It
is defined as a severe boring, painful contraction in the epigastric
region, that extends from the xiphoid cartilage and radiates to the
back. Syncope and signs of collapse may accompany it. It may occur due
to affections of the pneumogastric nerve. It is also known as
gasrtodynia.
Etiology:
This is associated with hysteria and neurasthenia. Mental
over-exertion, wasting discharges, excessive indulgence in alcohol,
tea, coffee, tobacco and sexual excesses favor its development.
Peritoneal adhesions between the stomach, pancreas, liver or spleen
have also been known to be the exciting cause.
Pathology:
Most diverse pathological processes may be the cause of gastralgia. It
is dependent upon an accumulation of food in the stomach, the result of
a lack of gastric juice, and to spasmodic contractions of the
esophagus, the result of hyperacidity of the contents, chronic
alcoholism and gastritis.
Symptoms:
It is characterized by severe, agonizing pain in the upper abdomen.
This appears while the stomach is empty, after a meal, and especially
if articles of diet or drink have been taken that are not well borne,
even in a condition of health. It may be aggravated by a psychic
condition, or in women during the menstrual period. The pain appears
more or less suddenly. The skin becomes pale, covered with cold, clammy
sweat, and syncope and sometimes-clonic muscular contractions may
occur. The pulse is feeble; the patient moans, bends forward and
presses upon the abdomen. There may be but one attack, but more
frequently they are recurrent and may persist for months.
Diagnosis:
This is based upon the location and the character of the pain. The pain
is usually better by pressure, and full stomach. It is associated with
irregular and capricious appetite, not attended with hematemesis. There
is too much belching in gastralgia. Gastlralgia must be differentiated
from gastric ulcers and carcinoma.
Treatment:
There is possibly no affection that demands a more thorough
investigation before undertaking its treatment intelligently than does
gastralgia. The mental condition should be investigated and derange an
unstable nervous system should be removed. During the attack, hot
applications should be applied to the abdomen. If any dietary product
that causes aggravation in condition then it should be avoided. If it
is worse when the stomach is empty, small and frequent meals should be
given. The stomach should be given absolute rest for two or three days.
Tea, coffee, alcoholic stimulants and tobacco should be avoided. Highly
nutritious and easily digested food should be given to the patient.
Cases of gastralgia can be treated with homoeopathic medicines. The
medicine must be selected after analyzing the whole case and
individualization.
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