We asked Larisa Tretyakova, gastroenterologist, doctor of the highest category, head of department at the PharmMed Clinic, tell us what most often hurts in the epigastric area, how to understand your own sensations and what diagnostic procedures are necessary in this case.
Almost every resident of a big city has experienced pain in the upper abdomen - right in the triangle under the ribs. Most often, epigastric pain indicates diseases of the digestive system.
Let's first figure out exactly what organs are located here. This is the stomach that passes into the duodenum. To the left of the stomach is the pancreas, which is responsible not only for digestion, but also for hormonal control - in particular, it produces insulin, which cells need to absorb nutrients. The spleen is also located here, which is responsible for purifying the blood and functioning of the immune system. To the right of the stomach the gallbladder and liver are densely packed. All of these organs (with rare exceptions) can be a source of pain localized in the epigastric region.
The Deepest Essence of Digestion
Every high school student knows that digestion occurs in the stomach. Aggressive hydrochloric acid attacks the food entering the stomach, and it begins to break down into easily digestible components.
| Not often, but it happens | |
| Epigastric pain may be a signal of myocardial infarction. After all, in the area of the solar plexus there are not only the digestive organs - the lungs and heart are nearby. So you should not tolerate acute abdominal pain. If it doesn’t work, call an ambulance. In addition, epigastric pain may be of neurological origin. That is, in the thoracic spine, one or another nerve is sandwiched between the vertebrae - and the signal is transmitted along the nerve to the stomach. A neurologist will be able to “decipher” such pain after an X-ray or CT scan of the spine. | |
But not every school graduate knows that a person without a stomach can live relatively normally. Because only the first stage of digestion takes place here. Much more important processes occur in the next “compartment” - the duodenum. The pancreatic ducts and the common bile duct exit here.
The gall bladder accumulates bile produced by the liver, and as soon as food enters the duodenum, the bile is sent there to help with digestion. An equally important role in digestion is played by the so-called “pancreatic juice” - the secretion of the pancreas, which also enters the duodenum through the ducts.
After food is “processed” in the duodenum, it is sent for further digestion and absorption in the small intestine.
What can you do on your own for chest pain?
Solar plexus pain can be severe
If the pain can be called tolerable, then it is enough to take painkillers and antispasmodics, after which you should still seek help from a general practitioner. But there is a certain disadvantage here, since drugs can reduce symptoms and it will be much more difficult for the doctor to understand the cause of the pain.
If the pain is very strong, then it is better not to take any painkillers, but to call an ambulance, they will be able to adjust your further actions more accurately. The following factors to consider will help determine the cause:
- Time of day at which the pain worsens
- Actions that cause pain
- The nature of the sensations (cuts, stabs, aches, etc.)
- Were there any injuries the day before that could have caused pain?
If you do not know what to do correctly, do not take risks, so as not to aggravate the problem, contact a professional.
Gastritis, ordinary and not very
The most common disease that causes pain in the epigastric region is gastritis, that is, inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Depending on the nature of the disease, gastritis can be acute or chronic.
The danger of chronic gastritis is that most cases of stomach cancer develop against the background of a long course of this seemingly harmless disease.
The type of gastritis is divided into superficial gastritis, in which only the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, and atrophic - in this case, against the background of inflammation, the stomach glands that produce hydrochloric acid gradually die.
| How can you examine the stomach? | |
| Unfortunately, not every person can safely undergo gastroscopy. The test is not a pleasant one. Therefore, now one of the most common (albeit paid) services is gastroscopy in a dream. If you have no contraindications to general anesthesia, then you can sleep through the entire examination with a clear conscience and not get negative impressions. Another innovative research method involves the patient swallowing an endoscopic capsule. A small device goes on a journey through the digestive tract and “makes a movie” along the way. Due to the fact that such a study is the least traumatic and most informative (the esophagus, stomach and entire small intestine are examined), it costs much more than all alternatives. | |
Unfortunately, it is possible to identify the type of gastritis and, accordingly, decide on treatment only after an examination, colloquially called “gastroscopy” - during this procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
In fact, the study is called “esophagogastroduodenoscopy”, because during the procedure the doctor examines the patient’s esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is very important to carry out this study in as much detail and quality as possible, since gastritis very often “adjacent” to duodenitis (inflammation of the duodenum) and pathology of the esophagus.
