Epigastric pain is a burning, aching, or sharp sensation in the upper middle abdomen-just below your breastbone. It often occurs after eating and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. The ICD-10 code for epigastric pain is R10.13.
People may experience:
Several conditions can lead to epigastric pain:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, our board-certified gastroenterologists combine cutting-edge diagnostics with personalized treatment plans to target the root cause of your epigastric pain-whether it's reflux, gastritis, ulcers, or gallbladder issues. With same-day appointments, clear communication, and a compassionate approach, we're here to help you achieve lasting relief and get back to enjoying life.
We've successfully treated more than 8.8K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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 after meals is often due to acid reflux (GERD), peptic ulcers, gallbladder issues, or impaired digestion of fatty foods.
Epigastric pain is felt in the upper central region of the abdomen, just below the breastbone and above the navel.
The official ICD-10 code for epigastric pain is R10.13, used for medical documentation and insurance billing.
Common diagnostic tests include upper endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, blood work, H. pylori testing, and sometimes CT or MRI scans.
Yes. Stress and anxiety can increase stomach acid production, worsen indigestion, and lead to or exacerbate epigastric discomfort.
Spicy dishes, fatty or fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, and large meals are common dietary triggers for epigastric pain.
If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, recur frequently, or interfere with daily life, seek evaluation by a specialist.
Sometimes. If the pain radiates to your chest, arm, jaw, or is accompanied by sweating and shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.
Yes. Drinking warm herbal tea, eating smaller frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods, and using over-the-counter antacids may help relieve mild symptoms.
Time to relief varies: some experience improvement within hours of medication or dietary changes, while others may need weeks of therapy for full resolution.
