Common causes of burning pain in the abdomen
Find out why you may be experiencing burning pain in the abdomen and how you can find relief.
Common causes of burning pain in the abdomen
Find out why you may be experiencing burning pain in the abdomen and how you can find relief.
Experiencing a burning pain in the abdomen is not an uncommon problem.
Many people report a very specific burning sensation that is occasionally described as a gnawing ache in the stomach.
Usually, this pain is caused by a related health problem, especially if your pain is accompanied by other symptoms.
Many different conditions have the potential to cause this sensation, but you may find relief from this pain with the help of a medical professional.
Experiencing a burning pain in the abdomen is not an uncommon problem.
Many people report a very specific burning sensation that is occasionally described as a gnawing ache in the stomach.
Usually, this pain is caused by a related health problem, especially if your pain is accompanied by other symptoms.
Many different conditions have the potential to cause this sensation, but you may find relief from this pain with the help of a medical professional.
Causes of burning pain in the abdomen
Acid reflux or GORD
Acid reflux or GORD is when stomach acid flows back up into your oesophagus. This condition may cause a burning sensation in your chest or stomach and is often accompanied by chest pain and difficulty swallowing. Certain food items or drinks might worsen symptoms of GORD.
Gastritis
Gastritis is a condition that leads to inflammation in the lining of your stomach. Along with burning pain, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness after eating.
H. pylori infection
Helicobacter pylori infections happen when bacteria infect your stomach. You may experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, bloating, weight loss, and frequent burping on top of the burning pain in your abdomen.
Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach as well as on the upper portion of your small intestine, which causes pain in the abdomen. You may also experience a feeling of fullness, bloating, burping, heartburn, nausea, and intolerance to certain foods.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS is an intestinal disorder that can cause abdominal discomfort, including a burning pain in the abdomen. It’s often accompanied by gas, diarrhoea, constipation, mucus in stool, cramping or bloating, and nausea.
Indigestion
Also known as dyspepsia, indigestion is when you experience discomfort in your upper abdomen. This condition can also be a symptom of another digestive problem. It often causes bloating, nausea, fullness after eating, feeling full without eating much, heartburn, and burping.
Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer can also cause a burning sensation in your stomach. Other stomach cancer symptoms include fatigue, feeling full after eating a meal, severe heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
Hernia
A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through the tissue or muscle that surrounds it, with a burning sensation occurring where the bulge is present. Other symptoms may include pain when lifting things, a feeling of fullness, and reactions to food.
Food intolerances
Reactions or intolerances to food might lead to burning pain in the abdomen. For instance, if you are lactose intolerant or if you have coeliac disease and you consume dairy or gluten, you may experience stomach pain.
Lifestyle factors of pain in the abdomen
Smoking
Cigarette smoking affects your entire body, with people who smoke more likely to develop digestive problems and stomach burning with conditions like GORD, peptic ulcers, and Crohn’s disease.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol can irritate your digestive tract and cause a burning sensation in your abdomen. Drinking too much alcohol may even lead to peptic ulcers, gastritis, and other related problems.
Medications
Certain medicines can also lead to gastrointestinal issues which may lead to pain in the abdomen. For instance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to lead to such issues.
When to see a doctor
You should seek medical attention if your discomfort has lasted for more than a few days. This can help diagnose the issue and to receive appropriate treatment.
Upon your visit to the hospital, your doctor may ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam or an X-ray.
In certain cases, an endoscopy may be performed. This is a procedure that will allow your doctor to look inside your stomach with a tube and a small camera.
FAQ
What are some typical reasons for burning abdominal pain?
Gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are a few possible reasons of burning sensation in the abdomen.
What is gastritis and how does it result in abdominal pain that burns?
Gastritis is the lining of the stomach that has become inflamed. Due to increased stomach acid production, which irritates the delicate stomach lining, it may result in a burning feeling in the stomach.
Can abdominal burning be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
It is true that some people with IBS may experience abdominal searing pain. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by bloating, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain.
How does acid reflux vary from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Acid reflux is a chronic disease known as GERD that frequently develops and results in bothersome symptoms or problems. Compared to infrequent acid reflux, it can cause more intense and persistent abdominal and chest burning.
Speak with a gastrointestinal specialist
At Sydney Gut Clinic, our team specialises in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions.
Schedule a consultation with a specialist today and find relief from abdominal pain.
Sydney Gut Clinic services are only available to patients in Australia.