Burning Stomach How To Know When To Call The Doctor
Your tummys been giving you trouble and youre wondering if you have any other options than calling your doctor. The answer depends on whats causing your symptoms. It’s important to consult a medical professional for chronic gastrointestinal conditions, but there are also lifestyle changes that can help.
Burning Stomach: 9 Causes And 9 Treatments
The sensation of having a burning stomach is no laughing matter. The pain, discomfort, fatigue and stress that stomach burning causes can make daily life miserable. Unfortunately, burning in the stomach is an all too common problem in todays world because of indigestible food, health problems, infections, over use of antibiotics, chlorinated waters and the like. Stomach is a muscular sack located between the esophagus and the small intestine, where foods are broken down and enters the intestines for further digestion. If food doesn’t get digested first in the stomach, the system will clog up. As a result, indigestion and heartburn occur.
Bloating Or Fullness Distended Stomach Itching Or Burning And Pain Or Discomfort
- Medical Author: Carol DerSarkissian, MD
Reviewed on 6/15/2020
Your symptoms are usually common with conditions that have to do with the stomach or intestines. Some causes are irritation of your bowels and possibly gas pains or indigestion. Try to drink plenty of fluids and pay attention to any foods that may be making the symptoms worse. Call your doctor if you don’t get better after a day or two. In some instances, these symptoms can point to something more serious. If these symptoms concern you, it’s best to give your doctor a call right away.
While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:
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Pharmacy First Scotland: Indigestion Treatment From Your Pharmacy
Most people will not need to seek medical advice for their indigestion. However, your pharmacist may advise you see your GP if you have recurring indigestion and any of the following apply:
- you are 55 years old or over
- you have lost a lot of weight without meaning to
- you have increasing difficulty swallowing
- you have persistent vomiting
- you have a lump in your stomach
- you have blood in your vomit or blood in your stools
This is because these symptoms may be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as a stomach ulcer or stomach cancer. You may need to be referred for an endoscopy to rule out any serious cause.
An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of the body is examined using an endoscope .
Severe indigestion can cause long-term problems with parts of your digestive tract, such as scarring of the oesophagus or the passage from your stomach. Read more about the possible complications of severe indigestion.
What Foods To Avoid To Prevent Burning Sensation In The Stomach
These food items are best avoided when you are experiencing a burning sensation in your stomach or if you are prone to developing acid reflux .
- Foods high in fat, such as French fries, hash browns, onion rings, potato chips, cottage cheese, sour cream, fried cuts of meat, lard, cream-based gravies, etc.
- Alcohol
- Soda and carbonated beverages
The list given above includes common triggers for burning sensation in the stomach that can be easily eliminated from your diet.
The burning sensation in the stomach and chest caused due to acid reflux is very uncomfortable. As we have seen, the reasons for this can be many from eating spicy food to sleeping right away after a meal. Using home remedies instead of over-the-counter medicines that can cause side effects is always a better option. Give the remedies in this article a try, and see which one works the best for you.
Do you know of any other home remedies to cure stomach burning? Share them with us in the comments section.
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Yogurt For Burning Stomach
Why This Works
Yogurt contains probiotics. Probiotics have been found to be effective in the treatment of reflux esophagitis and the burning and pain associated with it .
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
Have the yogurt, preferably chilled.
How Often You Should Do This
Have a cup when you experience a burning sensation in your stomach and chest.
How You Can Avoid A Burning Sensation In Your Stomach
There are numerous reasons why you may suffer from a burning feeling in your stomach. The question is, how do you treat that burning feeling? It all depends on the cause. Most stomach issues, while painful, are non-life-threatening. Treatments can include dieting, exercise, natural remedies, medication, and other lifestyle changes.
On the other hand, a burning sensation in the stomach can be symptomatic of something much more serious. Its important that we understand what our bodies are telling us and to recognize whether the symptoms are severe enough to call a doctor.
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Causes Of Burning Sensation In Stomach
Many conditions can contribute to a burning sensation in the stomach. Medical history and current symptoms are important elements which physicians use to determine what is causing this painful symptom. Here are some of the most common reasons for a burning sensation in the stomach.
Gastritis – When an irritated, damaged, or inflamed area in the lining of the stomach is exposed to gastric juices, gastritis can develop. Pain from gastritis varies in individuals but the most common reported symptoms include the following:
- A burning feeling in the stomach after meals or when lying down.
- Nausea
- Hiccups
- A loss of appetite
H. pylori bacteria cause a form of gastritis that resembles heartburn. Pernicious anemia, smoking, heavy use of alcohol, food intolerance or food allergy, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and other underlying health conditions can also result in gastritis.
To diagnose gastritis, the physician may recommend an additional test called an endoscopy. For an upper endoscopy, the physician inserts a thin, flexible tube that contains a small camera through the patient’s mouth or nose to advance the tube to the patient’s stomach. The endoscopy allows the physician to check the lining of the esophagus and stomach for inflammation and obtain a tissue sample if needed, which would help to determine the underlying cause of burning sensation in stomach.