Possible diseases and symptoms of pain in the solar plexus
One of the reasons may be neuritis, which causes inflammation of the nerve endings of the solar plexus. Neuritis can be caused by quite a variety of factors. It can occur due to heavy physical exertion, a sedentary lifestyle, injury, or due to surgical intervention. Neuritis can occur and manifest itself at any time of the day, but those who are nervous a lot or find themselves in stressful situations are especially susceptible.
During a change of position, the pain may intensify and expand the radius of pain, after which painful sensations may occur in the spine and sides. In order to dull the pain a little, you can bend over and press your knees to your chest, this may help somewhat. To completely eliminate pain, you need to identify the cause of the pain and eliminate it, it could be a virus or pathogens.
The solar plexus is a plexus of nerve endings
Neuralgia is in many ways similar to neuritis, but the pain is much stronger. You may feel as if your solar plexus is being squeezed in a vice. This disease occurs due to irritation of the nerve ganglion. Sometimes the pain is so severe that it is difficult to breathe air and move. The causes may include pathologies and disorders of the nervous system, parasitic microorganisms, and viruses. Treatment involves pain relief.
Pancreatitis is a threat to life
Acute pain in the epigastrium can be a symptom of pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas. This organ can sluggishly signal a problem with regular, mild pain. And this means it’s time for an examination.
But if the pain in the epigastrium has become almost unbearable, plus stool disturbances and vomiting develop, in some cases an increase in temperature, then this means acute pancreatitis. And this is an indication for urgent hospitalization.
Pancreatitis usually occurs when pancreatic secretions (pancreatic juice) stagnate. The duct that should carry secretions into the duodenum is blocked by a stone, cyst, swelling or pus. But the juice continues to be produced and enthusiastically digests the gland itself. Therefore, in acute pancreatitis, delay is literally death.
Oddly enough, pancreatitis often attacks young people who lead an active lifestyle, love to eat, sometimes drink, and, most importantly, are subject to constant stress.
| Interesting! | |
| Vegetarians are less likely to suffer from peptic ulcers than people who eat meat. If the "ulcer" increases the fiber content in the diet, this will reduce the frequency of exacerbations of the disease. Lately, doctors have been “prescribing” fiber even during exacerbations of ulcers. | |
Problems with the pancreas can be diagnosed in advance - before the development of acute pancreatitis - using a simple ultrasound and blood test. If an ultrasound shows any problems with the pancreas, the doctor may prescribe a computed tomography scan - a study that gives a layer-by-layer image of the gland and allows you to examine in detail the essence of the problem.
Methods for diagnosing intercostal neuralgia
If you suspect intercostal neuralgia, you should consult a neurologist.
In most cases, the diagnosis is established based on the patient’s complaints, medical history and examination of the patient directly at the appointment. The doctor pays attention to the patient’s posture: in an effort to reduce pain by reducing pressure on the affected nerve, the patient tilts the body in the opposite direction. The intercostal spaces are palpated in the area where the pain is located. Loss of sensitivity and blanching of the skin is established.
Sometimes instrumental and laboratory diagnostics may be required:
ECG
An ECG is performed in case of pain on the left side. The goal is to rule out heart problems. In combination with an ECG, echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) may be prescribed. More information about the diagnostic method
Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is performed to exclude diseases of the lungs and pleura.
More information about the diagnostic method
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs
A survey ultrasound examination can exclude diseases of the abdominal organs.
More information about the diagnostic method
Neuromyography
Electroneurography is prescribed, as a rule, if the traumatic nature of intercostal neuralgia is suspected.
X-ray of the spine
X-ray of the thoracic spine allows us to determine the causes of radicular syndrome. A CT scan or MRI may also be ordered to evaluate the condition of the spine.
More information about the diagnostic method
Blood test for antibodies to the herpes virus
It is carried out if there is a suspicion of a viral origin of intercostal neuralgia.
