General Signs of GI Pain

• Often accompanied by:
  • Paleness (pallor).
  • Sweating (diaphoresis).
  • Nausea and vomiting.
• Activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response).

Types and Causes of GI Pain

1.  Burnings and Reflux

• Burning sensation:
  • Indicates irritation or inflammation.
  • Common in ulcers (gastric, esophageal, or mouth ulcers).
• Heartburn:
  • Caused by acid reflux from the stomach to the esophagus.

2.  Upper Abdominal Pain

• Dull, aching pain in the right upper quadrant.
• Suggests liver inflammation or irritation.
• Due to stretching of the liver capsule.

3.  Spasms and Colicky Pain

• Diffuse cramping pain:
  • Often occurs in distended intestines.
  • Examples include lactose intolerance and celiac disease.
• Colicky pain:
  • Spasms of smooth muscles, often intermittent.
  • Sometimes caused by gallstones trapped in the bile duct.
  • Peristalsis against a stone can cause tearing and intense pain.

4.  Somatic Pain

• Localized and sharp.
• Examples:
  • Rebound tenderness in appendicitis.
  • Lower right quadrant pain.
  • Often more severe and constant.

Additional Notes

• Pain can signal inflammation, obstruction, or organ damage.
• Recognizing the location, nature, and timing of pain helps diagnose specific GI conditions.