Burning in the stomach

introduction

More and more patients complain of an uncomfortable burning sensation in the stomach, especially after eating. So the question arises where the burning is coming from and what can be done about it. And above all: what helps against nausea and the flatulence that is often associated with it?

Burning in the stomach after eating

The Task of the stomach is it the ingested food into their individual components break down, and possibly also Store foodif in Intestines there is currently no space. The stomach breaks down food by producing a very strong acid, the hydrochloric acid. In addition to other enzymes such as pepsin and Cathepsin, the hydrochloric acid decomposes the food. Hydrochloric acid is therefore an endogenous substance and is essential for digestion. However, only the stomach is adequately protected against this strong acid.

Got there hydrochloric acid from the stomach into the esophagus, we perceive this as an unpleasant burning sensation in the stomach - or the stomach entrance. The ascending, burning pain in the esophagus is then called heartburn. Hydrochloric acid is produced by the stomach especially after eating, because then the food pulp has to be broken up. So it is only logical that we experience heartburn particularly often after eating. Heartburn, however, does not have to be on the chest area be limited, even the Upper abdomen and of the Lower abdomen can be affected.

Find out more about the topic here: Tasks of the stomach

A number of substances that we ingest with our food are particularly likely to cause heartburn. These include particularly fatty dishes, such as deep-fried French fries, fatty and spicy meat (classic pork neck steak), ready-made baked goods that contain a lot of sugar and, last but not least, foods that contain a lot of salt. But drinks can also cause a burning sensation in the stomach and chest area. Alcohol, acidic drinks like cola and fanta, and coffee are the most dangerous representatives here. So the popular herbal schnapps after dinner is not really helpful - very different from the "aperitif". It "attracts" the stomach acid before eating and thus ensures that the food is digested immediately. This was especially important in the 18th and early 19th centuries, when food was not always germ free.

Too much cola can cause a burning sensation in the stomach along with abdominal pain. If this is the case for you, then read more on the topic: Abdominal pain from (too much) cola.

So the burning sensation in the stomach after eating can result from excess stomach acid. But the opposite can also be the case, a Stomach acid deficiency. Admittedly, this sounds a bit illogical at first, but if there is an acid deficiency, the stomach has to make extra efforts to chop up the food. He succeeds in doing this through particularly thorough mixing of the porridge. The chyme is vigorously "kneaded" in the stomach so that the little stomach acid that is available to it is distributed as widely as possible. It can happen that acidified food from the stomach is pushed back into the esophagus and burns. It is a different development process than the acidification of the stomach.

Unfortunately, as a person affected, you do not know whether there is too much or too little acid in the stomach. It is therefore necessary to try what helps in the acute case after eating. Some patients are particularly helped by acidic drinks, such as cola, or food, such as sauerkraut - in which case there is probably a gastric acid deficiency. For others, however, natural apple juice or a beer will help - then there is probably an excess of stomach acid, because these are basic, i.e. non-acidic drinks. The way you eat food and your general lifestyle also make a difference: heartburn and a burning sensation in the stomach occur, especially after eating hastily, when the food has hardly been chopped up. If it is also industrially processed food (“ready-made pizza”), the chance of heartburn increases many times over.

Read more on the topic: Burning in the intestines

causes

A burning sensation in the stomach area is a relatively common symptom. The cause is, for example, often an inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis). This is caused by an oversupply of gastric acid that attacks the mucous membrane. Often the protective mucous layer of the stomach wall is reduced at the same time, so that the stomach acid is more corrosive than usual.

Frequent heartburn can also cause a burning sensation in the stomach area. This leads to repeated reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. The lining of the esophagus is even more susceptible to damage from gastric acid than the stomach itself, as it is not designed to come into contact with gastric acid.

Another possible cause of a burning sensation in the stomach can be a gastric ulcer (gastric ulcer). A stomach ulcer can develop for a number of reasons. For example a colonization with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori,

Long-term use of drugs that attack the lining of the stomach can also lead to a stomach ulcer. These include in particular pain relievers from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. If these are taken in combination with cortisone preparations, the risk of developing a gastric ulcer increases again significantly.

