Upper (Epigastric) Abdominal pain

Like abdominal pain upper abdominal pain has many potential causes and the site, radiation, nature of the pain and its exacerbating and relieving factors will give clues as to the likely causes. Further investigation may be indicated to assess the causes, which may include gallstones (usually a colicky pain in the right upper abdomen, sometimes brought on by fatty meals), pancreatic disease (Often central, radiating to the back and brought on by alcohol, amongst other things) or functional dyspepsia (central discomfort often related to either stress, eating or a combination of the two). Having assessed the “story” of pain the healthcare team should discuss with you which, if any,  investigations would be most appropriate. Upper GI Endoscopy, Ultrasound and CT scanning are often used to investigate upper abdominal pain.