Internal Medicine

Burning in the stomach

introduction

Burning in the stomach can have many causes and become a real problem for those affected. The burning sensation is often caused by a harmless gastrointestinal infection, but also e.g. appendicitis or reflux may hide behind the burning sensation in the abdomen. Other symptoms, such as Nausea, fever, or vomiting can provide additional clues as to the source of the problem.

Burning in the right side of the abdomen

Appendicitis

One speaks of one Appendicitiswhen the small appendix (appendix vermiformis) of our real Appendix is inflamed. The disease can often be observed in children and adolescents in particular, but also in adulthood.
Typically, appendicitis begins suddenly with dull, difficult-to-localize abdominal pain. Within the first 24 hours, the pain "migrates" to the right lower abdomen. Those affected then often perceive the symptoms as “burning” or “stinging” and can easily identify the location of the pain. Often join them nausea, diarrhea, Vomit or fever added. The symptoms described and are decisive for the diagnosis Tension pain in the right lower abdomen.
For a precise assessment, your doctor can examine defined points (e.g. McBurney point) using imaginary connecting lines in the right lower abdomen and assess the pain. In the case of appendicitis, irritation of these points causes the symptoms to worsen significantly, such as Burning in the stomach, out.
The therapeutic removal of the inflamed appendix is in the foreground. In Germany, this procedure (appendectomy) is one of the most common operations and usually only takes a few minutes. It may only make sense to delay the surgical removal if the symptoms are very mild. However, if the patient waits too long or if the diagnosis is made incorrectly, the inflamed appendix can “burst” or “break through”. Germs, bacteria or feces get into the abdominal cavity and can be life-threatening there Peritonitis trigger.
Normally, however, the disease is recognized in good time and can be operated on without any problems, so that no serious complications have to be expected.
Only in small children, the elderly or pregnant women can the symptoms differ. E.g. older people instead of a sudden burning sensation, often just persistent pressure in the stomach.

Gallstone disease and inflammation of the gallbladder

Gallstones can obstruct the outflow duct of the gallbladder and cause gallbladder inflammation.

Our Gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the underside of the liver in the right upper abdomen. It stores that made by the liver bile and puts them in the Duodenum from.
Our digestion needs bile acid especially after high-fat meals or alcohol consumption. So it is not surprising that problems of the gallbladder become noticeable in the right upper abdomen, especially after sumptuous meals with undulating burning and stinging. Block with these so-called "biliary colics" Gallstones the opening of the organ, thus preventing the bile from flowing into the digestive system. Symptoms mainly occur when germs multiply in the small organ due to drainage disorders and a Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) can trigger.
Basically, however, not all gallstone carriers experience actual symptoms (see also: Gallstones symptoms). Only 25% notice a burning sensation in the right upper abdomen, just below the costal arch, e.g. after fatty meals. Conversely, gallbladder inflammation is almost always preceded by stones. In many cases, those affected also suffer from right shoulder pain. Once the gallbladder is painfully inflamed, surgical removal can in principle no longer be dispensed with. Antibiotics are often used to reduce the bacterial inflammation. To relieve symptoms, anti-spasmodic medication (Buscopan®) are used.

Central burning in the abdomen

Inflammation of the stomach lining

Are you suffering from a burning sensation in the middle of the upper abdomen? Accompanied by nausea and bloating? Under certain circumstances, this can hide an inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis). In this clinical picture, aggressive gastric acid attacks the mucous membrane inside the stomach. Spicy dishes, coffee and stress promote the development just as much as nicotine, alcohol or bacteria.
Typically, the painful burning sensation is located just behind the breastbone and is often associated with increased belching. In the middle of the upper abdomen, patients often feel a gnawing feeling of hunger with a simultaneously reduced appetite.
To relieve the burning sensation in the stomach, not eating coffee, spicy foods, alcohol or fatty foods can help. Short-term complaints can be treated with drugs that reduce stomach acid (proton pump inhibitors, PPIs). In the long term, however, the cause of the gastric mucosal inflammation must be sought, as this is the only way to provide adequate therapy. A gastroscopy is often performed for this purpose. During this examination, real-time images of the inside of the stomach and small samples can be taken from the mucous membrane with the help of a small camera.
If left untreated, persistent inflammation of the gastric mucosa can lead to a gastric ulcer with the risk of a life-threatening gastric rupture.

Read more on the subject at:

Symptoms of inflammation of the stomach lining
Burning in the upper abdomen

Burning on the left side in the abdomen

Diverticulitis

Small protrusions on the intestinal wall are called diverticula (Diverticulosis).They arise with age and are caused by a sedentary lifestyle, low-fiber diet and Obesity favored.

When suddenly occurring left side abdominal painwhich e.g. in the form of burning sensation, fever, severe flatulence or slimy-bloody diarrhea, inflammation of the small protrusions Diverticulitis called, hide behind it. Since the pain is localized in the vast majority of cases in the left lower abdomen, it is referred to as "left-sided appendicitis". As with "real" appendicitis, the burning sensation worsens when pressure is applied to the affected parts of the intestine.
Very light forms can be treated by brief, strict abstinence from food. Interestingly, if you have diverticulitis, you should not use the hot water bottle, but rather the ice pack. Because by cooling the lower abdomen ("ice bladder") a significant relief of the burning sensation in the left abdomen can be brought about.
To prevent the inflammation from spreading to the surrounding peritoneum, in all other cases one should not use one antibiotic therapy for diverticulitis dispense. Advanced diverticulitis may even have to be treated surgically with removal of the affected sections of the intestine.

Diarrhea and nausea with a burning sensation in the stomach

Nausea and diarrhea are common symptoms of gastrointestinal infections or food poisoning.

