attention is necessary.
1. Irregular diet: Overeating or consuming excessive spicy, raw, or cold foods can irritate the gastric mucosa, causing spasms and resulting in episodic pain in the epigastric region. It is recommended to maintain regular meal habits, eat smaller meals more frequently, choose mild and easily digestible foods, and reduce intake of spicy and cold items.
2. Abdominal cold exposure: Cold stimulation of the abdomen causes contraction of gastrointestinal smooth muscles, leading to dull or distending pain in the epigastric area, possibly accompanied by diarrhea. It is advised to wear appropriate clothing to keep the abdomen warm, drink warm ginger and jujube water, and avoid further chilling to prevent worsening symptoms.
3. Chronic gastritis: Chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term dietary irritation leads to recurrent stimulation in the epigastric region, resulting in dull pain and bloating, which worsens after eating. Patients may take medications such as lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, amoxicillin capsules, and bismuth potassium citrate capsules under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Weakened lower esophageal sphincter function allows gastric acid to reflux and irritate the gastric mucosa, causing a burning sensation in the epigastric region, accompanied by acid regurgitation and discomfort behind the sternum. It is recommended to take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets under medical supervision to relieve discomfort.
5. Peptic ulcer: Ulcer formation due to damage of the gastric mucosa results in cyclical epigastric pain triggered by gastric acid stimulating the ulcer surface. Pain typically occurs on an empty stomach or follows a pattern related to meals, often accompanied by acid regurgitation. Patients may follow medical advice to use rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, clarithromycin dispersible tablets, and sucralfate suspension to improve symptoms.
In the morning, drinking a moderate amount of warm water can help soothe the gastric mucosa. Maintain a regular daily routine, avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue, eat a light and balanced diet, reduce consumption of strong tea and coffee, and engage in moderate exercise to enhance gastrointestinal function and reduce episodes of pain.
