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Epigastric Pain

Experiencing upper abdominal discomfort can disrupt daily life. Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs in Houston specializes in diagnosing and treating epigastric pain caused by acid reflux, ulcers, gallstones. Discover common symptoms, diagnostic approaches, personalized treatments, lifestyle changes, including stress management.

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Difficulty Swallowing

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. 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.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux
Peptic ulcers (stomach or duodenal ulcers)
Gallbladder disease (gallstones or inflammation)
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Hiatal hernia
Regular use of NSAIDs or other ulcer-causing medications
High stress levels or poor dietary habits
Smoking, obesity, or other lifestyle factors

Signs and Symptoms

Burning, sharp, or dull pain in the upper middle abdomen
Discomfort that worsens after eating or when the stomach is empty
Bloating or feeling full after a small meal
Nausea or episodes of vomiting
Pain radiating into the back or chest
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Unintentional weight loss
Blood in vomit (hematemesis) or black, tarry stools (melena)

Expert Treatment for Epigastric Pain by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He reviews your symptoms, dietary habits, medication use (NSAIDs, aspirin), alcohol intake, smoking history and stress factors. A focused abdominal exam checks for tenderness, swelling or signs of hernia.

Blood Tests

Laboratory studies include

Complete blood count (CBC) to look for infection or anemia
Liver function tests (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin)
Pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase)
H. pylori antibody or stool antigen testing

Imaging Studies

Abdominal ultrasound to detect gallstones, gallbladder inflammation or pancreatic changes
CT scan or MRI abdomen for detailed evaluation of the pancreas, biliary tract and surrounding organs

Endoscopy and pH Monitoring (if needed)

An upper endoscopy (EGD) lets Dr. Pothuri directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, take biopsies if needed, and treat ulcers or bleeding. Ambulatory pH testing may be used to quantify acid reflux. In select cases, procedures like ERCP assess or treat bile duct disorders.

Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for epigastric pain.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fried, high-fat)
Reducing or eliminating caffeine and alcohol intake
Quitting smoking and adopting stress-reduction techniques (exercise, relaxation)

2. Medications

Antacids for rapid relief of acid-related discomfort
H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine) to decrease stomach acid production
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) for long-term acid control
Antibiotic regimens when H. pylori infection is present

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

Endoscopic therapy to manage bleeding or strictures in the GI tract
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal for symptomatic gallstones
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) to treat bile duct problems

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070

8.8K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 8.8k patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

About the Author

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes pain after eating?

Large meals, high-fat foods, or acid reflux may trigger symptoms after eating.

How long does the pain last?

Pain can last minutes or hours. Many people feel better within a few days once treatment begins.

When should I worry about epigastric pain?

You should seek help if your pain is severe, ongoing, or comes with vomiting, fever, black stools, or weight loss.

Can stress lead to stomach pain?

Yes. Stress can increase stomach acid and tighten stomach muscles, causing discomfort.

How is stomach pain different from chest pain?

Stomach pain often relates to meals. Chest pain linked to the heart may feel like pressure, with sweating or pain in your arm or jaw.

Do lifestyle changes make a difference?

Yes. Diet changes, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can improve symptoms in many cases.

Is endoscopy a safe test?

Yes. It is a low-risk, outpatient procedure that helps doctors understand what's happening inside your digestive tract.

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