Epigastric pain in dyspepsia and reflux disease.

Epigastric pain may occur as a specific and localized symptom, as part of a group of symptoms that include heartburn, or in association with bloating or early satiety. The current classification (Rome II) characterizes ulcer-like dyspepsia by predominant pain centered in the upper abdomen and characterizes dysmotility-like dyspepsia by discomfort. The large number of patients presenting with epigastric pain has led to the development of empirical strategies.