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Epigastric Pain
Experience care with Dr. Nghia Nguyen, a board-certified gastroenterologist in Houston. Discover causes, diagnosis, and treatments for epigastric pain—from dietary changes and medication to minimally invasive procedures. Achieve lasting relief and improved digestive health at GastroDoxs near Texas Medical Center.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Acid reflux (GERD)
Stomach or small-intestine ulcers
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
Gallstones or other gallbladder issues
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Hiatal hernia
Smoking, high stress levels, or excessive alcohol use
Certain pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, NSAIDs)
Signs and Symptoms
Burning, sharp, or dull pain in the upper middle abdomen
Bloating or feeling of fullness after eating
Nausea or vomiting
Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
Frequent burping or indigestion
Pain that worsens or improves with food intake
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He asks about when the pain began, your eating habits, trigger foods or habits (alcohol, smoking, NSAIDs), and how stress affects you.
Laboratory Studies
Blood tests check for infection markers, anemia, and assess liver and pancreatic enzymes.
H. pylori Breath Test
A non-invasive test to detect Helicobacter pylori, a common ulcer-causing bacteria.
Upper Endoscopy
Directly visualizes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to identify ulcers, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
Ultrasound Imaging
Evaluates the gallbladder for stones or inflammation.
Assesses the pancreas for signs of pancreatitis.
Additional Testing (if needed)
In complex cases, he may order a CT scan or specialized endoscopic procedures to pinpoint the cause.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for epigastric pain.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Eating smaller meals more often
Avoiding spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
Cutting back on coffee, alcohol, and soda
Raising the head of your bed if you have reflux
Managing stress through relaxation or therapy
2. Medications
Antacids that ease heartburn
Medicines that lower acid production
Stronger drugs like proton pump inhibitors
Antibiotics if you test positive for H. pylori
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Endoscopy to treat bleeding ulcers
Heat-based treatments for acid reflux
Laparoscopic surgery to repair a hernia or remove the gallbladder
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes burning pain after eating?
It's often due to acid reflux (GERD) or stomach and duodenal ulcers that flare when they come in contact with certain foods.
Can I treat this pain naturally?
Yes. Eating smaller, bland meals more often, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, and managing stress can greatly reduce symptoms.
When should I see a specialist?
You should make an appointment if your pain is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, or occurs with weight loss, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing.
Will an endoscopy hurt?
No. You'll receive a sedative to help you relax, and most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure.
How soon will I feel better?
Many people notice relief within a few days of starting treatment, though ulcers and gastritis may take a few weeks to heal completely.
Do I need tests for mild pain?
Not always. If your symptoms are mild and infrequent, you can begin with lifestyle and dietary changes. Dr. Nguyen will recommend tests only if your pain persists or if red-flag symptoms appear.
Is H. pylori a common cause?
Yes. Helicobacter pylori infection is common and can lead to gastritis and peptic ulcers. If you test positive, antibiotics are prescribed to eradicate the bacteria.
