Burning sensations in the stomach often stem from indigestion, also known as dyspepsia. However, it may also indicate a food sensitivity, or more serious gastrointestinal conditions. A burning sensation in the stomach is usually just one symptom of an underlying condition, such as an intolerance to certain foods.
Stomach burning can be caused by food, medical conditions, medications, or for seemingly no reason at all. Not knowing what is causing stomach burn is actually very common. About 80% of people with indigestion never know the cause. 1 This is called functional dyspepsia.
Burning and bloating in the stomach is a common problem caused by underlying gastrointestinal problems, medication, certain foods, and lifestyle problems. Though these triggers can have similar symptoms, these problems can be treated by identifying the cause.
Tummy pain
It can last from a few minutes to a few hours, and often starts within a few hours of eating. You may also wake up in pain during the night. Taking antacids (indigestion medicines) may relieve the pain temporarily, but it'll keep coming back if the ulcer isn't treated.
In addition, you should see your doctor if you have frequent episodes of burning in your stomach, the burning is getting more severe over time, or home care doesn't help with your symptoms. Your doctor can run tests to determine if you have a condition like ulcers or an infection that requires prescription medication.
If you experience the following severe symptoms, Dr. Shah recommends going to an emergency room instead of urgent care: Severe stomach pain that makes it difficult to function, move, eat, or drink. Sudden onset of stomach pain.
Gastritis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the stomach lining. It can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, certain medicines, or smoking. Some diseases and other health issues can also cause gastritis.
Acid reflux
This occurs when the stomach contents, including acid, flow backwards up into the chest and throat. “It causes a hot, painful or burning sensation under the breast bone, that often is worse after eating or when lying down,” explained Dr. Bennett E.
Stomach acid is essential for digestion, but sometimes acid-producing cells in your digestive system pump out too much acid. Symptoms of high stomach acid can include belly pain, bloating, and heartburn.
Absolutely. Stress and anxiety are common causes of stomach pain and other GI symptoms.
Less serious causes of abdominal pain include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies, lactose intolerance, food poisoning, and a stomach virus. Other, more serious, causes include appendicitis, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a bowel blockage, cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux.
Gastritis Can Become a Serious Emergency
Feeling confused or passing out can also indicate blood loss. If there is bright red or maroon blood in the stool, a “tarry” appearance in the stool, or vomiting of blood, this is considered an emergency and may be life-threatening.
With acute gastritis, pain usually comes on suddenly but is temporary, sometimes described as acute attacks or “flares”. Generally, acute gastritis lasts anywhere from 2-10 days and can be greatly improved with symptomatic treatment.
Pain in the center of the abdomen might be caused by injury or appendicitis. Pain in the lower abdomen or around the belly button can be caused by injury, flu, hardened stool, kidney infection, hernia, appendicitis or cancer.
Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and eliminating waste. You feel tired more often than not. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut.
If you have severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in your stool, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Common digestive disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance and hiatal hernia. The most common symptoms of digestive disorders include bleeding, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, pain, nausea and vomiting.
The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.
Heartburn symptoms can last around 2-4 hours until the food leaves your stomach and goes into your small intestine. Even after that point, you can have symptoms return later on. This could go on and repeat for days or weeks if left untreated.