A burning sensation in the stomach can be caused by gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, pregnancy, and hiatal hernia, for example. The burning sensation may also reach the throat and chest.
Stomach burning generally happens due to inflammation or irritation in this organ and may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as burping, bloating, and a sour taste in the mouth.
The treatment for stomach burning should be recommended by a primary care doctor or gastroenterologist and may involve medications like acetaminophen, omeprazole, and pantoprazole, surgery, and dietary changes.
What can cause stomach burning
The possible causes of stomach burning are:
1. Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause symptoms such as stomach pain and burning, indigestion, burping, bloating, and gas.
How to relieve: treatment recommended by a doctor includes dietary changes, prioritizing cooked and peeled vegetables and fruits, lean meats, caffeine-free teas, and easily digestible carbohydrates, such as white rice and potatoes.
The doctor may also recommend using medications like omeprazole, pantoprazole, aluminum hydroxide, or magnesium hydroxide.
2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Stomach burning, as well as burning in the neck or chest, is one of the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which the stomach contents involuntarily flow back into the esophagus.
GERD can also cause cough, hoarseness or frequent throat clearing, a sour taste in the mouth, and the sensation of a lump in the throat.
How to relieve: the doctor may prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole and pantoprazole, which reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.
In more severe cases, when other treatments do not control reflux symptoms, the doctor may recommend surgery.
3. Gastric ulcer
A gastric ulcer, or peptic ulcer, is a sore that can appear in the stomach lining or the duodenum, which is the upper part of the small intestine. It can cause stomach burning, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain.
How to relieve: antibiotics may be prescribed by the doctor in cases of infection by the H. pylori bacteria. Pain relievers and antacids can also help relieve the symptoms of this condition.
In addition, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol and following a healthy diet are recommended, as these can help relieve symptoms and promote recovery from a gastric ulcer.
4. Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach passes through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm. It can cause a burning sensation in the stomach and throat, chest pain, nausea, frequent burping, difficulty swallowing, and coughing.
How to relieve: proton pump inhibitors, antacids, or histamine receptor antagonists may be recommended by the doctor to relieve the symptoms of a hiatal hernia.
Surgery for a hiatal hernia may be recommended by the doctor only in the most severe cases and when the use of medication and dietary changes are not able to relieve the symptoms of this condition.
5. Pregnancy
Stomach burning during pregnancy, or heartburn in pregnancy, is caused by normal hormonal changes of gestation or by the baby's development, which can put pressure on the stomach.
In addition, stomach burning during pregnancy can also cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth, excessive burping, and a feeling of fullness or bloating.
How to relieve: treatment is usually done with simple measures, such as eating small meals, avoiding drinking liquids during meals, and avoiding spicy foods.
However, in cases of constant and severe stomach burning, the OB-GYN may prescribe magnesium-based or calcium-based medicines, such as calcium carbonate chewable tablets.
6. Eating certain foods
Eating certain foods, such as onions, alcohol, spicy foods, and coffee, can cause stomach burning because of the presence of caffeine, fats, and alcohol, which irritate the stomach and make the stomach contents flow back into the esophagus.
How to relieve: drinking cold water, elevating the head of the bed, avoiding fatty foods, and eating an apple are some simple ways to relieve burning caused by certain foods.
7. Medications
Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), atorvastatin, and cephalexin, can cause stomach burning because they irritate this organ.
How to relieve: it is recommended to speak with the doctor who prescribed the medication so that the possibility of adjusting the dose or changing the medication can be evaluated.
8. Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer is a malignant tumor that can develop in any part of the stomach and usually appears as an ulcer, causing symptoms such as constant stomach pain and burning, indigestion, and loss of appetite.
However, it is also common for this type of cancer to develop gradually without causing specific symptoms.
How to relieve: treatment for stomach cancer may involve surgery to remove only the tumor, part of the stomach, or the entire stomach, depending on the stage of the disease.
In addition, chemotherapy may also be recommended by the doctor to eliminate cancer cells, help reduce the size of the tumor, or eliminate any cancer cells that were not removed during surgery.
Medication for stomach burning
Depending on the cause, the medications for stomach burning recommended by the doctor are:
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Antacids, such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and sodium bicarbonate, for cases of gastritis, ulcers, and reflux
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Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, which help treat gastritis, reflux, and hiatal hernia
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Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin associated with amoxicillin or metronidazole, in cases of gastritis caused by H. pylori
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Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, to relieve pain
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In cases of stomach cancer, the doctor may also recommend therapy with chemotherapy drugs, which are administered orally or intravenously
Home remedies for stomach burning
Some home remedies that help relieve burning and heartburn in the stomach include ginger tea, fennel tea, pear juice, and apple cider vinegar.
It is important to remember that home remedies help relieve stomach burning but should not replace conventional treatment recommended by a doctor.
When to see a doctor?
It is recommended to see a doctor in the following situations:
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Frequent burning
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Chest pain or discomfort that may radiate to the shoulder, neck, jaw, and arm
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Fatigue
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Paleness or cold sweats
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Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
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Fever
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Unexplained weight loss
In addition, it is important to see a doctor in the presence of pain or difficulty swallowing or vomiting, especially when blood is present.