I. Main Symptoms of Upper GI Disorders
Upper gastrointestinal disorders affect the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Symptoms reflect the function or dysfunction of these organs and their mucosal linings.
1. Heartburn (Pyrosis)
- Burning sensation behind the sternum or in the epigastrium.
- Often radiates upward into the throat.
- Typically occurs after meals, worsens with lying down or bending.
- Suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
2. Regurgitation
- Return of gastric contents to the mouth without nausea or retching.
- Common in GERD or hiatal hernia.
3. Dysphagia
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Can be:
- Oropharyngeal (initiation problem, e.g. neurological causes)
- Esophageal (obstruction or motility problem)
- Seen in esophageal cancer, achalasia, stricture, esophagitis.
4. Odynophagia
- Painful swallowing.
- Often caused by esophagitis (infectious, pill-induced, or reflux).
5. Epigastric Pain or Discomfort
- Common complaint in gastric and duodenal diseases.
- Burning or gnawing character.
- Worsens with fasting in duodenal ulcers; worsens after meals in gastric ulcers.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
- Non-specific, but common in gastritis, gastric outlet obstruction, pancreatitis.
- Vomiting in gastric obstruction is typically of undigested food hours after eating.
7. Hematemesis
- Vomiting of fresh blood or coffee-ground material.
- Indicates bleeding from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
- Seen in peptic ulcer, gastritis, Mallory-Weiss tear, or esophageal varices.
8. Early Satiety
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount.
- Suggests gastric tumor, gastroparesis, or functional dyspepsia.
9. Bloating and Belching
- Associated with delayed gastric emptying or aerophagia.
- Seen in functional dyspepsia, GERD, or gastritis.