Known factors that contribute to the development of GERD include the following:
What Causes Stomach Burning
Our stomach contains acids that digest the food and liquids we consume. The entry of food to the stomach is controlled by a valve . This valve does not allow food to re-enter the esophagus or the acids from the stomach to flow into the food pipe. Acid reflux occurs when this sphincter does not close properly, and the stomach acids enter the esophagus, causing a burning sensation along with other symptoms , . It can be caused due to a variety of reasons. Common ones include:
- Difficulty in swallowing ,
Certain medications may soothe the discomfort, but they can have negative side effects. As an alternative to these medications, you can try some natural remedies to find what works best to treat your condition. But if you experience burning in the stomach frequently, we suggest you opt for prescribed medicines only.
The answer to heartburn and acid indigestion lies in being able to restore your natural gastric balance and function. Some remedies you can use to overcome the burning sensation in your stomach are given below.
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Tea For Burning Stomach
Why This Works
Herbal teas can calm the stomach and have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, they may help in soothing the burning sensation in the stomach and esophagus , .
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Have a cup or two in the day to keep acid reflux at bay.
When To See A Doctor About The Burning Sensation In Your Stomach
A burning sensation in your stomach after you eat can also be a sign of a much greater problem. Appendicitis and hernias are often mistaken for digestive problems. But they are severe problems that can be cured with surgery.
You should consult your health practitioner if the burning in your stomach lasts for more than a few days or if you are in a lot of pain. If the pain in your stomach persists or gets worse, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
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Treatments Of Burning Sensation In Stomach
The treatment is based on the patient’s medical history and current symptoms. Blood test, endoscopies, upper gastrointestinal x-rays, and other procedures help rule out serious underlying medical diseases. Swift treatment of the symptoms can help to prevent potential long-term medical complications.
- Medications – Antacids are the first medical line of treatment to control the amount of acid. If antacids are not effective, then the physician will prescribe H2 blockers, like Tagament, Zantac, and Pepcid. These medications work to reduce the production of stomach acid. If gastritis is believed to be a result of H. pylori bacteria, the physician will prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.
- Diet – Avoiding foods that irritate the stomach such as spicy foods, tomato-based foods, citrus foods, chocolate, coffee, mint, garlic and onions may help reduce heartburn symptoms. Snacking on bland foods like crackers, corn, and rice can also help reduce reflux.
- Emotion regulation – Learning to manage stress with techniques like yoga, deep breathing, prayer and meditation can help the person relax his or her body and decrease the build-up of stomach acid.
- Change of lifestyle – Losing weight may reduce burning sensations in the stomach in overweight or obese individuals by reducing the pressure on the esophageal sphincter. Regular exercise, eliminating cigarette smoking and reducing alcohol intake also help to improve digestive health.
Why Does A Burning Sensation In Stomach Occur
Burning sensation in stomach often occurs due to indigestion that may lead to problems such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease .
Burning in stomach happens due to the reverse motion of stomach acid into your food pipeline known as the esophagus.
According to the latest research regarding GERD on the JAMA Network in 2021, it was found that lifestyle changes including these 5 factors can help cure Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease :
- Prudent diet
- Daily 30 minute physical activity
- Limiting the consumption of coffee, soda and tea to 2 cups per day
- Normal weight
The food and fluids produce stomach acid we consume regularly. A valve called lower Esophageal Sphincter directs the food in the stomach.
Acid reflux occurs when this valve is unable to restrict the food from re-entering the esophagus, causing a burning sensation followed by other symptoms. The weakening of this sphincter might be a result of overeating, stress, obesity, pregnancy, etc.
You might also face other associative problems like trouble in swallowing your food, chest pain, chronic cough, digestive issues, belching, vomiting, etc.
Consumption of certain unhealthy dietary supplements can worsen the burning in stomach and leave you with an unpleasant and sick feeling.
If you dont go to a gastroenterologist on time, this unusual stomach burning gradually tends to extend from your stomach to your chest making you feel terrible. Therefore, it is important to soothe these burning sensations before it gets worse.
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Viral Or Bacterial Infection
Everyone has experienced a sore throat, a painful inflammation of the back part of the throat, at some point in their lives, with the most common cause being a virus. In addition to a burning, itchy, or raw throat, especially when swallowing, someone with a viral infection of the throat may also experience a cough, runny nose, hoarseness, and/or diarrhea .
Antibiotics don’t work against viruses, so treating the symptoms with rest, over-the-counter pain meds, saltwater gargles, and throat lozenges or anesthetic throat sprays is the recommended course of action.
Less commonly, the cause of an infection is bacterial, and this is called strep throat. It requires a trip to your doctor for an antibiotic, since if left untreated it can spread and lead to serious complications like rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, and kidney inflammation.
