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.
Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah
Dr. Suhirdan leads the team at Sydney Gut Clinic, bringing a combination of experience, excellence, and dedication. He is a highly trained Interventional Gastroenterologist,
Dr Andrew Kim
Dr Andrew Kim is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, he undertook his physician and advanced gastroenterology training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and completed a fellowship in (IBD) at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.
Dr Rohan Gett
Having graduated with honours from the University of New South Wales, he also lays claim to an internship and residency at the reputed Concord Hospital. Trained, thereafter, in general surgery at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Dr Gett ...
Dr Fei Wen Chen
Dr Chen is a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist with special interest in managing patients with chronic liver disease of various aetiology, as well as general gastroenterology and endoscopy.
Sviatlana Starr
Sviatlana Starr is an expert in gut-directed hypnotherapy. She has been professionally helping people with different functional gut disorders through gut-directed hypnotherapy sessions since 2015.
Dr Allison Wong
Allison’s special interests include perioperative medicine, simulation and teaching, and regional anaesthesia.
Dr Arjuna ‘Arj’ Nagendra
Dr Nagendra is currently a consultant at Prince of Wales Hospital where he is involved with teaching anaesthetic trainees, particularly in his areas of clinical interest - airway surgery and neurovascular procedures.
Dr Katherine Lee
Dr Katherine Lee clinical interests include anaesthesia for neurosurgery, orthopaedic and trauma, endoscopy, plastic and reconstructive, bariatric and obstetric and gynaecological surgery.
Dr Ngaroma (Roma) Steele
Dr Ngaroma (Roma) Steele interests include Regional Anaesthesia, Vascular Surgery and Trauma.
Antoinette Le Busque
As the Nurse Practitioner Sydney Gut Clinic, Antoinette works collaboratively as part of the interdisciplinary team.
Dr. Mudar Zand Irani
Dr. Mudar Zand Irani is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with special interest and expertise in gastrointestinal motility disorders, advanced endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound.
Dr Nicholas Kortt
Dr Nicholas Kortt is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with extensive experience in general gastroenterology, hepatology, and advanced endoscopy.
Dr Mark Ghali
Dr Mark Ghali is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist providing comprehensive care for all general gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
Dr Beatrice Brennan
Dr Beatrice Brennan is a female gastroenterologist and hepatologist who divides her time between working as a consultant gastroenterologist and in public health.
Jodie Hicks
Jodie is a consultant dietitian with specialised expertise in gut health, gastrointestinal conditions, and bariatric and metabolic surgery.
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.