But even a simple inflammation of the gastric mucosa can significantly promote the development of a gastric ulcer. Occasionally, psychological stress is also said to contribute to the development of an ulcer. Alcohol, coffee and nicotine also seem to play a role here. Incidentally, there are not only ulcers in the stomach but also in the duodenum. This is just behind the stomach outlet. One then speaks of a duodenal ulcer.

Read about this too Burning in the upper abdomen

diagnosis

A burning sensation in the epigastric region often does not need to be clarified immediately, as it will go away on its own. However, if it persists for a longer period of time or if it becomes stronger, the treating doctor should be consulted. This can decide whether further diagnostics (for example in the form of a Gastroscopy) necessary is.

However, it is often enough to just submit acid inhibiting drug to prescribe. If the symptoms show a clear reduction in this, it is usually an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach or esophagus. If the doctor decides in favor of further diagnostics, the gastroscopy is one of the top priorities.

This can be used to assess the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. If there are any abnormalities, a small sample (biopsy) can be removed. This can be sent to a pathological institute for a tissue examination.

The following topic may be of interest to you: Proton pump inhibitors

Concomitant symptoms

For example, a burning sensation in the stomach area can result from Loss of appetite, frequent belching, heartburn, abdominal pain after eating or when the stomach is empty. It is not uncommon for it to bleed if there is an inflammation of the mucous membrane or an ulcer.

This can either turn the stool black (Tarry stool) or lead to vomiting of bloody or coffee grounds-like secretions (melaena). The stomach diseases listed above can occasionally look like heart disease. A stomach ulcer can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. These include, for example, severe pain in the chest area and nausea.

What do / what helps?

Depending on the cause, there are different ways to deal with the burning sensation. If it is a simple inflammation of the mucous membrane, as it occurs relatively often, a Waiver alcohol, nicotine and coffee will often be sufficient. In the acute phase you can stomach-friendly herbal teas and light, low-fat foods help relieve symptoms. As a home remedy - especially for heartburn - soda powder dissolved in lukewarm water is often recommended.

If the symptoms persist for a longer period of time or if they are very severe, sooner or later the doctor treating you should be consulted. The latter can decide which further procedure makes sense. It is often advisable to take a drug that inhibits acid production in the stomach and thus has a calming effect on the inflamed mucous membrane. The effect of the tablets often sets in Hours to days a.

Duration

How long a burning sensation in the stomach lasts depends largely on what caused it. An inflammation of the gastric mucosa can last for a few days or even several weeks if left untreated, depending on what caused it. If a gastric ulcer is the cause of the symptoms, drug therapy is usually required, otherwise the symptoms will persist and the risk of complications (e.g. bleeding) should not be underestimated. Overall, the duration is very variable.

Burning in the stomach associated with:

Back pain

A burning sensation in the stomach area can occasionally extend to the back. The causes are usually the ones mentioned above anyway. In addition, if there is pain in the upper abdomen, it should also radiate to the back Inflammation of the pancreas (Pancreatitis). In most cases, this can be diagnosed with a blood test.

A heart attack can also occasionally make itself felt as a strong burning sensation in the chest, upper abdomen and back. Often there are also shortness of breath and profuse sweating. In the event of sudden severe pain in the area of ​​the upper abdomen, chest and back, you should usually use one to protect yourself doctor to be visited.

pregnancy

Even during pregnancy, a burning sensation in the stomach area, for example, can indicate the presence of an inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Since one is generally reluctant to prescribe medication during pregnancy, one should first try to avoid possible triggers for irritation of the mucous membranes. For example coffee, fatty and spicy foods and stress.

The Ban on alcohol and nicotine During pregnancy it goes without saying. If this does not lead to sufficient improvement, there are medications that can also be taken during pregnancy without the risk of harming the unborn child. This includes means that are used to Stomach acid to neutralize, i.e. to make it less acidic. These include, for example Magaldrat (antacid) or sucralfate.