Other signs and symptoms of strep throat often include:
- Fever
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck
- White patches on the tonsils
- Body aches
What Can I Do To Prevent Indigestion
There are many things you can do to try to prevent indigestion.
Making changes in your diet and eating habits can help. These include:
- Eating several small, low-fat meals each day instead of 3 large meals
- Eating slowly and giving yourself enough time for meals
- Limiting spicy, fatty, greasy, or high-fiber foods
- Chewing your food well
- Limiting or not having any coffee, soda, or alcohol
Avoid medicines that hurt your stomach. These include aspirin and over-the-counter pain and fever medicines . If you do take them, do so after you eat.
Other lifestyle changes that may keep indigestion from happening include:
- Quitting smoking
- Finding ways to lower your emotional and physical stress, such as meditation or yoga
- Exercising before a meal or waiting at least 1 hour after eating
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What Are The Symptoms Of Burning Sensation In Stomach
Here is the list of some symptoms that may accompany a burning in stomach:
- Belching
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
If the symptoms are severe, for instance, excessive vomiting or intense abdominal pain, you should visit a doctor immediately. In case the symptoms are mild to moderate, treatment at home can be considered.
Juice/gel For Burning Stomach
Lemon Juice
Why This Works
Lemon juice has been found to have a moderate neutralizing effect on gastric acids. Thus, it may be of some help in reducing the burning sensation caused by acid reflux .
Note
If you are prone to developing heartburn, use this remedy 10-15 minutes before you have your meals as a preventive measure for acid reflux.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- A glass of warm water
What You Have To Do
Add the lemon juice to water and have this on an empty stomach.
How Often You Should Do This
Have this in the morning to get rid of the acid reflux due to that heavy meal you had last night.
Aloe Vera Gel
Why This Works
Aloe vera gel contains anthraquinones that have a laxative effect. They not only increase the water content in your intestine but also stimulate water secretion and enable easier movement of stool . Therefore, they may help in flushing out the acids accumulated in your stomach and causing the burning sensation.
You Will Need
1/2 cup aloe vera juice
What You Have To Do
Have the gel before a meal.
How Often You Should Do This
Consume as and when required to relieve heartburn and other symptoms.
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Food Allergies Or Intolerances
Burning sensation in the stomach and chest can result from a food allergy or intolerance. This burning sensation can also occur after eating. When a person consumes food they cannot tolerate or are allergic to, they may also experience nausea and vomiting. Your doctor will then conduct an allergy test to narrow down which foods are your triggers.
When To Go To The Doctor
Pain in the body means that something is wrong. If you experience pain after eating only every once in a while and it is not debilitating, you may want to mention it to your doctor the next time that you see them.
But if you are experiencing pain after eating on a fairly frequent basis, it is essential that you make an appointment right away with your doctor to ensure that you get an accurate diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan.
If the pain is severe, debilitating, and accompanied by jaundice, fever, rapid heart rate, chills, or severe vomiting, you should seek emergency care.
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Tips To Prevent Pain In Burning Stomach
A burning feeling in the stomach is often paired with pain, which can be quite debilitating. Here are some tips to help you better prevent burning stomach pain.
- Dont suppress belching, as burning stomach may be alleviated through burping.
- Avoid spicy and oily foods.
- Eat more complex carbohydrates like whole grains.
- Dont smoke.
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S To Heal Gerd And Avoid Heartburn
Research has also shown that both sauerkraut and cabbage juice can stimulate your body to produce stomach acid.38 Using fermented juice from raw sauerkraut before your meal helps to naturally balance and nourish your gut with valuable bacteria and improve your digestion.
Reseeding your gut with beneficial bacteria not only helps balance your bowel flora but helps reduce or eliminate helicobacter naturally. Fermented foods and high-quality probiotic supplements help achieve these goals.
It is important to be aware that lectin-rich foods, such as grains and legumes, are potent enzyme inhibitors.39 This may reduce the function of your digestive system and produce or exacerbate heartburn.
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Why Does My Stomach Hurt
Tummy troubles are a common cause for a visit to the doctors office. Whenpatients complain of stomach pain, they are sometimes describing painthat is throughout the abdomen area and may not actually be directlyrelated to the organ known as the stomach.
Doctors first try to determine if a patients abdominal pain is caused by astructural or functional problem.
Sometimes the digestive tract does not function properly due to anabnormality with the structure of an organ. Medical imaging will show thatthe organ does not look normal and is not working properly.
Functional problems, also called motility disorders, are conditions thatresult from poor nerve and muscle function in the digestive tract. Organsthat are part of the gastrointestinal tract will usually look normal onmedical images, such asCT scansorMRI scans, but the organs do not work like they should.
The gastrointestinal system has its own nervous system to control themuscle contractions that digest the food you eat, saysDr. Linda Lee. Functional disorders can be difficult to diagnose, because we cannoteasily see problems with the nerves or muscles in the gastrointestinaltract.
Some of the conditions that could cause abdominal pain are: