Epigastric pain is discomfort or pain felt in the upper middle part of your abdomen, just below the breastbone and between the lower ribs. It often presents as burning, pressure or a sharp ache that may interfere with eating and daily activities. Clinicians classify this condition under the ICD-10 code R10.13 (epigastric abdominal pain).
Symptoms of epigastric pain can vary in intensity and pattern, but often include:
Several underlying conditions and lifestyle factors can trigger epigastric pain:
At GastroDoxs, our board-certified Houston gastroenterologists pair state-of-the-art diagnostics with individualized treatment plans to tackle your epigastric pain at its source. With same-day or next-day appointments, compassionate care, and proven therapies, we're dedicated to helping you find lasting relief and get back to the life you love. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward better digestive health.
We've successfully treated more than 8.8k patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Epigastric pain refers to discomfort or pain felt in the upper middle region of the abdomen, just below the ribcage, often associated with digestive issues.
The ICD-10 code used to classify epigastric abdominal pain is R10.13.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, review of medical history, lab tests, imaging studies, and sometimes an endoscopy to identify the underlying cause.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe pain, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
Yes. Conditions like pancreatitis or certain peptic ulcers can cause pain that radiates from the upper abdomen to the back.
Consult a physician if the pain persists beyond a few days, worsens, or is accompanied by alarming symptoms like weight loss, fever, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
ICD-10 codes provide a standardized way to document, track, and bill for medical conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis records and insurance processing.
GastroDoxs offers personalized care plans including dietary guidance, medications (antacids, H2 blockers, PPIs), endoscopic procedures, and specialist referrals.
Yes. Fatty, spicy, acidic, or greasy foods can trigger or exacerbate epigastric discomfort by increasing stomach acid or slowing digestion.
Duration varies by cause-some episodes resolve within hours, while others may require weeks of treatment to fully heal underlying conditions.