The following articles may be of interest to you: "Alcohol during pregnancy " and "How dangerous is smoking during pregnancy'

Also the acid inhibitor Omeprazole can be used if necessary. If the symptoms do not decrease during the therapy, a Gastroscopy to find the cause of the symptoms. In the case of bacterial colonization with Helicobacter pylori, drug therapy to remove the bacterium can also be carried out during pregnancy.

drinking water

A burning sensation after drinking water is a rather unusual symptom. If it is carbonated water, this may be the cause. If the gastric mucosa is already irritated or the mucous membrane of the esophagus is irritated, the carbonic acid lead to additional irritation. This then causes the discomfort. In this case, prefer to stop consuming still water be evaded.

heartburn

heartburn is a symptom that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This can be accompanied by a burning sensation in the stomach area. Often times, heartburn results from that wrong diet (fatty, spicy) or by consuming alcohol, nicotine and possibly also coffee. Medicines that are used to treat gastric mucosal inflammation and which inhibit the production of acid in the stomach usually also help very quickly and effectively with heartburn.

nausea

Burning in the stomach and nausea can be associated. Since the burning sensation in the stomach is usually triggered by excessive acid production in the stomach, the acid-base balance of the body shifts into an acidic environment. The body can only function in a very narrow pH range (acid range). This lies between PH value 7.35 and 7.45. A shift below the value of 7.35 is synonymous with over-acidification of the body. When there is excessive acid production in the stomach, one speaks of one metabolic acidosis. This is especially with long periods of hunger the case when the gastric acid produced cannot be "neutralized" by food. To the Vomit it happens because the body wants to get rid of the excess acid quickly.

Also after extreme sporting activity - for example marathons or competitions - you can sometimes see athletes throw up. The "acidification" of the muscles during exertion leads to an “expulsion” of the excess acid via the above-mentioned mechanism - the athlete has to vomit.

However, nausea can also have other causes. Especially in connection with a burning sensation in the stomach, one must always be aware of it gastritis be thought. Medicine distinguishes three forms of gastritis, type A, type B, and type C. There Type A & B most of time asymptomatic run, only type C gastritis will be discussed at this point. The Type-C gastritis is caused by chemical noxious agents - chemical pollutants caused. These include alcohol, but also cigarette smoke NSAID-class pain relievers, so Ibuprofen®, and Aspirin® (to name the most famous representatives). A permanent combination of the three components mentioned - for example in the form of partying nights - can lead to type C gastritis.

Gastritis describes nothing more than an inflammation of the "gaster", i.e. the stomach. Now is typical for this a constant feeling of fullness, that with Burning in the chest, and constant belching. Unfortunately, the belching does not bring any relief either, and so the burning sensation and the feeling of fullness remain until chronic nausea and a burning sensation develop in the entire chest area. The solution to this problem lies in avoiding painkillers, alcohol, and nicotine.

Stress is also a triggering factor for type C gastritis and should be avoided as much as possible. Although the symptoms can be briefly treated with so-called Proton pump inhibitors (short "PPI") turn off, Indeed carries out long-term medication with PPI paradoxically in many cases to Gastrointestinal complaints. This can lead to flatulence and diarrhea. A typical proton pump inhibitor is Pantoprazole®, and drugs in general that end in –prazole. They inhibit acid build-up in the stomach.

However, nausea and vomiting, a burning sensation in the stomach, and diffuse stomach pain can always be signs of more serious complications. One such is gastric cancer, so Stomach cancer. Unfortunately, these symptoms only appear when a therapy has little chance of success. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, it can also cause unwanted effects Weight loss, increased occurrence of fever, and strong, nocturnal sweat come (so far that the bed linen has to be changed). Such a constellation should be clarified by a doctor. This is done through a Gastroscopy, with simultaneous biopsy (Tissue sampling) in several places on the stomach. In Western Europe, around 30 out of 100,000 inhabitants develop gastric cancer every year. With early detection of gastric cancer, there is a five-year survival rate of over 80% after surgical treatment. Treatments for gastric cancer in the final stages yield survival rates of only approx. 20% within the five years post-OP.