Sign up for diagnostics To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with specialists from the Family Doctor network.
Treatment methods
Despite the fact that pain and other manifestations are not always considered a sign of any disease, experts recommend visiting a doctor in a timely manner to undergo a full diagnostic examination.
If the cause is tight clothing or some minor injury, no special treatment is required. Usually, eliminating the predisposing factor and physical rest helps get rid of the symptom.
If the discomfort is associated with diseases, a full examination is necessary, followed by the prescription of medications to normalize the condition. Depending on the cause, the treatment regimen may differ.
Medications
Pain in the solar plexus and difficulty breathing are common reactions in some diseases of the internal organs. To date, there is no standard universal regimen for all patients. The treatment plan is determined depending on the cause of the symptom, as well as the severity of associated abnormalities.
However, there are medications that are most often included in treatment courses due to their high effectiveness:
- Ibuprofen indicated in cases where symptoms are provoked by an inflammatory disease of internal organs. The drug helps eliminate pain, discomfort, reduces body temperature, which somewhat alleviates the condition of patients. Take 2-3 tablets per day at equal time intervals. Treatment usually lasts no more than 5-7 days.
- Ketarol has pronounced analgesic properties and is used to improve the condition of pain and discomfort due to injuries, osteochondrosis or neuralgia. The drug relieves pain and somewhat slows down the progression of the inflammatory process. In combination with other agents, it increases the effectiveness of therapy. Tablets are taken for 5-7 days, 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, depending on the severity of the manifestations.
- No-spa has antispasmodic properties and helps eliminate spasms of the diaphragm and chest muscles. If discomfort is caused by excessive tension or compression, the drug helps to significantly improve the condition. Take 2 tablets 2 times a day for 10-14 days. In each case, the duration of therapy may vary depending on the patient's condition.
- Almagel eliminates heartburn, nausea and some other symptoms of the digestive tract if discomfort in the solar plexus is caused by pathologies of the digestive system. The product is taken 5 ml 2-3 times a day. Treatment can last from 1 to 3 weeks depending on the severity of symptoms. In most cases, taking the drug is combined with the use of other medications.
- Teraflex is indicated for osteochondrosis, which is accompanied by pain in the solar plexus. The product contains components with chondroprotective properties, which helps not only stop the progression of osteochondrosis, but also significantly improves the condition. Patients are usually prescribed to take 2 tablets of the drug per day for 2-3 months. In each case, therapy can be extended according to individual indications.
- Amoxicillin is indicated in cases where pain and difficulty breathing occurs against the background of pathologies of the respiratory system of inflammatory origin. The drug has antibacterial properties and helps destroy the most common bacteria that cause inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. The medicine is taken orally in 2-4 tablets, depending on the severity of inflammation. Treatment lasts up to 2 weeks. The drug is considered quite effective, especially when prescribed in a timely manner.
- Gastrocepin is used for pathologies of the digestive tract, namely damage to the stomach. For gastritis and gastroduodenitis, the drug stimulates tissue restoration and prevents the progression of the pathological condition. The greatest effect is achieved when the drug is administered intramuscularly in the form of a solution of 2 ml per day. Treatment lasts 10 days. The product is effective, the first results can be obtained quite quickly.
- Omez is indicated for patients who suffer from gastritis, gastroduodenitis or peptic ulcer. The drug suppresses the activity of the digestive system, slightly reduces the concentration of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which weakens the negative effect on the mucous membranes. The drug is taken for 2-4 weeks, depending on the severity of the symptoms of the underlying disease. The dosage is 1 tablet, taken 3 times a day.
- Cerucal helps eliminate nausea and also prevent vomiting that occurs against the background of pathologies of the digestive system. The drug is administered intramuscularly, 2 ml 2-3 times a day for 7-10 days. The medicine is not used as the only method of therapy, as it only eliminates specific symptoms. It is effective and helps eliminate pain and discomfort in the solar plexus area if symptoms are caused by disorders of the digestive system.
Cerucal - Gordox is indicated for diagnosing pancreatitis. The drug helps stop the progression of the disease and prevents the destruction of organ cells. The drug is administered intravenously using a dropper, but after first adding 10 ml of solution in 200 ml of sodium chloride. Treatment lasts up to 2 weeks. The drug is prescribed quite often and is considered effective.
