18. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Another common cause of epigastric pain is GERD, a chronic disease that affects the esophagus, mainly through the back flow of stomach contents and acid. This backflow irritates and damages the sensitive lining of the esophagus, causing a squeezing and burning sensation in the upper part of the abdomen that is also usually felt all the way up in the chest, back, neck, jaw or arms.

Treatment for GERD include proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers (which both control acid secretion), and antacids, which neutralize stomach digestive juices.