If adults have a bowel movement more than three times a day, if the amount is significantly increased, or if it is fluid, this is considered to be medical diarrhea. The unpleasant symptom is often associated with other complaints such as nausea or burning in the stomach. The most common cause of the discomfort is one gastroenteritis, better known as "gastrointestinal flu" or "gastrointestinal infection".
This is often accompanied by general malaise, a headache, Body aches or a fever.
The causes can be infectious (bacteria, viruses, parasites) from non-infectious (e.g. Food intolerance, Food poisoning) Distinguish diseases.
The pathogens are often caused by contaminated meals, e.g. unwashed vegetables or Salmonella in egg products. Inadequate hygiene can also affect the pathogen, e.g. Pass on from person to person via smear infections.
In the vast majority of cases, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, such as Burning in the stomach, self-limiting: After a few days, the symptoms disappear on their own without the need for causal therapy, such as antibiotics. However, if you suffer from diarrhea and nausea, perhaps even vomiting, you should pay particular attention to a balanced fluid and mineral balance. Drink water or tea and, if possible, salty, dry food (rusks, pretzel sticks, etc.). In the pharmacy there is also so-called "electrolyte powder", which, when dissolved in water, supplies the body with all the minerals it needs.
To relieve the burning sensation in the abdomen, heat applications (hot water bottle, grain pillows, etc.) or anticonvulsant medication are suitable. The application of anti-diarrheal agents however, should be done with caution and not viewed as a permanent solution. Because otherwise the harmful germs or substances responsible for the disease may remain in our body and not be excreted.

Burning in the stomach after eating

A burning sensation in the stomach after eating can have several causes. In many cases, an inflammation of the gastric mucosa or reflux is hidden behind it.
In the case of gastric mucosal inflammation, the mucous membrane is attacked by the aggressive hydrochloric acid. The cells of our stomach produce this digestive juice especially after meals, so that the unpleasant burning sensation in the stomach can typically be observed after meals.
Another common cause is the so-called "reflux disease", also popularly known as "heartburn". This leads to considerable discomfort due to stomach acid rising into the esophagus. Those affected mainly suffer from a burning sensation in the upper abdomen or behind the breastbone. Just not eating fatty and spicy foods, nicotine, coffee and alcohol can relieve the symptoms in the long term. In pronounced cases, you should consult a doctor, since permanent reflux promotes the development of cancer.
Food intolerances such as lactose intolerance can occasionally make themselves felt as a burning sensation in the stomach after eating. In the vast majority of cases, however, nausea, gas or diarrhea occur at the same time.

Read more on the topic: Burning in the intestines

Burning in the stomach at night

Are you sleepless at night because the burning sensation in your stomach does not allow you to rest? Do your complaints intensify, especially when you are lying down? Then you may suffer from that gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD for short. Different causes lead to the slackening of the upper esophageal sphincter so that stomach acid can flow unhindered into the esophagus.
In contrast to the "robust" gastric mucosa, the inside is ours esophagus not designed for contact with acid. The result is irritation and damage to the organ, so that those affected notice a burning sensation in the middle upper abdomen and behind the breastbone. Especially when lying down, stomach acid can flow upwards unhindered by gravity, so that the symptoms are worst at night.
Obesity, nicotine and alcohol consumption are among the favoring factors for the development of reflux disease, as are stress and coffee consumption.
If left untreated, the risk of chronic inflammation, bleeding or tumors increases, you should consult a doctor if you suspect this disease. Because in the vast majority of cases, reflux can be controlled well with consistent dietary changes and medication.

Burning stomach from stress

Persistent psychological stress can also cause physical symptoms such as a burning sensation in the stomach.

Many people are under stress in everyday life. Whether job, family or partnership - it is not for nothing that there is the saying "... it hit me on the stomach ...". In fact, mental stress often manifests itself in the form of abdominal pain. The symptoms can take all forms and range from stinging, pressing and pulling to burning in the stomach. It is well known that persistent stress promotes the development of gastric mucosa (gastritis), which typically presents itself as a burning sensation in the upper abdomen.
Experts even estimate that mental stress plays an important role in almost every second person with gastrointestinal complaints. The so-called "Irritable bowel syndrome"Or" Colon irritable "is characterized by a lack of physical triggers for persistent complaints in the gastrointestinal area. Those affected suffer from diffuse abdominal pain (burning, feeling of fullness, flatulence, etc.), nausea and persistent stool irregularities such as diarrhea and constipation. Symptoms worsen, especially with stress.
Since irritable bowel syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, any physical causes must be examined beforehand.

Burning sensation in the abdomen during pregnancy

Abdominal pain in pregnancy meet almost every woman in varying degrees of quality. These abnormal sensations, such as Burning or stinging, harmless and pose no danger to the unborn child. They are only an expression of the growing demands on the mother's body and disappear after a while all by themselves. Many expectant mothers also develop a keen instinct and often know quickly “when something is no longer right”.
If the stomach burns for a long time or the symptoms worsen, you should still consult a gynecologist for clarification. Vaginal bleeding, fever and abdominal cramps, as well as severe headaches, visual disturbances or diarrhea can be further warning signs.
Please also read our article on this Stomach pain in pregnancy

Burning sensation in the abdomen after a caesarean section

Burning in the stomach after Caesarean section is normal in many cases and occurs as part of normal wound healing. Even if the incision is relatively small, many layers of tissue have to heal in peace.
Superficial wound pain, in particular, can often manifest itself as an uncomfortable burning sensation. Haematomas (“bruises”) around the surgical scar after a caesarean section are relatively common.
However, if the burning sensation is accompanied by fever or bleeding, the symptoms should definitely be investigated. In rare cases, this may hide infections or bleeding.