- Lesfal is indicated for patients who suffer from pathologies of the liver and gallbladder, and against this background, patients experience pain in the solar plexus area. The solution is administered intravenously at 5-10 ml per day, treatment lasts up to 2 weeks, helps prevent the progression of pathologies.
- Lazolvan is prescribed for pain and difficulty breathing due to inflammatory pathologies of the respiratory system. In this case, patients have a cough, and the product has mucolytic properties and stimulates the removal of sputum. It is allowed to take 2-6 tablets per day, depending on the severity of the condition. Treatment lasts up to 14 days, but in each case it can be extended or shortened according to individual indications.
- Ceftriaxone is prescribed for advanced pathologies of inflammatory origin. Most often, the remedy is indicated for bronchitis and severe pneumonia. The drug is administered intravenously or intramuscularly at 2-4 g per day, which depends on the severity of the condition. Before administration, the product is dissolved in 10-20 ml of sodium chloride. The therapeutic course lasts 10-14 days. The drug is considered effective and helps prevent complications as the disease progresses.
You cannot independently draw up a treatment regimen or extend the course, or exceed the dosage. This can cause complications. Such doses are considered standard, but can be adjusted individually if necessary.
Folk remedies
Pain in the solar plexus and difficulty breathing are signs that are not always a symptom of the disease. There are no folk remedies that completely eliminate the disorder, but some natural compounds alleviate the condition and can prevent the progression of the disease.
Mint infusion has antispasmodic and sedative properties, eliminates nausea and heartburn in patients with pathologies of the digestive tract. It must be taken for 10 days, 200 ml before bedtime. You can prepare the product from 3 g of dry mint and 200 ml of boiling water, the infusion time is 20 minutes. It is allowed to add sugar or honey to the drink.
An alcoholic tincture of motherwort helps ease the work of the heart and improve the condition of hypertension. If pain in the solar plexus and difficulty breathing are associated specifically with heart pathologies, the remedy significantly improves well-being.
For 100 ml of alcohol or vodka, you need to take 20 g of dry and pre-crushed raw materials, leave for 2 weeks. Take the filtered product 20-30 drops 2 times a day for 2 weeks.
Chamomile infusion is considered a universal remedy for eliminating symptoms that occur against the background of pathologies of the digestive tract. The product eliminates pain and heartburn.
Spasms the muscle layer and also helps improve digestion. As a result, the progression of diseases slows down. You can prepare an infusion from 2 g of dry plant and 250 ml of boiling water. After infusion for 20 minutes, the infusion should be filtered and taken 250 ml 2 times a day. Therapy lasts from 10 to 14 days.
The use of any traditional medicine recipes is allowed only after consulting a doctor. Despite the relative safety of the drugs, they have contraindications and can provoke various complications.
Other methods
If pain and difficulty breathing occurs as a result of a purulent focus in the lungs or fluid accumulation, pleural puncture can be identified among additional methods of therapy. The procedure involves inserting a thick needle into the affected area to remove fluid or pus.
It is carried out in a medical institution and involves preliminary local anesthesia of the affected area. The manipulation takes from 1 to 4 hours depending on the purpose of its implementation. Usually it does not cause severe discomfort and is well tolerated by patients. During diagnosis, the specialist also collects biological material to be sent to the laboratory for research.
Depending on the results obtained, subsequent treatment tactics are developed.
Solarite
This ailment is a consequence of neuritis. The pain becomes chronic, sometimes not going away with severe attacks. They do not allow me to lead a normal life. Unpleasant sensations occur at any time of the day in any position of the body. Solaritis is an advanced stage of inflammation and damage to nerve endings.
Expanded symptoms of the disease:
Solarite
- The pain radiates to the back and sides.
- There is a constant feeling of heat in the solar plexus area and a feeling of high body temperature, in its absence.
- There is a feeling of squeezing in the sternum, it resembles heart pain.
- Since the processes develop near the stomach, it becomes toned. As a result - nausea, belching, vomiting.