Diarrhea and gas

diarrhea and Flatulence let on Digestive tract disorders conclude. The causes for this can be of various kinds. A burning sensation in the stomach can be the cause in the simplest case Eating too hastily while swallowing air be. The swallowed air is passed on in the stomach and reaches the intestines. This is where an unpleasant feeling of fullness and the proverbial "rumbling in the stomach" arise.

Rotaviruses go with Vomit, yellow-green, foul smelling stool, and possibly easy increased body temperaturer along. Rotaviruses are the most common gastroenteritis pathogens in infants and young children worldwide. They are also highly contagious, which is why strict hygiene regulations must be observed when dealing with rotavirus patients. You can be vaccinated against rotaviruses.

Noroviruses cause convulsive Pain in the stomach, watery diarrhea and Vomit. Viral infections are treated symptomatically, i.e. only the symptoms are combated and the spread of the infection is prevented through hygienic measures.

Salmonella are special in animal products such as eggs and poultry. The classic is the tiramisu, which was left in the sun for too long at the garden party. After a few hours or days it comes to cramping pain, and Burning in the stomach, diarrhea and Vomit. It almost always comes in addition to fever. The frequent, water-rich diarrhea quickly leads to dehydration, which is why one high hydration is important is. Only in severe cases, and especially young or old patients Antibiotics administered. Usually, however, the body can cope well with the infection on its own. What also helps, however, is reducing the amount of food to a few, high-energy foods, such as rusks and tea, or perhaps more pretzel sticks and cola for children.

However, flatulence and diarrhea are also typical of a very well-known clinical picture, the Irritable bowel syndrome. Almost every second patient who suffers from gastrointestinal complaints also suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. Typical for irritable bowel syndrome are nausea, Flatulence, Feeling of fullness after eating, a feeling of incomplete bowel movement, diarrhea and diffuse pain over the epigastric region. While the symptoms can severely limit everyday life, it often helps to educate the patient about the harmlessness of the disease. Although the pathological process that causes irritable bowel syndrome is not yet fully understood, it is definitely there increased motility of the intestine in front. The cause is usually "only" stress, or trouble and an unhealthy lifestyle. Plenty of fluids, high-fiber foods such as muesli with wheat bran, and autogenic training can relieve symptoms relatively quickly. Irritable bowel syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, so it can only be diagnosed after all other possible causes have been excluded. Therefore, there are usually a number of physical exams, one Blood test and a Stool examination on.

Burning in the stomach and mouth

A burning sensation in the stomach and mouth can have several causes. However, one of the most common is chronic inflammatory bowel disease "Crohn's disease". Crohn's disease typically affects individual parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and intestines. But manifestations in the mouth are also common, especially in the form of Canker sores. These small blisters cause an uncomfortable, sharp burning sensation in the mouth. Short-term cooling often helps, but they provide one in the long term great nuisance dar - especially in Combination with a burning sensation in the stomach. Usually go with the burning sensation in the stomach and mouth chronic diarrhea, Weight loss, and Pain in the right lower abdomen hand in hand. Since there is no standard diagnostic procedure for making a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, it is often recognized late and is difficult to confirm. Should the diagnosis be clear, the inflammation will be with Glucocorticoids fights. However, depending on the extent of the attack, it may also be necessary to use stronger drugs such as Prednisolone, up to Immunosuppressants to use. This dampen the inflammatory response, but also make the body more accessible to pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. A cure for Crohn's disease is currently (2016) not possible. However, normal life expectancy can be achieved with optimal therapy.

However, a burning sensation in the stomach and mouth can also go through easily too sharp or Food and drinks that are too hot to be triggered. Then it only helps to wait until the taste receptors have calmed down. Milk and dry bread also help relieve the burning sensation in spicy foods. Too frequent consumption of spicy food can lead to chronic damage to the gastrointestinal tract and should therefore not be done too often.