20 Causes of a Burning Sensation In Your Stomach
And How to Treat It
thianchai sitthikongsak / Getty Images
Medically reviewed by Shadi Hamdeh, MD
Indigestion is a burning sensation in the stomach. It is a term used to describe a group of gastrointestinal symptoms rather than its own disease.
Also known as dyspepsia, indigestion affects 20% of the population. The collective symptoms that people can experience are burning pain in the upper abdomen, feeling full quickly after eating, and feeling uncomfortably full after eating.
This article will focus on the causes, treatments, and prevention of indigestion or stomach burning. It will also highlight the differences between indigestion and other gastrointestinal conditions.
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20 Reasons Your Stomach May Burn
Stomach burning can be caused by food, medical conditions, medications, or for seemingly no reason at all. Not knowing what is causing stomach burn is actually very common. About 80% of people with indigestion never know the cause. This is called functional dyspepsia.
The other 20% who do have a defined cause could find their pain linked to:
Alcohol consumption
Caffeine
Carbonated beverages
Fatty or greasy food
Spicy food
Stress
Smoking
Eating too fast
Highly acidic foods like tomatoes and oranges
Medications that can cause stomach burning:
Some antibiotics
Medical conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract that can cause stomach burning include:
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes acid to come up the esophagus
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, which can cause ulcers and other issues
Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)
Related: What Is Indigestion?
Treating a Burning Sensation in the Stomach
Treating burning stomach pain is aimed at managing any underlying conditions and preventing future pain. The main treatment options are medications, diet changes, and psychological therapy.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antacid medications can treat indigestion. These medications neutralize stomach acids. Common antacids include Tums (calcium carbonate), Maalox (simethicone), and Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate). If indigestion doesn't get better after two weeks of treatment, it's time to contact a healthcare provider for prescription medication.
If an H. pylori infection is causing stomach burning, then a healthcare provider will likely prescribe two antibiotics to treat the infection. They might include:
Amoxicillin
Metronidazole
Clarithromycin
Tetracycline
Tinidazole
Other medications that can treat burning stomach pain caused by indigestion include:
H2 blockers, which decrease the amount of acid the stomach makes
Proton pump inhibitors, which decrease the amount of acid in the stomach and are considered one of the most effective indigestion treatments
Prokinetics, which increases the stomach's emptying time
People with indigestion should avoid foods and drinks that make their symptoms worse. This includes carbonated beverages, alcohol, spicy and fatty foods, and caffeine.
If stress or anxiety is causing indigestion, then relaxation techniques should be implemented as part of a treatment plan. These techniques can include meditation, exercise, and talk therapy.
Home Remedies
Treating indigestion at home with over-the-counter medications, diet, and lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
There are not many proven home remedies to treat indigestion. However, if the burning stomach pain comes on and there is no medication to be found at home, dissolve baking soda in at least 4 ounces of water. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, the same component found in some over-the-counter medications.
Related: Natural Remedies to Soothe Indigestion
Surgery
When indigestion symptoms caused by GERD do not respond to conventional treatment, a healthcare provider may consider surgery. A Nissen fundoplication is described as the most common anti-reflux surgery.
This laparoscopic surgery involves wrapping part of the stomach (fundus) around the bottom of the esophagus. This makes it very difficult for stomach contents to move up the esophagus and cause pain.
Related: Heartburn Treatment: Natural Antacids, Medication, and More
How to Prevent Burning Pain in Your Stomach
One way to prevent burning stomach pain is to make diet changes. Some foods and drinks can trigger indigestion. Take note of any foods that cause indigestion and avoid them. Foods and drinks that can cause indigestion are:
Caffeine
Carbonated beverages
Spicy foods
Fatty and greasy foods
Foods with high acid content
Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes making simple lifestyle changes can help decrease the incidence of indigestion. Here is a list of changes to incorporate:
Wait two to three hours after eating before you lie down
Stop smoking
Minimize stress
Avoid NSAIDs when possible
Don't exercise immediately after eating
Fully chew food
Summary
A stomach-burning sensation, also called indigestion, is a term used to describe a group of gastrointestinal symptoms. There are several potential causes, including stress, food, medication, and medical conditions.
Lifestyle changes and avoiding certain foods and beverages can make a significant difference. There are also over-the-counter indigestion treatments like Tums and Maalox.
If diet changes and lifestyle modifications aren't working, then it's time to talk to a healthcare provider. There are numerous prescription drugs available, and they will be able to help you find the right one for your situation. For moderate to severe indigestion, surgery may be indicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a stomach burning sensation considered serious?
When a burning stomach sensation does not go away after two weeks of over-the-counter treatment, then it's time to talk to a healthcare provider. They will be able to determine if there is an underlying condition causing the pain.
Is stomach burning a symptom of gastritis?
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, and burning pain is one of its symptoms. It can lead to ulcers and bleeding in the stomach.
Do antacids reduce stomach burning?
Antacids reduce the acid level in the stomach and can reduce stomach burning. This is one of many different types of medications available for stomach burning, so if antacids don't work, there are other options that a healthcare provider can recommend.
