EPIGASTRALGIA Meaning and
Definition
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Epigastralgia is a medical term used to describe the sensation of pain or discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen, known as the epigastrium. The epigastrium is the region located just below the sternum (breastbone) and between the ribcage.
The term combines two components: "epigastr-" which refers to the upper middle part of the abdomen, and "-algia" which denotes pain. Therefore, epigastralgia is literally defined as pain in the upper abdominal area.
Epigastralgia is considered a nonspecific symptom as it can be an indication of various underlying medical conditions. The causes of epigastralgia can range from minor issues such as indigestion and acid reflux, to more serious and potentially life-threatening conditions like peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, or even a heart attack. Common symptoms associated with epigastralgia include a burning or gnawing pain, bloating, nausea, and heartburn.
To determine the precise cause of epigastralgia, a thorough medical evaluation is typically necessary. This may include a physical examination, medical history assessment, and potentially diagnostic tests such as blood tests, endoscopy, or imaging studies. Treatment for epigastralgia depends on the underlying cause and may involve lifestyle modifications, medication, or even surgical intervention.
It is important to seek medical attention if one experiences persistent or severe epigastralgia, as it can indicate an underlying condition that requires proper diagnosis and management.
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Pain in the epigastric region.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EPIGASTRALGIA
- wpigastralgia
- spigastralgia
- dpigastralgia
- rpigastralgia
- 4pigastralgia
- 3pigastralgia
- eoigastralgia
- eligastralgia
- e-igastralgia
- e0igastralgia
- epugastralgia
- epjgastralgia
- epkgastralgia
- epogastralgia
- ep9gastralgia
- ep8gastralgia
- epifastralgia
- epivastralgia
- epibastralgia
- epihastralgia
Etymology of EPIGASTRALGIA
The word "epigastralgia" is derived from the Greek roots "epi" meaning "upon" or "above", "gaster" meaning "stomach", and "algos" meaning "pain". Therefore, "epigastralgia" refers to pain in the epigastric region, which is the upper central part of the abdomen, situated above the navel and below the ribcage.
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